What is truth? is an age-old question. A simple definition of truth is “reality.” Truth is what is. If I tell you the sun is a giant ball of ice, that is not reality. Therefore, it is not a true statement. If I tell you I am five feet, six inches tall, that is not reality. The truth is that I am six feet, one inch tall. In other words, truth is real.
The opposite of truth is lying and falsehood. If I told you that a poisonous liquid is medicine that will cure cancer, that is lying. The reality is that it will be harmful to one’s health rather than helpful.
The perfect revelation of truth was when God, who cannot lie and who is Truth, became incarnate and took upon Himself a human body. That is why Jesus, God clothed in human form, said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There was no falsehood in Jesus. He spoke pure truth. People flocked to hear Him speak those wonderful words of truth and life. Falsehood frustrates, but truth satisfies.
The truth is that we are sinful and tend toward falsehood. We are surrounded by reality but sometimes become confused at what is truth and what is not. Since Satan mixes so many lies with truth, we grope for answers. When our lives are empty and difficult, we try to satisfy ourselves with money and a career. We may try pleasure. Sports. Sex. Drugs. Alcohol. Fame. The list goes on, but we remain unsatisfied and bound.
God understood that we would be unsatisfied, guilty, and hurting as we grope for truth. He came to earth to help us understand what are lies and what is truth. His life here on earth showed us what is truth and revealed that He was the Truth in human form. He made it possible for us to have our sins forgiven. He died on the cross as a sin sacrifice, so we can be saved from sin, have a relationship with Him – the Truth – and live a new life.
If you want to become acquainted with the Truth, study God’s Word. Begin by reading the Gospel of Matthew to learn how Jesus lived and what He taught. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
~Harold R Troyer
