At the very core of our name is the concept of truth. We are known as Veritas and we repeat the
phrase, “Truth matters,” often. Yet, it begs a question be repeated that was once asked by Pilate
during the trial of Jesus: “What is truth?”
It’s not uncommon to hear the phrase in our post-modern world, “That’s your truth…” – as
though each citizen of Planet Earth can simultaneously have their own versions of truth.
In the Proverbs, we are instructed to “buy the truth, and sell it not.” What does that mean? Later,
in John’s gospel, Jesus Himself claims, “I am the truth…” Further, the Holy Spirit is referred to as
the Spirit of Truth. Without an agreed upon definition of truth, we may be saying words, but
we’re not communicating.
Frances Schaeffer observed in his day, “In passing, we should note this curious mark of our
own age: the only absolute allowed is the absolute insistence that there is no absolute.” 1 Geisler
was thinking along similar lines when he stated, “Most relativists believe that relativism is
absolutely true and that everyone should be a relativist. Therein lies the self-destructive nature of
relativism. The relativist stands on the pinnacle of an absolute truth and wants to relativize
everything else.” 2
For the purpose of ministry, Christian education, and apologetics, it’s important to state
clearly that a person’s belief – regardless of how sincerely its held – is not synonymous with truth.
At one time, people sincerely believed that the earth was flat. Others have sincerely believed that
the earth was supported upon the backs of large turtles! A person’s belief does not determine
what truth is!
Stated another way, people do not determine truth – they discover and discern it. So then,
how do we define truth? In simple terms, truth is that which conforms to fact and reality. It is not
determined in the court of public opinion, it is not legislated by one’s feelings, nor is it decided by
majority scientific consensus. Truth simply is.
For those who are called to defend truth, there is an overlap between the concepts of reason,
faith, and truth. Again, definitions are important. Some today see faith as the opposite of truth
and reason – it is a “belief” despite all evidence. In essence, it is a blind leap into the unknown,
with no other support than wishful thinking.
Does this description of faith align with biblical Christianity? Not at all! According to
Hebrews 11, faith is substantial as well as based upon evidence. Faith is a trusting confidence in
the interpretation of the facts. Reason is what is used to interpret those facts. Truth is that which
best corresponds to the facts and reality.
As Christ-followers, the Holy Spirit leads us into truth. He is not the Spirit of Error, but the
Spirit of Truth. Jesus refers to Himself as “the Truth.” With so many lies being peddled today, we
can understand the frustration of Pilate’s question: “What is truth?”
The answer remains the same today as then: Truth is that which corresponds to facts and
reality. It has as its source the God of the universe who cannot lie.
So, our challenge today is to pursue truth – to buy the truth and sell it not! In the midst of
uncertainty, we can stand on the certain and true foundation of the words of God.
1 Francis Schaeffer, The Complete Works of Francis Schaeffer, Vol. 5 (Westchester: Crossway, 1982), 219.
2 Norm Geisler, The Big Book of Christian Apologetics (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2012), 744.