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We were recently engaged in a intense discussion about “TRUTH” is there such a thing as “ABSOLUTE TRUTH” and if there is where is it found?
My thought is that outside of Christ you will not find truth that can be considered absolute, your thoughts?
One of the difficulties in such a discussion, which often leads to great philosophical debate, is the definition of “truth.” According to dictionary.com there are 12 definitions for “truth”:
- the true or actual state of a matter: He tried to find out the truth.
- conformity with fact or reality; verity: the truth of a statement.
- a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like: mathematical truths.
- the state or character of being true.
- actuality or actual existence.
- an obvious or accepted fact; truism; platitude.
- honesty; integrity; truthfulness.
- (often initial capital letter) ideal or fundamental reality apart from and transcending perceived experience: the basic truths of life.
- agreement with a standard or original.
- accuracy, as of position or adjustment.
- Archaic: fidelity or constancy.
- Idiom: in truth, in reality; in fact; actually: In truth, moral decay hastened the decline of the Roman Empire.
In review of the above definitions we can ignore the idiom and archaic definitions, which leaves 10. Definitions 1,2,3,5,6,9, and 10 are easily demonstrated to be verifiable. Thus if we use these seven definitions there are absolute truths.
For instance definition number one, “Ronald Reagan is dead,” or “Barak Obama is president,” would be examples of truth. This “truth” can be determined at any given point in time.
Definition number 2, “Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.” This fact is verifiable and therefore an absolute truth.
Definition number 3, “In base 10 math 2+2 always = 4.” This is again an absolute truth and so forth.
There are many “laws” of nature which are measurable, predictable, reliable constants and thus represent truths of nature. It is “true” the earth revolves around the sun and so forth. Thus around us every day we are presented with predictable and reliable “truths.”
Where things become confusing is when we talk about definitions 4,7, and 8. Is there really anyone whose character is absolutely true, honest, and totally reliable? This is hard for many to accept because every person we have ever encountered with our own eyes is imperfect, flawed, or defective. Every person we have known has, in some way, been dishonest or untrue. Thus we doubt when someone speaks whether there really is any truth.
So your observation is quite right, the only “true” human being, ever, is Jesus Christ. All others are “untrue” and are only able to be rebuilt into beings who become “true” through the work of God in their lives.
Finally, definition number 8, is there an absolute reality upon which the universe exists, absolute “right” and “wrong?” The answer is “absolutely yes!” Both the Bible and nature inform us of this reality. It is the reality of perfect love which originates in the heart of God. God is “love” and love is other-centered or giving. Love is beneficent. The reality of the universe is that God created all things to operate only upon the template of love, giving, seeking to use what you receive to bless others. All things live to give. This truth is testable and demonstrated in nature. Life requires it. Break the circle of giving and death always ensues.
Satan is the father of lies and works with his evil genius to confuse minds and obscure thinking so that mankind forgets the knowledge of God, so mankind forgets the truth of His character, government, and principles and thus concludes there is no truth. But there is a message for this time in earth’s history. A message which is healing, restorative, and freeing; a message about the absolute truth of God’s love!
“It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy and truth. The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is the revelation of His character of love.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p.415
This is the absolute truth the world needs and to which we commit our resources, our talents, our industry, and our lives to promote! We invite you to join us!
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