Truth: Genuine, Real and Rooted in the Character of God

Truth flows from the unchanging character of God Himself – genuine, objective and enduring. This article considers what truth is, how it is known through Jesus, the written Word and the Holy Spirit, and how it must be lived out in an age of deception.

Note: See the associated article Truth and Grace – embracing both, not one or the other.

The Nature of Truth

Because this attribute originates in God Himself, it is consistent with His eternally fixed character and can be described as genuine, honest, sincere and real (Ps 31:5, 96:13, 119:89). Since truth is objective and based on verifiable facts, it is independent of individual knowledge, emotions, or experiences. However, some individuals may misrepresent facts or share inaccurate information to support their viewpoints. When truth is based on personal experiences, preferences, opinions, or feelings, it is termed subjective truth. As children of God, we must reflect His qualities, be committed to truthful speech and honest dealings in all areas of life, aware that half-truths are deceptive (Ex 20:16; Ps 51:6; 2 Cor 7:14; Eph 4:25, 5:9).

Knowing the Truth

Jesus, the expression of God’s character in human form, stated, “I am the truth” (Jn 1:14, 14:6). Truth is not just inanimate information that we know or study, but a person we must encounter by faith and ‘know’ in our hearts. To the degree we know and apply the truth (encompassed in both Jesus and His teachings), we will be set free from all that is not of God and holds us in bondage (Jn 8:31-32,36). Judas was privileged to be in the physical presence of Jesus, the greatest teacher and example of truth, yet he did not allow this reality to bring about change in his heart, but instead chose to betray Him for money (Mt 26:14-16). Pride blinded the eyes of the religious leaders as to who Jesus was (literally the truth) because they considered they alone had the truth (Lk 18:9-14).

Living by the truth sets you free

The written Word of God derives from ‘the truthful God’ and conveys truth to us. As such it should be obeyed, for it is the standard by which you will ultimately be judged, so ensure what you teach, share and live out is consistent with the truth of God’s Word (Jn 12:48, 17:17; Rom 2:8; Gal 5:7; 2 Tim 2:15). The good news proceeding from the Word of truth reveals the condition of sinful man, the miraculous provision of Christ on our behalf and the change of destiny for those that embrace it (Eph 1:13). Within Scripture there is often a tension between various verses that appear to present an opposing view. However, they provide a fuller and more accurate picture when read alongside these other facets of the ‘total truth’.

Sometimes, the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth. As part of the Godhead He shares this attribute of truthfulness and can lead people into ‘all truth’ (Jn 14:17, 15:26, 16:13; 2 Jn 1:2). In contrast, Satan, who is full of lies and deception, attempts to steal, rob and destroy through false doctrine, myths and error (Prov 12:17,19; Jn 8:44, 10:10; 1 Tim 1:3-4; 1 Jn 4:6).

Living the Truth

Only truth ‘lived out’ is beneficial (2 Thes 2:12). We need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God, allowing it to effect a godly change from the core of our being outwards, so we fearlessly speak the truth, believing and acting on it in faith without compromise (Ps 119:11; Jn 15:7; Col 3:16). To really ‘know the truth’ we must have open ears, an open mind and an obedient heart to respond, and while everyone instinctively knows the truth in a limited measure, many choose to fight against and suppress its message, yet denying or rejecting it doesn’t bring about the change God requires (Gen 6:3; Rom 1:18-32; 2 Cor 13:8). God desires “all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth” for this leads to godliness (1 Tim 2:4; Tit 1:1).

When you know the truth, you are responsible for what you do with it

While we are to speak the truth with wisdom and love, we must be honest. Love alone is no substitute for speaking the truth; although it may initially be an unpleasant truth, it will bring glorious freedom if accepted (Job 6:25; Prov 8:7; Zech 8:16; Eph 4:15,25). The willingness to face the truth about ourselves and act accordingly will also bring us freedom and blessing; otherwise, we will be like those who heard the words of Jesus yet did not put them into practice (Mt 7:24-27; Jas 1:22-25). Make it a priority to actively seek, think about and live by truth as an ongoing lifestyle (Prov 23:23; Dan 9:13; Jn 3:21; Phil 4:8; 1 Jn 1:6). Hold to the truth, don’t compromise to receive acceptance from your peers or bend to political demands as Pilate did (Lk 23:22-25). With humility, own up and put it right when the Holy Spirit convicts you or a fellow believer holds you accountable.

No humans can fully comprehend the truth of God. Instruction and guidance are needed to ensure we ‘walk in the truth’. One of the roles of church leaders is to promote understanding of God’s truth and correct errors – especially amongst children and new Christians (Acts 18:26; Gal 2:11). We must not be fooled by false teachers who deceive many by twisting the truth of Scripture (Mt 24:11; 2 Cor 4:2; Gal 1:7). As the truth keeps us from error, it is our responsibility to examine all teaching to see that it agrees with the Word of God, so we will not be led astray (Act 17:11).

When truth demands a decision, respond with obedience

The pathway of truth is the only safe way to go, for it leads to God and life, while not embracing the truth when it is known results in deception, spiritual darkness and ends in eternal destruction (Ps 15:1-2, 40:11, 43:3; Prov 14:12; Rom 1:25-32; Jas 5:19). The heart cry of the Psalmist was, “Guide me in your truth and teach me… you desire truth in the inner parts… teach me your way, I will walk in your truth… I have chosen the way of truth” (Ps 25:5, 51:6, 86:11, 119:30).

There are serious consequences for ignoring and abandoning truth as evidenced by our modern, unrighteous society that is caught up in deception, disillusionment and confusion, unsure even of what truth is – with untruths, lies and distortion often believed in preference to the truth. Truth corresponds to reality – what is true is real, and what isn’t is false. As representatives of the truth, we must have a clear and definite, yet not judgmental or arrogant, response as we pass on the gospel that He has entrusted to us (2 Cor 10:3-5; 1 Tim 6:20-21; 1 Pet 3:15).

Am I ‘walking’ with a fellow Christian so they become grounded in the faith?

Truth is exclusive; it recognises there is also error and falsehood, and so excludes anything that is not true. If something is true, it can stand being questioned. When it is found to be true and requires a decision from us, our response should be obedience.

When Deception Met the Truth: Three Stories

Jacob deceives Isaac (Gen 27:18-35). Wearing his brother’s clothes and a covering of goatskin, Jacob stole Esau's blessing with a string of lies. Though he gained the inheritance, deceit cost him his home and twenty years of living with a deceiver himself (Gen 29:25). What is gained by lying is often lost by lying.

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10). This couple sold property and gave part of the proceeds while claiming it was the whole amount. Their half-truth, told to win the esteem of others, cost them their lives – a sobering reminder that God weighs the heart, not the appearance of generosity.

God judges the intentions of the heart, not how generous a person appears to be

Jesus before Pilate (Jn 18:37-38). Facing execution, Jesus testified, "In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth." Pilate’s cynical question, “What is truth?", went unanswered – yet the Truth stood before him, and still stands today.

Practical Steps: Living Truthfully

Living truthfully begins with what feeds the mind. Give God's Word the first and the final word each day, so that Scripture – not popular opinion, media noise or personal preference – shapes how you think and decide (Ps 119:11; Jn 17:17). Yet before exposing falsehood anywhere else, invite God to search your own heart: self-deception is the most comfortable lie of all, and it is far better to be corrected by Him now than to be caught out later (Ps 51:6, 139:23-24).

Then let truth govern the tongue. Speak honestly, but speak in love – refusing half-truths, exaggeration and flattery – because words that are true but unloving, or loving but untrue, both fall short (Eph 4:15,25). Weigh every teaching you hear against Scripture rather than accepting it because it sounds convincing (Act 17:11; 1 Jn 4:1), and stay accountable to a trusted believer who has permission to speak truth into your life (Prov 27:6; Jas 5:16). Practised in these ordinary, daily ways, truth becomes a lifestyle rather than an occasional stand.

Reflection and Application

Where have I settled for what is comfortable rather than what is true – and what would facing it honestly look like this week?
Recall a person whose honest word once changed your direction; thank God for them, and consider whether you now owe someone the same courage.
Ask whether fear of others' approval has ever kept you silent when you should have spoken; bring that fear to God in prayer.
Choose one verse from this article and turn it into a short prayer each morning this week.