What is truth? – Part 3

Most of us, down in our very core, acknowledge that there must be an absolute truth. After all, if absolute truth did not exist, we would be hostages to relativism, relating all matters of objectivity with subjective assertions. That would be foolishness.(2) We cannot simply allow social groups to decree or “vote” as to what truth is. Furthermore, our own internal definition of truth is influenced by our culture and experiences.

So, let me get this straight: For the truth, we can’t depend on our surroundings, and left to defend our own standard, we are helplessly influenced by our, well, surroundings. It is a troubling, self-perpetuating cycle. It comes to reason that we must depend on a source outside the influence of man. You see, absolute truth can only come from an ultimate source, the spring of all truth, the very standard and source by which all things are measured, namely our Creator. (Furthermore, our knowledge in an absolute truth, faith and moral law are due to the fact that we are designed in God’s image (see Romans 1:20). But, that is the subject of another day.)

Pilate asked rhetorically, “What is truth?”

Jesus had already answered Pilate’s question some days prior, stating,

I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NIV)

Statements like these fly in the face of relativism. It cuts to the quick, remedying any, to use Eagleton’s words, rejection of totality or harbor of pluralism.(1) Our very Source of Truth has spoken clearly. There can be no other interpretation. The truth that Jesus spoke of was of himself, the great “I Am.” (see Exodus 3:14).

So, what do we do with that? Read the following passage slowly. Allow it to soak in.

From the Gospel of John,

In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-14, NASB)

We are left with the incredible conclusion that Jesus’ very presence was the truth he was speaking of – His own word in the flesh. This is the heart of the Easter story. There is one way that leads to the Father. There is one divine and absolute truth fulfilled only through Jesus Christ. There is a life that can be lived in complete forgiveness, freedom and faith.

I don’t own the truth. I only share the Truth that owns us all.

– D

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