John 8: 31-32 (NRSV)
Can we handle the truth?
Especially when that truth is measured against the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ. To walk in biblical truth while living in a postmodern world will be a major challenge for believers as we attempt to navigate 21st century living.
But can we handle it? Behind the news bytes and sound bits, there is a deliberate movement underway to redefine what truth is and what it isn’t. This is nothing new. This inclination to “repackage” the truth comes directly from the father of lies, Satan himself (John 8:44). We must be careful how we define truth, or we too may fall prey to the subtlety of deception. “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1)
What is truth?
Truth is defined as that which agrees with reality. It is typically ascribed to things that aim to represent reality or otherwise correspond to it, such as beliefs, propositions, and declarative sentences.
True statements are usually held to be the opposite of false statements. The concept of truth is discussed and debated in various contexts, including philosophy, art, theology, law, and science. Most human activities depend upon the concept, where its nature as a concept is assumed rather than being a subject of discussion, including journalism and everyday life. In metaphysics and philosophy of language, the correspondence theory of truth states that the truth or falsity of a statement is determined only by how it relates to the world and whether it accurately describes (i.e., corresponds with) that world.[1]
Truth redefined
In the 21st century there is little understanding or agreement as to what truth really is. As defined in the postmodern world, absolute truth does not exist. Supporters of this worldview deny long-held beliefs and conventions. They maintain that all viewpoints are equally valid. Other factors also have affected our view of truth.
Political posturing and social jockeying have taken the pursuit of truth to new levels. Individuals and organizations utilize misinformation (the unintended sharing of false information) and disinformation (the deliberate creation and sharing of information known to be false) to influence advocacy and individual agendas. Even institutions once deemed guardians of truth—media, government, business, and non-governmental organizations—are now viewed suspiciously.[2]
In decades past, we depended on the media to communicate the “truth” regarding specific issues of the day. Newspapers, magazine publications and newscasters were committed to operating at the highest ethical standards. Truth is now shaped by social media and image consultants—by the number of “likes”, “retweets” and “followers” one can amass.
We once trusted our leaders, civic or religious, to offer truth. But over time confidence has eroded. Truth is shaped or “redesigned” along political lines, personal agendas, and social bias. This leaves us still “in search for truth”.
The Believer’s Truth
For we believers, our truth and reality are grounded in God. That reality began in the Garden of Eden. Created in God’s image, our purpose and destiny are tied to our identity in Him through Christ (Colossians 3:3). This reality was sidetracked by sin and replaced with Satan’s counterfeit that placed self on the throne where only Christ was to be seated and exalted.
Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross, we affirm our faith and acknowledge that we have died to our old sin nature (Galatians 5:24) and walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). We no longer follow the worldview. Its influence was negated by the Blood. Our meaning and reality are now realigned with God (2 Corinthians 5:15). “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
More than ever before, believers must connect with the only True Source of Truth, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 14:6). God’s Word and the Spirit of Truth stand ready to silence the lies, myths and fables we might hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). God is the only source of truth for 21st century living. Can we handle that truth?
[1] Wikipedia
[2] The 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report