UI – Part 279 – The Truth Will Set You Free

“The Truth will set you free,” is an oft quoted verse from the Bible. Knowing what it means is very important.

Because “I think therefore I am.” Descartes sensed his reality, the Truth of his existence because he had a functioning mind. It is not possible to doubt that you exist. That is an example of Truth.

Let’s start with – What is Truth? Christ said “I am the Truth.” A bold statement that would require proof.   First consider what we know as Truth.

There are two kinds of Truth.

• Objective Truth
• Subjective Truth

Objective Truth

Objective Truth is that which is the same for all people. It is not an illusion. It is reality. Each question would have one answer. The Law of Gravity is an objective truth. Jump off a ledge and you will know it is true. You fall. No matter what we believe it will be true. That you are alive is Truth, otherwise you would not be aware of anything. Sticking your hand in fire for long enough will burn you. That is Truth.

Subjective Truth

Subjective truth is personal; it may be only your truth, but not the truth that is reality. It is not the same for everyone. Emotions come to mind. If married and you love your spouse, that is your truth. Opinions also represent your truth, not that of the masses. For a majority to agree on a truth does not mean it is necessarily true, if in reality it is not the same for all. For subjective truth you need to exist. Your subjective truth is no longer true if you die. It cannot both exist and not exist.

Jesus Truth

Jesus Truth becomes the foundation of understanding God’s love and the Truth that is the Word of God and Jesus. This is not as profound as you may think – you will see. This would also be Biblical Truth.

• Jesus made the claim “I am the Way, The Truth and the Life.”
• The Bible book of John begins, “In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”
• Genesis begins, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Are these three (3) Objective Truths?

It is impossible to prove the existence of God, and it is impossible to prove he does not exist, except for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As to creation, for there to be a beginning there had to be a Creator. We know the Universe exists. A Creator would of necessity have to be Un-created.

Jesus was not believed when he claimed he was the ‘I am.” His claim that he was God was problematic for the people at the time, and would be today. There is a ‘But’? to all this! Leaders were concerned for their status and thus condemned Jesus to die for being a blasphemer. They thought in death they would prove he is not the Truth. ‘But’ how did that turn out. He rose from the dead. Proof! His claim was He was the true way to Salvation. That was made true in fact, and thus an objective truth. He made a life eternal with God a reality. His Truth did not die.

Jesus spoken words, his Truth, is all our Truth. From Psalm 145:20, “The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.” From Hebrews 6:18. “It is impossible for God to lie.” Recorded in John 18:37, “I came into the world to testify to the Truth.”

Jesus was sinless. Muslims, they refer to Christ as Isa, agree. Jesus stated (John 8:23-24 NIV), “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.” Jesus was perfect. In Matthew we are informed that an oath matters. Whether it is a promise made to a neighbor, a believer, or a non-believer, once made it is to be honored. “Say only yes if you mean yes, and no if you mean no, anything beyond that comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37). Verse James 5:12 says the same, adding, “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No’, no, or you will be condemned.” There is to be no deception. The alternative is to not make a sworn oath, or sign an oath/agreement if it is not to be kept. God kept his promises to Abraham. Thus in his perfection (sinless), his kept promises, and his life eternal we have before us the Word (The Bible) that which is documented Truth. A historical record of God’s Truth and Saving Grace for mankind – those who believe is our source for knowledge, ethical and moral values and Truth. Without this foundation provided by a divine presence there would be chaos.

Jesus made Truth known in fact. You can rely upon it. You can live by it. You have been made free by it. As now you know.

Truth is a Foundation of the Deity – God

Truth is fundamental to God, and Jesus was God incarnate; his truth is reality. He died for our sins, took the punishment we deserved, overcoming sin and death.

Now you know the Objective Truth and “The Truth will set you free.” (From John 8:32). Salvation is assured for you and me as believers in the Risen Lord. It is the same for everyone. Denial of this Truth does not in any way make it less True.

“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.” (Psalm 118:22) History explained how Jesus was rejected and denied. He was a man among men whose life was uniquely different and his proclamations difficult to fathom – until his death and resurrection.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Tangible evidence is needed for many, whatever the event. “I don’t believe you” is a common response to a situation witnessed by one or even many when others were not also observers. However does that make what transpired, especially a miracle, questionable? Jesus impact on the world, with hundreds of witnesses, awakened a body of believers in the Truth. If you know the Truth you will be free. Your mind will be clear and the path you take in life will be easier to follow. You will be blessed with an awareness of the Truth. I am not saying it will be easy, but taking the right steps will be known to you by the presence of the Holy Spirit indwelling in you.

If God has the power to raise his Son from the dead, what can his Truth do for you?

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. His truth reigns supreme.

Youth and Truth

A closing comment to all who at some stage have doubts – Welcome to the universe of believers. When young we follow the lead of our parents, our peers, our community and our leaders, political and spiritual. We are learning and experiencing. We are told what to know and to accept. Then we mature and discover we can think for ourselves and invariably there may arise doubts, questions we have and want to ask. We seek answers, where and when possible. In some areas that may be met with derision or concerns that a person or persons may reject that which their surroundings have taught. We may also be at a stage in life where our priorities do not include our choice of our religion. We may go with the flow as we focus on our work and potential for success in a profession or discipline of choice. Therein lies the word – ‘choice.’ At that junction when the ‘choice’ is what we believe, what we believe is impacted by Truth. Seeking knowledge and Truth independently, using the gift of discernment God has provided, is common. In the Islamic faith a fear is instilled in those who are born and raised as a Muslim. The principal fear is of Apostasy. Once a Muslim, always a Muslim or there will be severe chastisement – some proclaim death to the infidel apostate. Change or choice is not suggested; in fact it is in the Quran that change is not permitted.

The statement of Allah’s Apostle (Muhammad), “Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.”  (Hadith 9:45; 84.2.57.)  Thus a Muslim must be aware of their doubts. To find the Truth in Christ is to create a life struggle that is much more difficult. But it would be worth the outcome – an eternal life with God.

Explore your Doubts – Seek Truth – Be Free

Let your mind and the know how you develop take you to that place where the Objective Truth of Christ as Savior reigns. He lives. He is proof of the Truth of the Bible. Biblical Truth is everyone’s Truth.

Thanks Be to God.

Grace and Peace.