Ask What is Truth

On His last day in mortality, when Jesus stood before Pilate, an interesting exchange took place. It is recorded in the Gospel of John.

John 18:

37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all

Pilate did not allow Christ time to answer the question. But the question deserves some time for contemplation and discussion.

The best definition I have heard for truth is that it is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come. Truth does not change with time. If a principle, law, or ordinance was true in the days of Christ, it still holds true today. Circumstances and events may change, but the underlying truths are consistent eternally.

John 3:21

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Christ explained that there are two major groups of people in the world, those who obey truth, and those who obey lies. The father of all lies is Satan, so our lives follow one path or the other. If we follow truth, then we are following the path Christ paved. If not, then Satan is our leader, and we are following him. The followers of Christ are heading toward the light.

Light is representative of knowledge. Jesus said that truth is light. Where there is light, there is intelligence, there is growth, there is God.

Psalms 43: 3

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

The psalmist cries to the Lord to send out light and truth. It will lead the way to our heavenly home if we will but follow it. Light and truth go hand in hand in our pursuit of the path to our Father. For truth is knowledge, and with it we can see plainly as we go.

Satan would have us be blind, going down paths of uncertainty and darkness. Each turn a little more treacherous as we follow his voice and stumble down his unholy path.

John 8:

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

The surety of truth and knowledge not only lights our way, but frees us from the bondage that lies carry with them. Each lie is followed by another. The unholy chain of fabrications tie us to their parent. Shackled to the lord of darkness, we find ourselves in search of the next excuse, the next rationalization, trying to keep our story afloat.

When we are founded in truth there are no lies to bind us. We live in light, unafraid of what others think. We are free because we are in the right. Each lie requires that we remember previous lies. Every new lie digs the hole deeper until there is no light left, only darkness.

40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Those who love a lie will do anything to protect it. If spilling of blood is required, so be it. Just as long as the lie is not revealed. Bound in a brotherhood of unholy trust, each member in the circle commits their all to the lie, and usually defends it until the deficits outweigh the benefits. As long as they see an advantage, they hold to the lie.

But just as rats turn on each other when cornered, those who face justice when caught in the lie quickly abandon the others they previously upheld, looking out only for their self interests. Indeed, selfishness is the only purpose for the lie.

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Truth requires no secret pacts. Perfect strangers hear the truth and together may defend it to the death. They stand tall, knowing they are on the side of right. Light streams from their tongues and radiates from their countenance as they testify of it as one.

Well did Christ say that if we are not one, we are not His. Only in truth can we become as one. In lies we are forever bickering and turning on each other. In truth we unite, for we know of whence we speak. There is no doubt, no wavering. As the Holy One whispers confirmation, we become stronger. When one speaks, all are edified. Others confirm the spoken truth, and hearts become bound in a brotherhood of trust.

Truth is by far the greatest prize, diligently sought after by the wise. Gold, silver, and precious gems will fall to the wayside, worthless as spilled water in the desert sand. But truth will shine on, lighting the path as the holder forges ahead, seeking joy and eternal life for themselves and their loved ones.

Truth and only truth can save. Christ held to it, and so must we. Where there are men, there are fraudulent similitudes of His light. But the true beacon of God comes from but one source. That source is Christ the Lord. It testifies of itself. That testimony is sure. And he who humbly seeks it, and endures to the end, it will be well with him.