Postmodernism is one of the dominate worldviews today. A simple definition is: there is no one truth–there can be many truths. The truths can even be contradictory, but everyone is still entitled to their own truth. The concept of objective truth, or one grand truth, is rejected by Postmodernism. This is what leads to so many problems in our society and so few solutions. Fortunately, we can know truth despite our culture’s sinful efforts.
We can know truth logically, empirically, and philosophically. As followers of Christ, we know truth through these same disciplines, but we also know truth spiritually. This truth struggle has been going on for a long time. Pilate asked Jesus in John 18:38, “–What is truth?” This may be one of the greatest questions in history.
Webster’s dictionary defines truth as, “conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is or has been.” Truth is not determined by feelings, a democratic vote, or the Supreme Court. Truth is that which is supported by evidence or facts.
Truth is not determined but discovered, and the best way to discover truth is to look to the Bible. As we study the Word of God, we learn that God is truth, and all He says and does is true. Anything that contradicts God’s Word is a lie. Zechariah 8:16–17 tells us God’s children should reflect truth, and in Isaiah 5:18–20, we read that a lack of truth in our own character displeases God.
Since Pilate was talking to Jesus, he could have rightly asked, “Who is truth?” We can rightly understand the idea, but truth comes alive in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6). He also told His followers in John 8:32, “And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
As we live in these days filled with fake news, lies, and counter lies, I want to encourage you in two ways: first, be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and test all claims with the plumb line of Scripture, and second, fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the truth that sets us free.