"What is truth?" That's a great question. It is one that we all ask eventually. The Gospel of John, (chapter 18) records Pontius Pilot asking it during Jesus' trial:
"You are a king, then!" said Pilate
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
"What is truth?" Pilate asked.
We hear a lot today about people's "personal truths" or someone needing to discover what's "true" for themself. It implies there are no real clear lines drawn about what is actually true or false. And if there are no real lines then we all have the ability - the obligation even - to decide for ourselves what our "truths" are.
While that sounds like an enlightened, open-minded and a progressive viewpoint, what happens when my "truth" says that your "truth" is false? And what happens if it goes one step further? What if my truth says you need to surrender your truth and fall in line with my way of thinking? If all truths are equal, valid and individual, then clearly I am not in the wrong by stating this... I'm merely standing on my truth! Obviously this mental merry-go-round could go on and on because the debate is not really over so-called "truths," but rather opinions, preferences and belief systems. There is a difference. Interesting how some folks refuse to just say that and be honest amidst all their talk of "truth."
So perhaps in order to really find truth, we must stop looking within ourselves and start looking outward to the One who is Truth. Jesus Christ is the only one who claims to be "the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me..." (John 14:6) and backed it up with authority, powerful signs, miracles, prophecy, and a resurrection! He did not offer Himself up as a suggestion or a superstition but rather a solution to man's broken condition.
Because the truth is that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. The truth is that we deserve to be punished for our sins. The truth is that Jesus took our punishment for us on the cross. The truth is that Jesus died our death so that we might live. The truth is that when we put our faith in Him we are given eternal life and forgiven for our sins. THAT is the truth...not because I say so, but because HE says so!
