“Your Truth” “My Truth” is a Lie: The Bible’s Smackdown on Relativism

In a world that increasingly embraces the idea that “truth is relative” and “everyone has their own truth,” the Bible stands as a beacon of absolute, unchanging truth. This unwavering stance challenges the prevailing cultural narratives that often prioritize personal experience and subjective feelings over objective reality. It compels us to critically examine the very foundations of our beliefs and asks whether truth can be determined solely by our own perceptions or if there exists a higher standard, a universal truth that transcends our individual biases and limitations.

Biblical Principles:

The Bible consistently and unequivocally asserts that truth is not subjective or arbitrary, but rather grounded in the very nature of God. To suggest that each person has an independent, valid “truth” would imply then that there is no standard, no absolute right or wrong – in effect NO SIN. This is one of the greatest and most destructive lies that exist in our culture. Throughout Scripture, God reveals himself as a being of perfect character, whose word is true and unfailing. In Psalm 119:142, the psalmist declares, “Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is truth.” This verse underscores the inseparable connection between God’s character and truth. God is not merely a truth-teller; he is truth itself. His existence and his attributes provide the ultimate foundation for all truth.

This concept is further elaborated in Isaiah 46:9-10, where God proclaims, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all my pleasure.'” God’s sovereignty and omniscience guarantee the certainty and immutability of truth. He is not bound by time or circumstance, and his decrees are eternally true.

The Bible also portrays truth as an essential aspect of God’s relationship with humanity. In John 17:17, Jesus prays to the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” Here, Jesus connects truth with sanctification, the process of being made holy. To be holy is to be conformed to God’s character, and since God is truth, embracing truth is essential for spiritual growth. Additionally, the Bible emphasizes the importance of truth in human communication and interaction. Proverbs 12:22 states, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are his delight.” This verse highlights God’s abhorrence of deception and his pleasure in those who speak truthfully.

 God is the source of all truth:

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17) This verse carries profound significance. It establishes God as the ultimate source of truth, the one from whom all truth flows. Unlike human knowledge, which is ever-evolving and subject to revision, God’s truth is absolute and unchanging. It transcends the limitations of time, culture, and perspective.

The concept of God as the source of truth has significant implications for our understanding of reality. It means that truth is not something we create or discover on our own, but rather something we receive from God. This truth is revealed to us in various ways, primarily through Scripture, which is God’s inspired word. The Bible serves as the authoritative record of God’s dealings with humanity, providing us with a foundation for understanding the world, ourselves, and our place within it.

Furthermore, God himself embodies truth. He is perfectly true in all his ways, his character untainted by falsehood or deception. As the psalmist declares in Psalm 86:15, “But you, Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” God’s nature is the very essence of truth, a perfect standard against which all other forms of truth can be measured.
 Jesus Christ is the embodiment of truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Jesus’ declaration leaves no room for ambiguity. He identifies himself as the very embodiment of truth, the perfect revelation of God’s character and will.
 God’s word is the ultimate authority: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) This verse affirms the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture. It is not merely a collection of human writings, but the very word of God, trustworthy and reliable in all matters of faith and practice.

Implications:

The implications of embracing relative truth are far-reaching and profound. When truth becomes subjective, morality inevitably follows suit. Moral relativism, the belief that right and wrong are merely matters of opinion, erodes the foundations of society and leaves us adrift in a sea of conflicting values.

The Bible, however, provides a clear and objective moral compass based on God’s unchanging character. It offers guidance for all aspects of life, from personal relationships to societal structures. By adhering to biblical principles, we can navigate the complexities of life with confidence and conviction.

Challenges and Encouragement:

In a culture that celebrates diversity and individual expression, the concept of absolute truth may seem outdated or even oppressive. However, it is precisely in a world of shifting sands that we need a firm foundation on which to build our lives.

Let us not be swayed by the prevailing winds of relativism, but rather stand firm on the solid rock of God’s Word. Let us boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel, even when it is unpopular or inconvenient. And let us live lives that reflect the unchanging character of our Creator, marked by integrity, compassion, and justice.

The pursuit of truth is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a transformative journey that leads us closer to God and deeper into his purposes for our lives. May we embrace the truth with open hearts and minds, confident that it will set us free to live fully and abundantly.

Conclusion:

In a world that increasingly embraces the illusion of relative truth, let us stand firm in our conviction that absolute truth exists and is found in the person of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to:

• Know the Truth: Immerse ourselves in the study of God’s Word, allowing it to shape our worldview and understanding of reality.
• Live the Truth: Embody the truth we have received, living lives characterized by integrity, honesty, and love.
• Share the Truth: Boldly proclaim the Gospel, inviting others to experience the freedom and transformation that comes from knowing the one true God.
• Defend the Truth: Engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue with those who hold opposing views, always seeking to point them towards the ultimate source of truth.
• Let us not be swayed by the ever-changing tides of cultural opinion, but rather anchor ourselves to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. May our lives be a testament to the power of truth to transform hearts, minds, and communities.

#absolutetruth #biblicaltruth #Godsword