Truth, Knowledge, and Feelings

Is truth true for everyone?

According to the most prevalent theory of truth, one accepted by the majority of philosophers, and, as we shall see, implicitly accepted by all philosophers, is the Correspondence Theory of Truth. The correspondence theory says that truth is that which corresponds with reality. To be more precise, truth is a quality that applies to beliefs, statements and propositions which describe reality the way it actually is.

Truth​ - That which is reliable or factual.

Truth is found in Jesus Christ John 14:6 “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

God’s Word is truth John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

We must not only believe the truth but also live by it 1 John 1:5–7 “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Do your feelings determine your faith?

Feelings are subjective internal perceptions, sensations, and responses.

Faith​ - Reliance upon and trust in God; a central emphasis of Christianity.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.”

Romans 10:17 Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”

Hebrews 11:6 “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

How do we know anything at all?

Fearing God is an important concept in the ot. While “fear” can describe terror or dread (Gen 3:10), the ot use of “fear” often indicates awe or reverence. To fear God is to express loyalty to Him and faithfulness to His covenant. Those who fear God exhibit trust in Him and obedience to His commandments. According to the ot, those who fear God obtain God’s protection, wisdom, and blessing.

John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016).

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Proverbs 9:10 ““The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever.”

Proverbs 14:27 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.”