The essential nature of truth is well known in scientific circles. Accuracy and precision are the building blocks of truth. Research hinges upon truthful data which is then analyzed and used to produce great and wonderful advances for mankind. If data is falsified, extreme harm can follow.

To make helpful advances in science, the researcher must be able to depend upon the accuracy of the data he is given. A judge and jury in court must know that the words spoken and the evidence submitted are true. A wife must know that her husband is truthful when he says he was working late. Truth is everywhere. Truth is essential.

In matters of faith, truth is even more important. Because we do not walk by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) we must be able to depend upon the truth of spiritual matters. Apart from that truth we will stumble and fall. We cannot direct ourselves (Jeremiah 10:23). We must know and depend upon truth. In matters of faith there is one method by which we can examine and analyze any statement. The Bible alone is that truth.

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”

Psalm 119:160

“Sanctify them in your truth, your word is truth.”

John 17:17

Truth can be inconvenient. It can be troubling. It can anger. It can hurt. But truth also saves. It frees. It releases.

In Biblical matters, truth may conflict with long held thoughts or ideas. Things we long held as truth may be swept away under the light of the Scriptures. The psalmist said of God’s word that “it is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). When that light is turned on our own beliefs we may discover that some of those beliefs were only masquerading as truth.

It is ironic that truth depends upon truth for its existence. A man may discover truth. He may know it is true. But because he lacks honesty, he will not conform to the dictates of that truth. Consider Paul’s encouragement to Timothy: “Do your best to present yourselves to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It is clear that truth doesn’t change. But it is also true that it must be handled properly. Truth needs honest people so that they can be changed by the power of the truth.

We have before us the message of God to a lost world. Confirmed through stunning miracles and signs, we know the word is truth. Let us approach that word with honesty of heart and drink in its life changing truths.