The concept of subjective truth is the idea that truth is based on an individual’s perspective, feelings, or opinions. In other words, a subjective truth is a truth that is true for one person but may not be true for others. This differs from objective truth, which is factual information that is true regardless of personal opinion or interpretation.
The Bible does not explicitly use the term “subjective truth,” but it does address the concept in various ways. Here are some key biblical principles related to subjective truth:
Truth Originates from God
The Bible teaches that absolute truth exists and originates from God. God is the source of all truth (John 14:6). His character defines what is true, right, and good. While human viewpoints may vary, God’s truth does not change (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8).
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Malachi 3:6 – “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Human Understanding is Limited
While God fully knows absolute truth, human understanding is limited and flawed. We lack complete knowledge and perception (1 Corinthians 13:12). Our minds and hearts have been corrupted by sin (Jeremiah 17:9). Therefore, our subjective perspectives do not align perfectly with objective facts.
1 Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Truth is Revealed Through God’s Word and Spirit
Since human understanding of truth is imperfect, God has revealed truth to us through His Word and Spirit. Scripture communicates absolute truths about God, humanity, and reality (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Holy Spirit guides believers into greater understanding and discernment of truth (John 16:13). Scripture and the Spirit work together to transform our flawed perspectives.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
John 16:13 – When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
Truth Unites, Error Divides
When Christians humble themselves under God’s truth, it brings unity and harmony. Subjective perspectives that go against biblical truth lead to division and disputes (1 Corinthians 1:10, 3:3-4). God calls believers to be united in His truths rather than divided over opinions and personal preferences.
1 Corinthians 1:10 – I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 3:3-4 – For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?
Test Subjective Ideas Against Scripture
Since human viewpoints are flawed, we must constantly examine our subjective perspectives in light of God’s Word (2 Corinthians 10:5). Any notions that contradict or undermine biblical truth must be rejected. Scripture is the standard by which all ideas and philosophies should be evaluated.
2 Corinthians 10:5 – We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Seek God’s Truth With Humility
Rather than asserting our own subjective truths, we are called to pursue God’s truth humbly and diligently. We should maintain an openness to changing our perspectives when they conflict with Scripture (James 1:19-21). Pride and arrogance often distort our ability to discern truth rightly.
James 1:19-21 – Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
God’s Truth Frees Us from Deception
Seeking out and aligning ourselves with God’s truth protects us from worldly deceptions and false teachings (John 8:31-32). It anchors our shifting emotions and guards us from lies that can enslave our thinking. Grounding ourselves in biblical truth brings freedom.
John 8:31-32 – So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Absolute Truths Exist Within Some Subjective Realms
While subjective perspectives do not change absolute truths, there are some subjective realms in which biblical absolutes still apply. For example, morality is filtered through personal lenses, yet God’s standards of right and wrong remain fixed. Creative expression involves subjective elements, yet still operates under God’s principles of goodness, truth and beauty.
So there is room for subjective colorings within arenas still bounded by biblical absolutes. But our interpretations should not contradict or relativize God’s eternal truths.
Pursuing God’s Truth is a Process
Growing in discernment and understanding God’s truth is a lifelong process. We will never comprehend absolute truth perfectly in this life (1 Corinthians 13:12). But Scripture urges us to continuously pursue clarity, wisdom, and alignment with God’s perspective.
Proverbs 4:18 – But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Philippians 3:12-14 – Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
As born-again believers, the Holy Spirit enlightens us to God’s truth. We must respond humbly and obediently to His guidance. Our perspectives and conduct should increasingly align with His standards of truth.
Subjective Truths Often Contain Elements of Truth
Because we are made in God’s image, our subjective perspectives are not entirely false. They contain mixtures of truth and falsehood. Discerning these nuances rightly is key. We must identify which aspects of our subjective truths align with or undermine biblical principles.
When sharing our opinions, we should hold them loosely and with humility. We can acknowledge truth within contrasting views, while still anchoring our beliefs in Scripture.
Handle Differences Graciously and Respectfully
Christians should discuss differing opinions graciously and thoughtfully (Colossians 4:6). It is easy to dismiss, ridicule or attack perspectives we don’t share. But Scripture instructs us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
We can thoughtfully articulate our convictions while respecting the sincerely held beliefs of others. Our aim is to represent Christ in how we handle disagreement.
Colossians 4:6 – Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Ephesians 4:15 – Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
Align with the Mind of Christ
As we grow in biblical truth, we gain “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Our thinking becomes more aligned with His wise, holy, loving perspective. We begin seeing life, ourselves and others as He does. This mental renewal anchors us in God’s truth versus shifting subjective opinions (Romans 12:2).
1 Corinthians 2:16 – “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Focus on Christ-like Character
Rather than obsessing over inflexible opinions, the Bible places greater emphasis on developing Christ-like character qualities: humility, compassion, integrity, patience, kindness, and love. Truth is intended to produce growth in godly virtues (Colossians 3:12-14).
Colossians 3:12-14 – Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Our Understanding Will Be Perfected in Eternity
While we grapple with partial truths in this life, one day we will know truth perfectly in the full presence of God (1 Corinthians 13:12). Until then, we pursue greater understanding through God’s Word, Spirit and people. We anchor ourselves in what we know for certain from Scripture, holding other opinions loosely.
1 Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
In summary, the Bible acknowledges subjective elements of truth filtered through human limitation. But it anchors truth firmly in the character and revelation of an unchanging God. As Christians, our calling is to align our hearts, minds and lives with His eternal truths. We embrace humility, recognize the limits of human perception, and pursue clarity together through God’s Word and Spirit.
