What is truth?

I posted this blog on another site and received some interesting answers. Figured I start it up on this site. It is a probing question that we Christians need to wrestle and come to grips with. We are so divided on different issues but I believe the root is narrowed down to this one defining question: "What is truth?" What are your thoughts?

Jesus

crsschk:I am well aware that the truth is Jesus. That is a no-brainer. But have you thought about it in all of its practical sense. Have you really fleshed it out in your mind, heart, and soul? Have you apprehended it so that it gives life to your soul and sustains you in this sin-sick world?

Brethren, Brethren:I am aware of the scriptures but what are your thoughts within the context of the scriptures. I want dialogue, not simply the spouting off of scripture texts.One in Christ

Me Again:My friend it's ok to share whatever you want. Just wanted some transparent dialogue. I agree with not getting too philosophical about things. But in the Puritan tradition, I like to flesh out questions from time to time.One in Christ.P.S. Hope I didn't put you off by my last comment. Love is the key in all of this. Peace. :-)

I am well aware that the truth is Jesus. That is a no-brainer. But have you thought about it in all of its practical sense. Have you really fleshed it out in your mind, heart, and soul? Have you apprehended it so that it gives life to your soul and sustains you in this sin-sick world?Didn't intend to leave this hanging on that and love the way you couched the question here. Pardon the length as to what follows, but to say this strikes a cord ... Must say thank you, was even surprised by going through this just how incredible it all is. A bit rambling, but... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~What is truth?Gen 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth H571: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.H571אמת'emetheh'-methContracted from H539; stability; figuratively certainty, truth, trustworthiness: - assured (-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity.H539אמן'âmanaw-man'A primitive root; properly to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain; once (in Isa_30:21; "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." by interchange for H541) to go to the right hand: - hence assurance, believe, bring up, establish, + fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right.H541אמן'âmanaw-man'Denominative from H3225; to take the right hand road: - turn to the right. See H539.H3225ימיןyâmîynyaw-meen'From H3231; the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south: - + left-handed, right (hand, side), south.For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Act 2:25Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Act 2:33And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Joh 1:14God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Heb 1:1-3 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 2Co 6:7Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 1Pe 2:22,23Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Heb 1:3And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Joh 8:45Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. Joh 5:39I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. Psa 138:2Pilate 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. Joh 18:37He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Deu 32:4The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. Joh 7:46That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, ... Heb 6:18Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1Sa 12:24And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. Joh 12:47-50Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. Pro 23:23 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. Rom 3:4 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Joh 17:17In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Joh 1:1 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Joh 14:6 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Joh 4:23,24Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. Joh 14:17 Cont.

The Lord it seems would have me much silent of opinion of late and have found it quite happy indeed to be humbled and still, to arrest the compulsions and reactionary impulses ...But this is the word that is the height of all language and expression. The pinnacle of all things great and small, it is all and everything that matters.Mal 2:6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity. Psa 119:43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thine ordinances. Mar 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: The anti-type, the opposite;Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; And I hate every false way. Psa 119:128 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Heb 1:9Authenticity. Genuine. Pure. Undefiled. Accurate.The mere sentimental bereft of truth.The emotional the same.The cheap, half-truth, mixed, a little leaven...Pragmatism. The twisting of truth, dis-honesty.Compromise. The 'lesser' of two evils.Perhaps for all the definitions of what sin is the summary explanation would be that which is not true and therefore, false.And it is always at the start with this one self. It's own delusions and hypocrisy's, confusions, lack of true understandings. The reason for holding much in abeyance, a true realization that I could indeed be wrong and a love of being corrected. There is a whole lot more authentic truth in "I don't know" than in posturing otherwise. What is pride but an exaltation of self and lack of applying the truth to that same self? Opinion without checks and balances and by what standard of measurement? There can be but one truth and one truth giver,Jos 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. There is so many different branches and trails that could go out from here ... Goodness, what a silly comment. It is the fixed position. God, who is. The great I AM. All powerful. Unchangeable. Immutable. Omnipotent. But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. Job 23:13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. Psa 41:13 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psa 90:2But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Jer 10:10And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day. 1Ki 8:23,24Psa 24:9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.Cont.

What is the one common element in Revival? Having never been in one where the Lords Presence was manifested as in the past amongst many people it is only by way of observance. Yet, is it not a forcing of the issue of honesty? Hence the weeping and brokenness, the exposure of the false, the very admittance that is drawn out from within.Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Eze 44:9 Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel. Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. It was the same similar realization that came to bear down in a personal way and brought forth a change of allegiance. That I was living a lie and was a liar and a rebel and a hypocrite. "Good" in my own eyes in a 'peacemaking' sort of way, a hopeless romantic buying into a humanistic construct, sloppy 'agape', ruled by the emotions, sentimentality, a cherry-picking of notions, imaginations, half-truths, even God's truth. That God saw fit in His great mercy to rescue this fool from himself, not by way of man (though many of His own had implanted the seed of conviction over the years, precious saints!) but 'forced' the issue by hunting this one down ... something I will never fully grasp, in His great love that was so overwhelming that it shattered every illusion and brought forth a facing of the truth and a decision. May I interject something just here? Is this not a great problem with much of this modern days constructs of saying a prayer, repeating a formula, leading someone in 'the sinners prayer'? We have been over much of this elsewhere and it is not all cut and dried but the ease which can be given even by the well intentioned... Mustn't there be a solitary confrontation, that only the singular soul and God Himself can have the exchange made possible? 1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Have gone on long enough. Truth is all there is, all that matters. It is the one thing that makes this heart leap, the ears are attentive and just to delve into this is incredibly edifying, the spirit soars and my soul rejoices in thankfulness and wonder to our God. Just one more, this profound 'revelation' if I may, something that has just gripped me in the past few weeks;This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. Heb 7:15,16 (ESV)My contemplation has been that the resurection of our Lord is not miracle, but fact. Not so much 'belief' but statement. To just muse on this... You cannot kill the truth.Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1Co 15:12-19But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1Co 15:20-22Precious truth ... Praise God!Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Eph 1:9-14

Just a few thoughts on the different senses that the word "truth" is given in Scripture, from the Easton Bible Dictionary...1. that which is opposed and in contrast to a lie...He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. (Pro 12:17)The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. (Pro 12:19)2. fidelity and truthfulness...And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. (Isa 59:14-15)But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth. (Jer 7:28)3. The doctrine of Christ is called truth...To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. (Gal 2:5)Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2Ti 3:7)And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2Ti 4:4)4. Jesus himself is the Truth...Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Joh 14:6)In Christ,Ron

We might start here...“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 KJVS)The confrontationist might want to say 'didn't Moses have some truth too'? but there is a significance here that rewards digging a little.It is the difference between the words translated 'given' and 'came'. The Law was given 'through' Moses; that is to say the Law was 'mediated' 'through' Moses but not originated by him. The word translated 'came' is 'ginomai' which means 'to come into existence'. Moses was only the mediator of the Law, but Truth has its origin in Jesus Christ. He is the only source of truth.This makes it clear that 'truth' is not the same as 'facts'. My garden fence is green; this is fact but its not the kind of fact that is likely to change many lives. I chose to start with John because John is 'aware' of Greek philosophy. He wrote in Greek and introduces Christ as the Logos, which is a word with a history. He also uses the Greek word Truth which also has a history.Are you familiar with Plato's Cave ? I am not supporting Plato but this way of thinking was well known in Bible days. Like most philosophic illustrations this one is likely to generate more heat than light but I will cut to the chase... Plato imagined captives looking on a wall on which they saw the 'shadows'. The shadows were the only 'reality' they knew but they were but shadows of the real.The OT is full of types and shadows and it was the only 'reality' that the OT saints knew. (Col 2:17; Heb 8:5; 9:5; 10:1) But shadows of those OT types and pictures were not 'the reality' but only shadows of 'the reality'. Christ is not a 'shadow' or picture of the truth; He is the Truth. It would be quite justifiable to paraphrase the Greek word for 'truth' as 'reality'. "The Law was given through Moses, but the Reality came into existence through Jesus Christ".Our words are shadows and symbols but Christ is the Reality which all our words strive for. I sometimes fear that much of modern Christianity is still stuck in the world of shadows and symbols and has seldom tasted the 'reality' that is Christ. We do need to ask ourselves constantly; what do I know? Not what have I been taught? But what have I received of Christ's reality? Not all those who believe in justification by faith are justified by faith and we have a sobering statement that many will say "I prophesied, cast out demons, did many mighty works, in thy name" and will hear the reply; "I never knew you..."

Truth is the stripping down of all things to Christ alone. Truth is loving God and our neighbor as ourselves. Truth knows no prejudice or preference. Truth is lived and seldom proclaimed in the sense of what we perceive proclamation to be. Truth is embraced in the hidden man of the heart. Truth is an intense passion for the Lord Jesus Christ and His people. Truth is the motivating factor for seeking more reality. Truth is not religious nor pretentious. Truth is transparent. Truth is not concerned with what others think. Truth seeks the honor of God preeminently knowing that everything else will fall into place.Truth has one focus: CHRIST! Truth directs us to complete faith in Christ. Truth enables us to walk uprightly when our only spectator is God. Truth is satisfied to take the low place. Truth is confident in itself and ultimately Himself because truth has been vindicated and secured at the cross! Truth never stops pleading for fellowship. Truth stands in fierce opposition to anything false (whether it is obvious or painfully subtle). Truth awaits the second coming and the manifestation of the children of God.One in Christ,grod95

thanks.

g.