We know that truth (no matter the discipline) is objective. Truth is defined by Webster: “the body of real things, events, and facts; the real facts about something; the state of being the case.”
It can be simple or complex mathematics, scientific discovery, or spiritual truth. In all cases it is real and certain. Let’s give an example. Some people claim the earth is a flat, stationary disk with the North Pole at its center and Antarctica functioning as an ice wall around the edges. The recent scientific achievement of Artemis II (the trip to the moon) was accomplished by knowing the true nature of the earth. Further, photographs clearly show the spherical nature of the earth. It is a fact. (Actually a fact that has been known for hundreds of years, despite the claims of the Flat Earth Society).
When we get into the realm of religion, people deny that objective truth still remains. People began to claim that “your truth is different from my truth.” This type of Postmodern thinking is unacceptable to most, except when it comes to God. But it must be noted that thinking the earth is flat does not make it so. Thinking 2+2=5 does not make it so. And thinking that there is no objective truth about God and His will for man does not make it so!
Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). What Jesus spoke about was objective, quantifiable, known. It has been revealed and can be determined by man, just like scientific or mathematical truths. Consider how the word “truth” is used in scripture: (Gk. aletheia) – “verity, truth. Universally, what is true in any matter under consideration.” Whether one believes that the Bible is true or not, it must be accepted that the Bible uses the term in the same way we do, and claims that we can objectively know about God and His will. And contending that the Bible does not contain absolute and objective truth does not make it so!
God has always communicated with man in a way that could be understood by him! As an example, consider Moses and Israel. “So Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, ‘All the words which the LORD has said we will do’” (Exodus 24:3).
These were instructions, not suggestions or vague guidelines. The Lord determined what He required of the fledgling nation, and the people acknowledged His will. We too need to say, “All the words which the Lord has said we will do”! The apostle Paul affirmed God’s desire for us. He wrote that God our Savior, “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of TRUTH” (1 Timothy 2:4; emph., mine SC).
To understand written language there are certain things that we must know. These things are true for all written words. If the words are cogent, it allows us to determine meaning. For example, our national, state and local laws are written. They are enforceable because they can be understood. When the accused stands before a judge, saying “your truth is different from my truth” holds no water. Now men can make mistakes and write laws or edicts that are contradictory or nonsensical, but we are talking about God’s word. His divine will is understandable if we study it and apply it correctly.
The rules we follow as we study God’s word go by the fancy name “hermeneutics”. In effect, there are established principles of interpretation which allow us to give “the sense” of God’s law (cf. Nehemiah 8:8). Consider what the Bible tells us about itself, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Note: Instruction can not be profitable nor equipping if it can’t be understood correctly. Paul affirmed that God revealed mysteries to himself and others. He wrote, “by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4).
Those who lived under the first covenant certainly believed that they could know and understand God’s will. As Isaiah exhorted, “To the law and to the testimony!” Further he claimed that those who “do not speak according to this word” were not to be heard; “there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Just like them, it is important for us to know God’s law for us, reading, studying and meditating upon it so that we can understand what is true. We learn what we must do and what we must refrain from doing. We learn about God, His Son and Spirit; His plan for redeeming man; and the true hope of Heaven that we have as His children.
So, in order to please God we must acknowledge His revelation to us. It is understandable, objectively true and accurate, and applicable to every aspect of our lives. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). Showing a proper respect for the objective truth of scripture will keep us from being led away into error. It will promote unity among us as we “all speak the same thing” (1 Corinthians 1:10). It allows us to give a proper response to others who seek the truth. “Give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (Galatians 3:15). And it allows us to “defend the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) when we are confronted with error.
