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What Is Truth, and Why Does It Matter?

Pilate’s Question and Its Timeless Significance

John 18:38 records Pilate’s words to Jesus: “What is truth?” Those words have reverberated through centuries of thought and debate. Some dismiss the inquiry as a rhetorical device from a Roman governor seeking to dodge responsibility. Others perceive it as an honest question from a man unsettled by the clash between his political power and the presence of a Teacher accused of treason. Regardless of Pilate’s intent, his question demands careful reflection. Truth is central to every dimension of life, from moral choices to a person’s grasp of reality.

The Greek word translated “truth” in this passage (ἀλήθεια alētheia) encompasses more than mere factual accuracy. It refers to what is in accord with actuality, the bedrock of reality itself. It is that which corresponds to what truly is, whether in historical events or in realities that transcend our immediate observation. When Pilate asked, “What is truth?” Jesus had already declared, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36, UASV) The confrontation with Jesus pushed Pilate to consider the essence of truth that stands above worldly systems.

The Nature of Truth in Scripture

Scripture portrays God as the ultimate source of truth. Exodus 34:6 identifies Him as “abounding in loyal love and truth.” Psalm 31:5 refers to Him as the “God of truth.” In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” In both Old and New Testament writings, truth is more than a philosophical ideal. It is the practical, living reality of God’s character revealed in words and deeds. It rests on the premise that God, as Creator, defines what is real and what is consistent with the facts.

Proverbs 12:19 underscores the lasting value of truth: “The lip of truth is established forever, but only for the wink of an eye is a lying tongue.” The one who consistently speaks what is accurate gains a lasting reputation. Even if others momentarily doubt, truth eventually proves itself, while lies crumble. The writer of Proverbs contrasts timeless reliability with the fleeting breath of deception. Being known for honesty is a safeguard against the chaos falsehoods produce.

Loving and Valuing Truth Above All Else

Every sincere Christian must develop a deep love for truth. This entails more than passively holding correct beliefs; it involves seeking truth with diligence, embracing it wherever it is found, and living according to its demands. Paul exhorts believers, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25, UASV) This directive highlights not only the moral necessity of honesty but also the relational dimension of speaking truth. It fosters trust and transparency among believers and even among those who question the faith.

Proverbs 3:3 instructs, “May loyal love and truth not forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them upon your heart.” Rather than limiting truth to a set of abstract ideas, the text envisions a personal commitment that shapes the very core of who we are. The biblical pattern shows that truth is inseparable from loving devotion to God. The pursuit of truth is never an end in itself but part of deepening our fidelity to God’s character and His revealed Word.

Accepting Truth Regardless of the Source

Christians often champion the idea that all truth is God’s truth. Yet when confronted by those outside their community, some believers may reflexively reject a truth claim merely because it comes from a critic or an unbeliever. That impulse contradicts the very nature of truth. If a statement is in harmony with reality, it remains valid whether the speaker is a friend or an enemy. Even Satan, the father of the lie, could accidentally state something correct. No matter who delivers it, truth does not cease to be true.

A person who defends the Christian faith (1 Peter 3:15) must be ready to recognize truth wherever it appears. Refusing to acknowledge a valid point made by an opponent weakens one’s credibility. Even in debate with those hostile to Christianity, an open admission of truth in their statements builds common ground. It demonstrates a commitment to reality over partisanship. The Christian who battles against every utterance from a skeptic, simply because it comes from a skeptic, will not persuade a discerning audience. Being dismissive of obvious facts alienates the sincere inquirer who might otherwise be open to hearing more about the gospel.

Bart D. Ehrman, for instance, is known for advocating skeptical views of the New Testament text. While his conclusions frequently conflict with the convictions of Bible-believing Christians, he acknowledges certain undeniable truths. He affirms Jesus was a real historical figure with a genuine ministry in first-century Judea, eventually executed by Roman authorities. Though he denies other truths central to the Christian faith, the facts he correctly identifies remain true, no matter his overall stance. A Christian secure in the faith can agree with Ehrman’s historically accurate points without endorsing his misrepresentations. A willingness to separate genuine facts from error displays both intellectual honesty and respect for truth.

Navigating Error to Discover What Is Real

Truth in our modern age often feels lost amid a cloud of misinformation. Rumors, distortions, and deliberate falsehoods can obscure reality. Many wander through contradictory claims, unsure where to find reliable foundations. The Christian approach to truth acknowledges that we live in a fallen world where deception abounds. Jesus told His disciples, “See that no one leads you astray.” (Matthew 24:4) The warning highlights the prevalence of error.

Searching for truth sometimes requires one to sift through conflicting accounts of history, science, or theology. A discerning mind, grounded in Scripture, can evaluate these claims carefully. Just as one might traverse a haze-filled city to glimpse a monument of beauty, the pursuit of truth often calls for walking through the fog of half-truths, flawed assumptions, and misinterpretations. The challenge does not negate the importance of seeking truth; it underlines how precious truth is.

Willingness to Abandon Cherished Error

Clinging to a falsehood can lead to devastating consequences. Those who discover a doctrine, tradition, or long-held belief to be in error face a test of humility. If a person’s upbringing, church heritage, or family tradition has instilled certain erroneous views, letting go can be wrenching. Yet when confronted with new information that aligns with Scripture and reason, faithfulness to God demands a course correction. Maintaining error simply because it is comfortable or familiar can stunt spiritual growth.

Proverbs 12:19 proclaims, “The lip of truth is established forever.” Embracing truth, even at the cost of discarding falsehood, offers stability. If a belief once held dear proves unbiblical, the Christian is obligated to abandon it. This may result in misunderstanding from friends or difficulty in reconfiguring one’s theology, but the end result is a closer alignment with what is real. Such was the case with the apostle Paul, who underwent a radical transformation once he encountered the risen Jesus.

The Example of Saul of Tarsus

Before becoming the apostle Paul, Saul of Tarsus fiercely opposed early Christians. He believed they were a dangerous sect threatening the religious heritage of Israel. He knew from Deuteronomy that anyone hanged on a tree was under a curse, and he concluded that Jesus, executed as a blasphemer, could not be the Messiah. He locked up Christians and approved the execution of Stephen.

The intensity of Saul’s persecution flowed from what he believed to be loyalty to God. He was guarding the Mosaic traditions, convinced that Jesus had failed to establish the kingdom prophesied by Daniel—one that would shatter earthly governments and endure forever. For Saul, it was unthinkable that this crucified individual could be the promised Messiah. Yet a pivotal moment arrived on the road to Damascus when the resurrected and glorified Jesus confronted him. Saul realized the truth he had once despised. The one he regarded as cursed by God was, in fact, the exalted Lord. Without hesitation, Saul abandoned the error that once drove his life. In doing so, he became Paul, the apostle to the nations, whose inspired letters now shape Christian doctrine.

The truth he embraced demanded a drastic reorientation. Christ’s identity as the resurrected Son of God and rightful ruler over all transformed Paul from an enemy of believers into their most ardent advocate. His example offers a profound lesson: love for truth supersedes even the strongest attachments to prior beliefs. If one of the most rigorously trained Pharisees could set aside his previous certainties, then modern believers must also be prepared to renounce any false notion when faced with biblical truth.

The Enduring Quality of Truth

Truth cannot be extinguished by time or opposition. It retains its essence despite efforts to distort it. Proverbs 12:19 states, “The lip of truth is established forever, but only for the wink of an eye is a lying tongue.” Revelation 21:8 warns that “all liars” face God’s judgment. The message is not ambiguous. Though falsehood thrives briefly, truth remains an unmovable pillar. It continues to stand firm even when entire societies shift their moral and intellectual grounds.

The final outworking of God’s plan vindicates truth. Psalm 119:160 echoes this theme by declaring, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” All that aligns with God’s Word shares in its permanence. In daily life, believers experience the security of having an anchor in the midst of cultural whims. Rather than succumbing to the perplexity that arises when “truth” is treated as relative or malleable, Christians who cling to biblical revelation enjoy clarity and stability.

Truth and the Christian Witness

A Christian’s dedication to truth is essential for effective witness. The apostle Peter urged believers always to be ready to make a defense “to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15) An articulate argument alone, however, does not suffice if the speaker is prone to deception or denial of well-established facts. The Christian who speaks truth, whether in major doctrinal matters or ordinary conversation, reflects the integrity of the God they serve.

A disregard for truth can hurt the cause of the gospel. If a believer uncritically spreads misinformation or misrepresents another person’s position, observers question whether they can trust the message. A consistent devotion to truth does the opposite. It draws earnest seekers, showing them that scriptural faith is coherent, honest, and not afraid of factual scrutiny.

The Intersection of Truth, Love, and Humility

Truth is not a mere intellectual exercise. It intersects with the virtues of love and humility. Ephesians 4:15 calls believers to speak “the truth in love.” A commitment to truth must never be weaponized to crush or humiliate others. Rather, it is to be applied with gracious concern for the spiritual welfare of the hearer. This combination of truth and love reveals the heart of biblical ethics.

Humility is crucial because no single human mind grasps all truth. Even the most astute Christian thinker continually learns. James 4:6 reminds the believer that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” A humble posture toward truth means acknowledging areas of ignorance, studying diligently, and being open to correction. Humility also entails crediting others when they share valid insights. Such an attitude fosters an environment of learning and collaboration, rather than rivalry and distrust.

The Power of Scripture as the Ultimate Standard

Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17) Scripture is central to Christian understanding of truth. It provides the measuring rod by which all other claims are tested. Historically, those who have attempted to undermine Christianity have targeted the reliability of the Bible, hoping to erode believers’ confidence. Yet Scripture has repeatedly withstood scrutiny, from archaeological investigation to textual analysis.

While some critics, including those who profess expertise in biblical studies, question the reliability of Scripture, an objective examination of the evidence upholds its historical trustworthiness. Confident acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God does not close the mind; it frees the believer to explore science, history, and philosophy, assured that valid discoveries will complement, not overturn, the biblical account. Truth from nature complements the truth of divine revelation, each part shining light on the other.

Truth’s Relationship to Salvation

Truth is not only integral to understanding the world; it is also pivotal for salvation. Paul speaks of those who “refused to love the truth and so be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10) This shows that rejecting what is real and accurate in the gospel message can lead to spiritual ruin. Embracing God’s truth opens the door to forgiveness, redemption, and a reconciled relationship with the Creator. Jesus declared, “If you remain in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Truth liberates from the bondage of sin and deception.

This freedom includes deliverance from guilt, from bondage to harmful desires, and from existential confusion. It does not guarantee a life free of hardships, but it does ground the believer in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word. Since truth is not merely a concept but is personified in Christ, uniting with Him brings assurance that transcends earthly perplexities.

Searching for Truth Beyond Superficial Knowledge

Some imagine that truth is found only in formal education or theological training. While such learning can illuminate important matters, the quest for truth extends beyond academic halls. Truth is woven into every dimension of life. People encounter it in personal experiences, in relationships, and in facing moral dilemmas. An honest heart perceives lessons that casual observers overlook.

Christians are called to be lifelong students of Scripture. They are instructed to love God with all their minds. (Matthew 22:37) This includes reflecting on doctrinal teachings, historical events, and moral principles to see how each facet aligns with biblical revelation. It also means evaluating their own motives and prejudices, recognizing the potential for self-deception. The sin that corrupts human nature can twist how we interpret reality. Recognizing that vulnerability is a necessary step in the pursuit of truth.

Overcoming Skepticism and Relativism

In a cultural climate that often doubts objective truth, many adopt the stance that nothing can be known with certainty. This relativism collides with the biblical view that truth is real, knowable, and unchanging. While finite humans cannot grasp every aspect of God’s infinite mind, we can apprehend enough truth to walk faithfully. Deuteronomy 29:29 declares, “The secret things belong to Jehovah our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Not all mysteries are disclosed to mortals, but the truths required for righteous living are clearly revealed.

Skepticism that denies the possibility of knowing truth becomes self-refuting. If one claims there is no truth, that claim itself purports to be true, thus dismantling its own premise. Biblical faith stands on better ground. It does not pretend that humans, in themselves, have all answers. Instead, it relies on the self-revelation of a personal God. That revelation, preserved in Scripture, stands as an objective reference point in the swirl of speculation.

Truth and Personal Transformation

Truth does more than inform the mind. It transforms the heart and conduct of those who embrace it. The apostle Paul describes this transformation, urging believers “not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) Knowing the truth about God’s will, humanity’s condition, and the hope of salvation reshapes how a Christian lives. Actions are no longer arbitrary but anchored in eternal principles.

When the Christian strives to live by truth, hypocrisy diminishes. Speech matches conviction. The pursuit of purity becomes more than external compliance; it reflects internal alignment with reality. Relationships flourish when all parties commit to honesty and integrity. As individuals mature in Christ, their character increasingly reflects His image. They learn to reject hypocrisy and manipulation, both forms of falsehood that corrode trust. The fruit of truth is genuine godliness.

Engaging the World with Truth

Christian witness does not stop at the church door. Jesus commissioned His followers, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.” (Mark 16:15) This proclamation involves sharing the truth about humanity’s sin, Christ’s sacrifice, and the invitation to eternal life. Engaging a skeptical world calls for patience and clarity. Christians do not spread the gospel as rumor or uncertain speculation, but as a factual announcement of the historical person, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Since these events occurred within time and space, they invite historical scrutiny. Far from fearing investigation, believers recognize that history corroborates the biblical narrative, reinforcing the trustworthy nature of the message.

In dialogues with those holding different worldviews, a commitment to truth compels the Christian to represent opposing positions accurately. Mischaracterizing another’s perspective, even if done to bolster one’s own argument, is a departure from truth. Overcoming disagreement does not necessitate violating integrity. In fact, honest treatment of other viewpoints often opens doors to meaningful discussions, showing that the believer is genuinely concerned about what is real rather than merely scoring rhetorical victories.

Truth’s Final Vindication

Scripture describes a future where God will judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). In that day, truth itself will be displayed unequivocally. The illusions and pretenses of a fallen world will vanish. Those who built their lives on falsehood will face judgment, while those established on God’s truth will enter His everlasting presence. The temporary illusions of cultural fads or philosophical trends cannot stand against God’s unchangeable reality.

Revelation 21:5 discloses divine assurance: “Behold, I am making all things new.” The new creation will be marked by life as God intended—free from deception, free from corruption. That eternal state will reflect the perfect consistency between God’s will and creation. For the present, believers labor to be ambassadors of that coming reality, living and speaking truth in a world still muddled by error.

Conclusion

Pilate’s ancient words “What is truth?” echo powerfully in an age awash with conflicting messages. The biblical answer emphasizes that truth is grounded in God’s nature and Word. It points us to the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, who embodies truth in action. The Scriptures call every person to cherish truth above tradition, sentiment, or convenience. They beckon us to cling to what is valid, reject what is false, and allow truth to shape both our worldview and our conduct.

A Christian is called to remain humble, ever learning, ever refining beliefs under the light of Scripture. Believers must be open to truths wherever they appear, since God is not constrained by human categories or allegiances. Yet this pursuit is not a passive acceptance of every claim. It requires discernment, tested by God’s revealed Word, to sift through the many voices clamoring for attention.

If truth is precious, it demands more than mental assent. It transforms hearts and families, reshaping communities and influencing cultures. It requires moral courage, since embracing it can challenge personal preferences or popular opinion. It also brings liberation, for the only path to genuine freedom lies in what is real and unchangeable. As Jesus declared, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

Accepting truth from any source while standing firmly on Scripture is not contradictory. It is the logical posture of a faith confident in the God who undergirds all reality. Though lies may cloud many minds for a season, they will eventually blow away like chaff in the wind. Truth stands forever, echoing in the pages of Scripture and resonating in the hearts of those who seek it sincerely. That enduring foundation is the inheritance of believers. When all else fades, it is by truth that God’s people prevail, and by truth that they offer hope to a searching world.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).