What is Truth?

John 18:37–38 ESV

37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

Introduction:

Truth versus Falsehood

Ephesians 4:25 ESV

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

See also Jn 3:33; Jn 4:37; Jn 18:23; Jn 19:35; Ac 7:1; Ac 21:24; Ac 24:8; Ac 26:25; Ro 1:18; Ro 9:1; 1 Co 15:54; 2 Co 7:14; Ga 4:16; Tt 1:13; 2 Pe 2:22; 1 Jn 2:4; 2 Jn 1–2

Truth as Reality

Hebrews 9:24 ESV

24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

See also Jn 1:9; Jn 4:23; Jn 17:3; Eph 4:24; 1 Th 1:9; 1 Ti 1:2; 1 Ti 6:19; Tt 1:2; Tt 3:2; Heb 8:2; Heb 12:8; 1 Pe 5:12; 1 Jn 2:5; 1 Jn 2:8; 1 Jn 5:20; Re 19:9

Truth as Affirmations

John 6:47 ESV

47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

See also Mt 6:2; Mt 10:23; Mt 16:28; Mt 19:23; Mt 23:36; Mt 26:13; Mk 9:41; Mk 11:23; Lk 12:44; Lk 21:3; Jn 1:51; Jn 5:24–25; Jn 8:34; Jn 10:7; Jn 16:7; Php 1:15; 1 Ti 3:9

Truth as Reliability

The quality of truth

Philippians 4:8 ESV

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

See also Jn 1:17; Jn 3:21; Jn 4:24; Jn 17:17; Ro 2:20; 1 Co 5:8; 1 Co 13:6; 2 Co 13:8; Eph 5:9; Eph 6:14; 3 Jn 12

Truth and the Character of God

Romans 3:3–4 ESV

3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”

See also Ps 51:4; Ro 3:7; Ro 15:8; 1 Jn 5:20; Re 3:7; Re 3:14; Re 6:10; Re 15:3; Re 16:7; Re 19:2; Re 19:11

Truth as a human quality

1 John 1:8 ESV

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Ac 11:23

See also Jn 3:21; Jn 7:18; Ac 14:22; Eph 4:15; Php 1:18; Re 2:13

Jesus Christ the Truth

John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

See also Jn 1:14; Jn 15:1; Jn 18:37–38; 1 Jn 5:20

The Spirit of God as truth

John 16:13 ESV

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

See also Jn 14:16–17; Jn 15:26; 1 Jn 4:6; 1 Jn 5:6

The Gospel and Christian Faith as Truth

Ephesians 1:13 ESV

13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

See also Jn 8:31–32; Ac 20:30; 2 Co 4:2; Ga 2:5; Col 1:5; 1 Ti 2:3–4; 1 Ti 4:6; 2 Ti 2:18; 2 Ti 4:4; Tt 1:1; Jas 5:19; 2 Pe 2:2; 1 Jn 3:19

Conclusion:

The Reality of Salvation the Eternal Life

You must HEAR God’s Word, to have Eternal Life...

Romans 10:17 ESV

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

You must BELIEVE God’s Word, to have Eternal Life...

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

You must REPENT from the life opposed to God’s Word, to have Eternal Life...

Luke 13:3 ESV

3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

You must CONFESS the “Word,” who is Jesus, to have Eternal Life...

Romans 10:9 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

You must Be BAPTIZED for the remission of Sins, to have Eternal Life...

Acts 2:38 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

You must REMAIN FAITHFUL, to have Eternal Life...

Revelation 2:10 ESV

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.