What is Truth?

We often profess to possess the truth, don’t we? It’s a phrase we frequently use in conversations and speeches alike. But if you pause to consider the implications of such a statement, you’ll realize it’s quite a bold claim with a lot at stake. Firstly, it suggests that there is only one truth since we refer to it as “the” truth. We don’t go around claiming we have a version of the truth, do we? No, we assert that it is the absolute truth.

Moreover, it implies that we have the capacity and means to discern this truth and comprehend it. Delving deeper, when we say we “have” the truth, it’s more than just an intellectual understanding; it indicates something beyond academic knowledge. Indeed, it’s a substantial assertion that demands validation.

Determining the veracity of something can be an arduous task, as illustrated by Pilate’s dilemma when presented with conflicting truths and having to decide if Jesus was guilty or not. We’ll return to that shortly, but first, let’s establish the concept of truth and its background.

The dictionary definition of truth is hardly surprising; it is binary in nature. Something is either true or it isn’t. Truth refers to the factual state of a matter, devoid of personal opinions, and is verifiable and indisputable. These powerful terms imply that when we call something “the truth,” we are expressing a firm belief in its concrete and substantiated nature.

In the context of spiritual truth, the connotations of honesty and integrity are crucial to our salvation and way of life. Turning to the Bible for further clarity, we find that the concept of truth, as presented in both the Old and New Testaments, aligns with the binary definition found in the English dictionary. It is either true or it isn’t—there are no shades of grey.

So, if truth as a concept is straightforward to define in theory, how do we go about determining if something is indeed true? Throughout history, various methods have emerged to assess the veracity of claims. We can broadly categorize these approaches into three eras: pre-modern, modern, and post-modern.

In the pre-modern era, which spans a significant portion of human history, most people could not read, and scientific advancements were limited. As a result, people had minimal opportunities to discern the truth of spiritual matters or other fundamental aspects of life. Often, they relied on the intellectual elite who could read and write and essentially dictated the truth to others. This method worked if the authority figure sought the truth, but it ultimately proved flawed since it relied on someone else’s interpretation.

As society progressed, we entered the modern era, where science and empirical evidence became the primary means of establishing truth. This approach works well for scientific endeavours, but when it comes to the Bible, we must critically assess its content and ask whether it is true. We cannot blindly follow it in pursuit of salvation. Instead, we must determine if there is concrete evidence upon which we can base our faith and hope for the future.

In more recent times, we’ve moved into the post-modern era, characterized by theoretical science and the idea that some things are considered true until proven otherwise. The theory of evolution is one example; it has evolved over time as different aspects are refined or disproven. Nevertheless, it persists as a widely accepted theory in scientific circles.

This post-modern approach extends beyond science, with some questioning if there is a single, objective truth at all. Instead, they argue that everything is subject to interpretation and personal experience. In extreme cases, this line of thinking can challenge the very notion of an absolute truth.

As we continue to explore the notion of truth, it’s evident that society has experienced a shift in perspective. While the more extreme postmodernist viewpoints have somewhat receded, there is still a tendency to muddy the waters surrounding the concept of truth. A prime example of this can be seen in the way Donald Trump and his team put forth “alternative truths” when discussing the number of attendees at his inaugural speech. This blurring of lines between fact and opinion is concerning, especially when our faith and salvation are at stake.

Despite these challenges, I firmly believe that the Bible holds up as a credible and verifiable source of truth. In the coming minutes, we’ll examine how we can verify this, but first, let’s explore what the Bible claims to be true. We will delve into God’s plan, purpose, and promises, and seek to understand how we can have faith in this higher authority.

To begin, let’s outline a few key points from the Bible, each supported by a biblical reference. While these points may build upon one another, they all contribute to our understanding of God’s truth.

Firstly, the claim that God’s word is truth.

Within Psalm 119, we find a profound declaration of the steadfast nature of God’s word. Verse 160 states, “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” According to the Bible, God’s word is not only true but also unchanging and timeless. It doesn’t evolve or shift according to the whims of human morality. If we accept the Bible as a higher authority, we must recognize that it represents an unchangeable truth.

Further, the Bible explains that God cannot lie, adding even more weight to the veracity of His inspired word. This unwavering truth is revealed to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In John chapter 18, we see Jesus before Pilate, discussing the concept of truth.

Amid this exchange, Jesus emphasizes that He will have a kingdom not of this world, asserting His future kingship and the establishment of His kingdom in the age to come. Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t merely say that those who understand the truth will hear His voice; instead, He says that everyone who is “of the truth” will hear Him.

This distinction goes beyond mere academic understanding, suggesting that to be a part of Jesus’ kingdom and to experience His righteous rule, one must be deeply connected to the truth. It is worth noting the weak accusations brought against Jesus in this trial, which only serve to highlight the power of truth amidst the chaos and injustice of the world.

In John 18:34, Pilate asks the Jews what they find wrong with Jesus. Their response is weak at best, essentially saying that if Jesus were not guilty, they wouldn’t have brought Him forward. This flawed reasoning highlights the disarray in the accusations against Jesus and contrasts sharply with the simplicity of His message: He was born to be king, and His kingdom will come in the future.

This simple, powerful truth offers believers a clear understanding and direction. To be a part of Jesus’ kingdom, one must not only grasp the truth but also live according to it. In 2 Timothy 2:15, the instruction is to “study to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This means not only studying the Bible to understand its truth but also applying that truth to our lives.

The following verses emphasize the importance of living in accordance with the truth and rejecting profane and vain babblings that lead to ungodliness. This passage also warns against those who distort or misunderstand the truth, such as individuals who believe the resurrection had already occurred.

As we examine the truth within the Bible, it’s essential to approach it with a mindset that seeks not just technical knowledge but also a willingness to apply the teachings to our lives. 2 Timothy 3:7 offers a cautionary example of people who are “ever learning” but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. To fully embrace the truth presented in the Bible, we must be willing to live in accordance with it, just as those in the Old Testament who experienced the power of truth in their lives.

In 2 Timothy 4:4, we find a warning about those who turn away their ears from the truth and are drawn towards fables. There’s a progression to follow: first, we must understand the words of Jesus to grasp the truth. Next, we need to associate ourselves with the truth, and then live our lives according to it, being driven by rightly dividing and understanding it. Finally, we must cling to the truth, not allowing ourselves to be swayed by things that may seem appealing but ultimately lead us astray.

The Bible’s central message is simple: Jesus will be a king and have a kingdom in a future age. To embrace this truth, we must live and practice it. In 2 Corinthians, we are instructed to manifest the truth, showing it to others through our actions. We also need to have truth in our inward parts, as mentioned in the Psalms. It should fill our hearts and drive every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, we are told to walk in the truth, reinforcing that it is a way of life rather than just technical knowledge.

The importance of the truth is paramount to our salvation. The Psalms tell us that the truth preserves us. Let’s turn to John 8:31, where Jesus says to the Jews who believed in Him, “If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The truth will set us free from sin and its consequences, as explained in John 8:34. Jesus can liberate us from sin and death, allowing us to be part of His future kingdom.

In summary, the Bible emphasizes the importance of the truth, not just as a concept, but as an essential aspect of our lives. It’s the words of God and Christ, recorded in the Bible, that hold the key to understanding, practising, and ultimately being saved by the truth. By embracing this path, we can experience the freedom and salvation promised by Jesus, as we look forward to His future kingdom.

It’s natural to question the validity of claims made in any book, including the Bible. After all, there are countless religions, branches of Christianity, scientific theories, and philosophical views that seem credible on the surface. In the face of all these varying perspectives, how can we be confident that the Bible’s claims are true and worth building our lives around?

To establish truth, we need to rely on a higher authority—an infallible and powerful source that transcends human limitations. Additionally, we must be able to independently verify and prove the facts within that source. In the case of the Bible, one of the most compelling arguments for its authenticity is the fulfilment of biblical prophecies.

When events foretold in the Bible come to pass exactly as predicted, we gain evidence for its truth on two fronts. First, the fact that a claim was made and then fulfilled independently verifies its accuracy. Second, the ability to foresee the future with such precision suggests the involvement of a higher authority—God—who knows the end from the beginning and communicates this knowledge through His Word.

Biblical prophecies not only help us confirm the truth of the Bible but also excite and encourage us about future promises yet to be fulfilled. One example of this can be found in the prophecy of Daniel. By examining and testing this prophecy, we can work to independently verify the beliefs we hold.

While scepticism is natural, the fulfilment of biblical prophecies provides strong evidence for the truth and reliability of the Bible. By recognizing the involvement of a higher authority and the independent verification of these prophetic events, we can gain confidence in the Bible’s message and be inspired by the promises it holds for our future.

In the book of Daniel, we find an intriguing character named Daniel, who was taken into captivity during the Babylonian Empire and later served under various empires that followed. Gifted with prophetic visions by God, Daniel foresaw events ranging from the fall of the Babylonians to the rise and fall of subsequent empires, including the Roman Empire, and even beyond.

One of the visions Daniel received involved the Medes and the Persians and their impending conquest. He was given this vision so that when it came to pass, people could look back at his prophecy and recognize its truth, affirming the validity of the rest of his message. These prophecies were intended to provide hope for Israel during difficult times, reassuring them that God had a plan and a purpose for His people.

A noteworthy prophecy within the book of Daniel is the “Seventy Weeks Prophecy,” found in Daniel chapter 9. Although seemingly short, this prophecy contains a wealth of details. It is commonly interpreted as referring to a 490-year period, with each day of the seventy weeks representing a year.

The prophecy begins with a reference to seventy weeks determined upon the people and the holy city, with the purpose of finishing transgression, making an end of sins, making reconciliation for iniquity, and bringing in everlasting righteousness. This prophecy encapsulates the essence of the truth we’ve been discussing—freedom from sin and the establishment of a kingdom of righteousness and godliness through Jesus Christ in the future.

By examining the Seventy Weeks Prophecy, we are reminded of the core message of the Bible and the remarkable accuracy with which events have unfolded. This prophecy serves as a powerful testament to the truth of the Bible and its relevance to our lives, providing a solid foundation for our faith and hope in the promises yet to be fulfilled.

It is widely believed that the Seventy Weeks Prophecy covers a period from around 457 BC when the Jews were instructed to return to Israel from their captivity in Babylon. The prophecy continues through 69 of the 70 weeks, leading up to Jesus Christ’s time. He is then “cut off” in the final week, and through his sacrifice, salvation becomes possible. Following this, a series of devastating events befall Jerusalem—the holy city and God’s people, Israel.

For this prophecy to be truly powerful and considered the Word of God, we need to establish a few key points: that it was written before Jesus was born, that it provides a credible 490-year timeline, that Jesus truly existed, and that the tragic events in Jerusalem occurred as predicted. If these criteria are met, then the prophecy’s accuracy is nothing short of astonishing.

As Bible students, we believe that the book of Daniel was written around the 6th century BC. However, not everyone agrees with this dating. Some scholars argue that it was written a few hundred years later, around 164 BC. Their reasoning is based on the assumption that the detailed account of the Greek Empire could only have been written after those events occurred. Nevertheless, even if we consider the later date, the prophecy still contains information about the Roman Empire and events beyond that time, indicating its divine origin.

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which contain parts of the book of Daniel, has dated the text to around 100 BC. This evidence supports the idea that the prophecy was indeed written before Jesus’ birth. While we believe the book was written around 600 BC, even the sceptics concede that it predates Jesus by at least a century.

Taking all of this into consideration, we can confidently say that the Seventy Weeks Prophecy is a remarkable testament to the truth of the Bible and the divine foresight contained within its pages.

In the Seventy Weeks Prophecy, we can identify specific time periods and events that align with the experiences of the Jews returning to Israel and the life of Jesus Christ. The prophecy speaks of the Jews being instructed to return to their homeland, a challenging period of rebuilding Jerusalem, and the eventual arrival of the Messiah. Verses 26 and 27 of the prophecy detail the cutting off of the Messiah, the cessation of sacrifices, and the desolation of the city and God’s people.

To fully appreciate the power of this prophecy, we must establish credible dates for these events and confirm that Jesus existed within this timeline. The first date, marking the beginning of the 490-year period, is believed to have occurred during the reign of Artaxerxes when he instructed Ezra to lead the Jews back to Jerusalem. Interestingly, this date comes from the biblical book of Ezra, which is widely accepted as an accurate historical record.

While using the Bible to establish dates for a prophecy that aims to prove the Bible’s authenticity may seem contradictory, it is important to remember that the book of Ezra is considered a factual account of events. Daniel, written later, serves as an independent source, with no influence over the events in Ezra or Jesus’ life. Ezra had no reason to record a specific date other than to provide a factual account of the events, not to create a prophecy to be fulfilled by scripture.

As the Jews rebuilt Jerusalem, they faced numerous challenges and opposition from their neighbours, which is also recorded in the Bible as a historical account. These events align with the Seventy Weeks Prophecy, further supporting its credibility and power as a testament to the truth of the Bible and the divine foresight contained within its pages.

Establishing the existence of Jesus and the time period in which he lived is crucial for validating the Seventy Weeks Prophecy. To find reliable evidence, we must look beyond the Bible to external historical sources.

Two key historians, Tacitus and Josephus, offer valuable insights into Jesus’ existence. Tacitus, a Roman historian, documented the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero and noted that Jesus had been executed by Pontius Pilate. Cross-referencing this information with other historical sources, we can narrow down the time period to around AD 14-37, aligning with the last week of the prophecy.

Josephus, another historian, also wrote about Jesus as a factual individual, as well as Pilate and his governorship. His records help us pinpoint Pilate’s reign to around AD 26-36, further narrowing the window and confirming Jesus’ existence during that time. This historical evidence supports the events described in the prophecy, lending credibility to its accuracy.

Following Jesus’ crucifixion, Jerusalem experienced terrible suffering, with a devastating siege, starvation, and horrifying conditions. These tragic events were foretold in the prophecy, indicating the consequences of Israel’s treatment of the Messiah. However, the prophecy also offers hope, as salvation is attainable through Jesus.

By examining these historical accounts, we can confidently answer the key questions about the Seventy Weeks Prophecy. The prophecy was written before Jesus’ birth, Jesus’ existence and the time period of his life align with the timeline, and the events that occurred after his death are consistent with the prophecy’s predictions. These factors demonstrate the powerful and compelling nature of the Seventy Weeks Prophecy as a testament to the Bible’s authenticity and divine inspiration.

To gain confidence in the Seventy Weeks Prophecy, we must consider several key aspects. First, was the prophecy written before Jesus’ birth? The Dead Sea Scrolls suggest that it was. Second, is there a credible start date for the prophecy? Ezra’s independent, factual records support this. Third, did the events within the prophecy actually occur? Ezra’s account of the oppression experienced by the people and the independent historical sources indicating Jesus’ existence within the expected timeframe provide further evidence.

Taking a step back and looking at the big picture, it isn’t easy to imagine how anyone could have predicted these events hundreds of years in advance. This leads us to consider the divine nature of the prophecy and its implications for our lives. If we are confident in the accuracy and truth of this part of God’s message, it prompts us to explore other parts of the Bible, seeking additional evidence to support or contradict this prophecy.

As believers, the more we delve into Scripture, the more we find that it supports itself, providing further evidence of the truth of God’s message and the existence of a higher power. This understanding compels us to take God’s word seriously and to live our lives according to its teachings.

In conclusion, we must each grapple with the question of whether we believe in the truth of the Seventy Weeks Prophecy. If we do, it’s our responsibility to study God’s word, live by its principles, share it with others, and cling to it steadfastly. By doing so, we can look forward with joy and hope, knowing that the truth leads to our salvation.

As we seek to understand and apply the truth found in God’s word, we must also remember to approach it with humility and a willingness to learn and grow. We may not have all the answers, but we can trust in God’s wisdom and guidance as we navigate through life. And as we share the truth with others, let us do so with love and compassion, knowing that it is ultimately God who draws people to Himself. So let us hold fast to the truth, and may it shape and transform our lives for the glory of God.