WHAT TRUTH IS

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/27/23

Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus told a Roman governor named Pontius Pilate, “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me,” to which Pilate retorted, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38).

Like Pilate, our culture also questions—and outright rejects—the notion of verifiable Truth. This postmodern thinking asserts that any claim to know the Truth is just a product of our social, historical, or political context. Postmodernists contend, “You have your truth, and I have my truth. Who are you to say what is right or wrong for me?” Dismissing the existence of absolute Truth, they do what is right in their own eyes—regardless of whether their “truth” is consistent with reality.

God’s Word says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV). There are consequences to living by only what we feel is right. When we refuse to submit to God’s design, we abandon a life of beauty for a life of self-inflicted bondage and desolation. Our attempts to be God and define good and evil for ourselves always end in fig leaves and regret (see Genesis 3:1-13).

But it’s not too late to seek Truth and live by it. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). God is the source of reality and thus the source of all Truth, so when we seek Him, we seek Truth. And in His kindness, He has revealed Himself to us through His Son and His Word.

So, when we look to Jesus, who said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” and believe His testimony with its unparalleled, ancient, historical evidence, we find Truth (John 14:6). That is why we must commit ourselves to passionately seeking His face. God has given us all we need to know the Truth—His Son, His Spirit, His Word—so that we can live godly lives in the midst of this post-Truth world.

In a world that echoes the disdain of Pilate when he jeered, “What is truth?” we must stand firm on God’s Word. Seek Truth—follow Christ—”and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the Truth of Your Word. Thank You for freeing me from the bondage of sin and from the snares of worldly thinking through Your Son. Help me share Your Truth with others, that they might know the love and freedom found only in You, our loving Creator. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.