Is There Truth Anymore?

Lessons on the Reliability of Scripture

Much of the media is trying to influence how we think. How do we even know what is true anymore?

In a world of deception, lies and fake news, can we believe anything anymore? No matter what anyone says these days, it’s tough to know what is true and what is false. Is there anyone or anything trustworthy?

“What is Truth?”
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, handed Jesus over to be crucified even though he believed he was innocent. During the proceedings, Pilate asked one of history’s most important questions: ‘what is truth?’. The answer to this question affects everything: how we think, what we believe, how we behave, the things we say, how we see the world… our view of God… everything!

“Your Word is Truth”
Prior to His questioning in front of Pilate, Jesus had spent time with His Father in prayer in John 17. In what is known as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer”, He told us exactly what truth is. The Bible says that Jesus lifted His eyes toward heaven and prayed to His Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth”.

Truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory and being of God. Even more to the point: truth is the self-expression of God.
John F. MacArthur, The Truth War (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2007), 2

We find this expression of God in His Word, the Holy Bible.

It is called ‘the Word’ because it is the very words of God, being communicated to us from God Himself. He spoke to forty different men who, using their own personalities and writing styles, recorded what God wanted to say to His creation.

Real truth can be known. It is objective and it is available to us. He has revealed to us in His Word what He wants us to know. He has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness in His Word (2 Peter 1:3). The sad truth about our fallen human condition is revealed in His Word. The stark truth about our fractured relationship with our Creator is revealed in God’s Word. The reality of the punishment of sin is addressed in the Word. The blessed truth about forgiveness and restoration is revealed in His Word. The amazing truth about the future and our eternal state is revealed to us in His Word.

God has spoken to us in no uncertain terms. We don’t have to wonder if truth still exists. Truth has never disappeared or died. It has been suppressed by the enemies of God though. People hate truth because people hate God (Romans 8:7) and so they spare no energy in suppressing the truth (Romans 1:18).

Real truth is the unchanged and unchanging expression of who God is; it is not our own personal and arbitrary interpretation of reality.
John F. MacArthur, The Truth War (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2007), x

What is true does not depend on our perception of it, our understanding of it or whether or not we agree with it. We will be held accountable for knowing God’s revealed truth, because He has made it evident to us. There are no excuses (Romans 1:19-20).

So how can we know the truth? God has shown us the way:

The Helper: The Spirit of Truth
As Jesus faced His impending crucifixion, He was briefing the disciples on what was to come. Among other things, Jesus warned them that they would be hated by the world (John 15:18-25). He told them He was leaving soon and going to the Father (John 16:28). He implored them to have courage because He had overcome the world (John 16:33).

But they were not going to be left alone out on a limb. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to be their ‘Helper’ (John 16:7). What is a ‘helper’? The New Testament’s definition is that which comes alongside as an assistant. The Holy Spirit was promised to God’s people as he who would give them strength to persevere through trials and persecution. He would be their divine encouragement. The Spirit would be their guide and enlightenment in all the ways of truth, leading to a deeper understanding and application of the good news of the gospel. He is, after all, called the Spirit of Truth (John 15:26).

What are Truths about the Bible Itself?
The Holy Spirit is the perfect one to teach us about truth since He was the one that ‘moved’ the men to write what God had breathed out.

First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (1 Peter 1:20-21).

This is saying that the Bible we have in front of us is not just words written down by some special men. It is indeed the very words of God, a book of 66 books, assembled perfectly; a process superintended by the Holy Spirit.

If the Holy Spirit will teach us truth, we must first learn what the Bible claims about itself.
Among other things, God’s Word is:
1). Perfect (Psalm 19:7). It is whole and complete, without any flaws.
2). Eternal (Psalm 119:89). His Word is forever settled in Heaven. It is reliable. It has stood the test of time. As such, we can be confident in what it says.
3). Exalted (Psalm 138:2). God thinks highly of His Word! He’s placed it in a prominent position: higher than even His Name!
4). Able to build you up (Acts 20:32). This is called ‘edification’; that is, making strong and reinforcing a structure that is being laid on a foundation.

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