Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth.
All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked. John 18:37-38a
The question Pilate asked almost 2000 years ago is still being wrestled with today. Everyone seems to be seeking truth as if it can’t be found, as if it exists in some undiscovered cavern of mystery. Truth today ebbs and flows on the waves of science, popular opinion, and emotion. According to the American Worldview Inventory of 2020, almost six out of every ten adults (58%) agree that “identifying moral truth is up to each individual; there are no moral absolutes that apply to everyone all the time.”(1) The desire to be self-reliant has caused many to embrace the notion of my truth rather than God’s truth. Unfortunately, this often leads to a “whatever feels good” mentality which can have devastating effects on our society. The line between right and wrong has become blurred. We see it in schools every day.
Aren’t you glad as believers we don’t have to wonder what the truth is? We don’t have to be caught in the ever-changing whims of culture. God is the Truth. What He is, what He says, and what He does define truth. God is the measure of all things!
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” John 17:17
“O Lord, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair. Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy.” Psalm 119: 137-138
“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20
These verses (and many more) should give us such a sense of comfort and confidence. In fact, the word truth appears more than 200 times in the Bible. The Bible holds the truth for all kinds of circumstances, and we can trust God’s Word for answers to all kinds of questions. We are actually relieved of the burden of determining truth. God doesn’t want us to struggle with issues of right and wrong, good and bad, truth and fiction, or wisdom and folly. He doesn’t want us to question our identity or wonder if He cares. He simply wants us to hold onto Him, to truth.
Holding onto truth, God’s absolute truth, is our ticket to living empowered and victorious lives. It is how life was meant to be lived (John 10:10).
What truths do you need to hold onto today?
· Do you need to be reminded God loves you? Hold onto this truth.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
· Do you need to be reminded God is faithful? Hold onto this truth.
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2 Timothy 2:13
· Do you need to be reminded Jesus made a way for you? Hold onto this truth.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
· Do you need to be reminded you are forgiven? Hold onto this truth.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
· Do you need to be reminded of your transformation? Hold onto this truth.
He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5
· Do you need to be reminded of your joy? Hold onto this truth.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
· Do you need to be reminded of your heritage? Hold onto this truth.
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
· Do you need to be reminded of your future? Hold onto this truth.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24
I know this is a long list, but trust me, there could be so much more! Why is it so important to hold onto these truths? Because only then are we truly free!
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
Know, however, that we shouldn’t hold onto these truths simply to feel safe and secure. These truths exist to make God known, loved, and shown. We can’t be selfish with such amazing truth! God has blessed each of us with the opportunity to demonstrate His truth through what we say and what we do. Think about it! What would happen if millions of Christians planted seeds of truth in conversations in PTA meetings, classrooms, board rooms, public forums, podcasts, and blogs? I have no doubt there would be a leavening effect. God would use our obedience to shape ideas, impact behavior, and lead people toward the light of Jesus.
Our world feels a bit chaotic these days as absolute truth is called into question. The next time you start to feel discouraged, catch yourself! Turn your thoughts to God and His truth. Find verses that remind you who He is and who you are in Christ! When you do, you will remember that you are called, loved, and kept by Jesus Christ (Jude 1:1). God’s strength is yours (Isaiah 41:10, Ephesians 6:10)!
What is truth? Truth is a person. Hold onto truth!
Reference