The Bible has a lot to say about truth. At its core, truth refers to that which aligns with reality, is genuine, actual, and factual. It is the opposite of falsehood and error. In the Bible, truth is often used to describe the nature and words of God, who is the ultimate source of truth. Here’s an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on truth:
God’s Nature is Truth
God is repeatedly described as being true, faithful, and reliable. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The entirety of God’s nature is true, with no falsehood or deception. As Hebrews 6:18 states, “it is impossible for God to lie.” We can fully rely on God’s words and promises because He is the essence of truth.
God’s Word is Truth
The Bible is called the “word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) because it comes from the God of truth. God’s word is true and without error. Jesus declared that “your word is truth” in John 17:17. The psalmist wrote that “the sum of your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160). All Scripture, being inspired by God, communicates absolute truth we can depend on fully.
Jesus is the Truth
Jesus said “I am the truth” (John 14:6). As the living Word of God (John 1:1), Jesus embodied divine truth in human form. He perfectly demonstrated the truth about who God is. He taught the truth about God’s kingdom. He lived out the truth of God’s righteousness. He was the visible representation of truth.
The Truth Sets You Free
Knowing God’s truth liberates us from falsehoods, deception, and lies. Jesus said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). God’s truth exposes the emptiness of counterfeit philosophies and beliefs. It frees our minds from destructive untruths. It liberates our hearts to fully embrace the light of the Gospel.
Speak Truth to Others
Followers of Christ are called to speak the truth in love to others (Ephesians 4:15). We should let our words be guided by God’s truth, not falsehoods. As Paul wrote: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). Our evangelism, discipleship and everyday conversations should reflect the solid truth of God’s word.
Walk in God’s Truth
In addition to speaking truth, God’s people are exhorted to continually live out and walk in the truth. John wrote that he had “no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4). This means applying God’s word to how we think, speak, work, relate and make daily decisions. Every area of life is to be conformed to his truths.
Obeying God’s Truth
It’s not enough to simply know biblical truth intellectually. We must respond with obedience. Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). James exhorted: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Putting God’s truth into practice brings blessing.
Truth and Grace
In showing others their need for God’s truth, we must speak with grace, compassion and humility. Paul wrote that “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone” as he teaches the truth (2 Timothy 2:24). Truth in the Bible is always paired with grace. The two must go hand in hand in how we communicate truth.
God Desires Truth Within
Outward obedience isn’t enough on its own. God also cares greatly about the sincerity and truthfulness of our inward being. The psalmist wrote: “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being…” (Psalm 51:6). God wants truth to dwell in our hearts, not just our outward actions. Internal integrity and purity of heart matter greatly.
Reject Falsehood and Lies
As followers of the truth, Christians are called to firmly reject all falsehoods, deceit and dishonesty. The apostle Paul exhorted believers to “put away falsehood, speak truth” (Ephesians 4:25). We must be vigilant to keep our hearts and minds safeguarded against subtle deceptions and seductive untruths promoted in the world.
Testing Teachings for Truth
Not all teachings claiming to be “Christian” align with biblical truth. We are instructed to test the spirits to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1). Paul commended the Bereans for examining the Scriptures to confirm the truth of his teachings (Acts 17:11). We must exercise discernment to filter messages through the sieve of God’s word.
Truth and the Holy Spirit
Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit “will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). The Spirit opens our understanding to comprehend God’s truth and how to apply it. He convicts us when we are believing or operating contrary to God’s truths. Walking in the Spirit and His truth go hand in hand.
Truth Versus Worldly Standards
God’s truth stands opposed to many of the false value systems and immoral principles embraced by worldly culture. His word presents a wholly different measure of truth versus prevailing cultural mindsets. As Christians, our thinking and values must be wholly renewed by Scripture rather than being squeezed into the world’s mold.
Standing Firm on Truth
Scripture often speaks of standing firm on the foundation of God’s truth. Paul described fellow believers as “established in the truth” (2 Peter 1:12). When everything is shaking and uncertain, we have the unchanging truth of God’s word to stand upon. Holding to timeless biblical truth provides stability amidst swirling deceptions.
Truth and the Last Days
The Bible warns that deception will grow in the last days before Christ’s return. Even false messiahs and prophets will arise. We must be well grounded in God’s revealed truth to avoid being led astray. Now more than ever, the body of Christ needs to be vigilant, discerning and rooted in Scripture.
Truth and the Gospel
At the heart of Christianity is the life-changing truth of the Gospel – the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. This marvelous truth, revealed by God Himself, has the power to transform lives when believed. Our evangelism should be marked by accurately and boldly proclaiming this solid truth.
Truth and Love
Some pit God’s truth against His love, as if we must choose between correct doctrine and compassion. But the Bible tells us God is both absolutely true and absolutely loving. In Christ we see “grace and truth” perfectly intertwined (John 1:14). Truth should always be communicated and applied in a loving manner.
Truth and the Mind
Christianity is rational and appealing to the intellect. Our faith embraces objective and absolute truths. Jesus told His disciples to love God with all their minds (Matthew 22:37). God reveals Himself to humanity through rational communication. Loving and obeying God thus involves our minds as well as our hearts.
Truth in Community
The body of Christ is to be a community marked by grace and truth. Believers are to “speak the truth in love” to each other (Ephesians 4:15). We grow closer to God’s truth in community, through the ministry of gifted teachers and the daily workings of discipleship. Healthy church communities provide accountability for living in truth.
Truth and Prayer
Prayer is vital for walking in God’s truth. We should ask God to fill our hearts with His truth and write it on our inward parts. The psalmist prayed, “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth” (Psalm 86:11). Through prayerful intake of Scripture, we can grow in truthful living.
Truth and Eternity
Ultimately, building our lives on God’s truth has eternal implications. There are severe consequences for rejecting the truth revealed in Christ. But there are amazing rewards for all who follow Him, who said “I am the way, and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Clinging to Him equals clinging to truth and eternal life.
