In modern western culture, discernment of truth can be difficult. In ages past, information was carefully and stingily guarded by an elite class who only doled out what they so desired to the masses. In the modern era, we now have access to vast amounts of information from the 24-hour news cycle, various social media platforms, and the internet. Yet, obtaining the truth can be equally difficult. A biased, elite minority still controls the flow of information in the mainstream media. These same elites impose algorithms onto social platforms to control information flow. The abundant information on the web contains fact, fiction, fiction convincingly masquerading as fact, and opinion cleverly disguised as fact. Deciphering all of that information in order to discern what is actually true is a monumental task. Thankfully, there is one dependable place where we can go to find truth.
Each had their own version of the truth, or a subjective truth regarding Jesus coupled with outright lies. Ultimately, Pilate was forced to deal with this complex political situation. While speaking with Jesus, Pilate poignantly asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Sadly, while his question was likely sincere, he did not wait for an answer. It is my opinion that this was indeed a genuine question posed in perplexed frustration, perhaps tinged with disappointment in having to decide the outcome of Jesus, a man with which Pilate found no fault (Luke 23:13-16). This question was and still is an important one… What is truth?
Volumes have been written in attempts to philosophically define truth. A classical idea of truth is known as the correspondence theory of truth which is the notion that “truth obtains when reality is the way a proposition represents it to be.”[2] Various theories of truth have been proposed, each with their own criteria, conditions and problematic issues.
The truth Jesus identified is absolute or objective truth. It does not vary from person to person nor across time. Truth simply is and may only be discovered, not created. This is truth as taught by God’s Word. Jesus is both human and divine, two unified, undivided natures in one being.[3] The divine nature of Christ simply is and was not created. We are to seek him and discover who he is. When we do that, we discern truth. Absolute truth is the foundational principle upon which biblical precepts are built. By studying the Word God has given us in his Holy Bible, we can understand these principles, precepts and the practical application of them. This provides man with the moral structures to build a Christ-like life – one of freedom and reconciliation with our Creator. We must recognize and seek absolute truth or else we live a deceived life. We must not be duped by contradictory cultural influences that would contort our thinking and compromise the truth of God’s Word which has so graciously been revealed to us for our benefit. The modern world would have us believe that truth is relative, ethics are situational, and God is a myth. This simply is not so. We must be in and remain in the Word of God, adhere to absolute truth, and guard our hearts and minds from the deception and lies modern culture aggressively promotes.
[1] Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New American Standard Bible.
[2] J. P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2017), 118.
[3] Ecumenical Councils on Christology: “Fully God/Fully Man,” Nicea (325 AD), “Two Natures,” Constantinople (381 AD), “Two Unified Natures,” Ephesus (431 AD) & “Two Undivided Natures,” Chalcedon (451 AD). Visit https://www.gotquestions.org/ecumenical-councils.html for more information.