When is “The Truth” the Truth?

By Bill Brandstatter       Some investigations are going on about classified documents. One investigation concerns former President Donald Trump. The other one concerns current President Joe Biden. Both claim they did nothing wrong; however, others are claiming they did. What is the truth?     The truth is what is known. Jesus stated, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) Every person can know that saving truth the same way. There can be no doubt about it. We have it in writing. God desires that all men be saved and come to knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:4). In our world of relative morality, we can know for certainty that there is a standard that is reliable. We must use the right authoritative standard in determining what is known.     The truth is what is proclaimed. Often, we don’t want to hear the truth. When Felix heard the truth from Paul, he trembled. Later Paul wrote, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16) Paul was just a messenger. Today we need to proclaim the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15) We need to love God and love our fellow man enough for the message of truth to reach their hearts.     The truth is what is written. This follows the other two points quite well. This is a well-known fact. “Put it in writing” is often a statement made to ensure security. When we buy anything, it is always good to put it in writing. I still request this today when I get a call of solicitation. God wanted His Word written down. Paul assures us of the veracity of that which was written before in Rom. 15:4. God had the Old Testament written for “our admonition.” (1 Cor. 10:11) Peter assured his listeners that what was written by the prophets was truthful and was being fulfilled. (Acts 3:24) Jesus mentioned that the prophecies written about Him were being fulfilled. In Luke 24:44 our Lord stated, “All things must be fulfilled that were written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalm concerning me.” (NKJV). The written truth must be looked at and used correctly. Paul told Timothy the truth must be divided correctly. (2 Tim. 3:15) Often today the truth on any matter may be shaded to fit a particular platform or agenda. Could that happen with the Bible as well?     We can know the truth about our salvation and what God’s will for us is today. We need not trust any source other than the word of God. God wants us to know it. We don’t need to doubt it. It can save us and put us in eternity with Him. Jesus said “Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17 NKJV)

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/