The question of whether absolute truth exists is one that has been debated by philosophers, theologians, and thinkers for centuries. In a postmodern world of moral relativism, many say that there is no such thing as objective or universal truth. However, the Bible clearly teaches that absolute truth does exist and it is grounded in the very nature and character of God.
The Bible declares that God is truth – “God is light and in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). His nature embodies what is true, right, and eternal. As the eternal, unchanging Creator of the universe, God himself establishes absolute moral truth and spiritual truth. Additionally, Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). As the Son of God, Jesus perfectly revealed God’s truth to humanity.
So according to the Bible, truth originates in God’s own character and is embodied fully in Christ. God’s truth stands in opposition to the changing opinions, values, and morals of human culture. His truth does not shift or evolve over time. It remains fixed and constant, transcending human knowledge and experience.
This is why the Bible can confidently claim to contain spiritual and moral truth that is universal in scope. Biblical truth applies to all people, in all places, at all times. The universality of biblical truth is seen in verses like: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Though the Bible was written thousands of years ago, its spiritual truths remain completely relevant and authoritative today.
So what are some specific examples of absolute truths found in Scripture?
1. Truth about God
The Bible reveals certain truths about God’s nature and character that define who He is. For example:
- God is all-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17)
- God is all-knowing (Psalm 139:1-6)
- God is holy and morally perfect (Isaiah 6:3)
- God is eternal, with no beginning or end (Psalm 90:2)
- God is good, loving, and compassionate (1 John 4:8; Psalm 103:8)
These attributes describe the one true and living God who exists apart from human imagination or opinion. God does not change based on cultural trends or majority vote. His qualities like omnipotence, omniscience, holiness, and love define his unchanging essence.
2. Truth about humanity
The Bible presents basic truths about human nature – who we are as God’s creations. For example:
- Humans are created in God’s image, with inherent value (Genesis 1:27)
- Humans are morally fallen due to sin, prone to rebellion against God (Romans 3:23)
- Humans experience separation from God due to sin (Isaiah 59:2)
- Humans yearn for meaning, hope, and purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
- Humans are incapable of saving themselves through good works (Titus 3:5)
These truths present a realistic perspective on human identity and the human condition. They explain why the world is characterized by evil, suffering, and brokenness. The Bible’s assertions about human nature align with human experience across cultures and eras.
3. Truth about salvation
The Bible presents God’s exclusive plan of salvation that applies to all people, in all places, at all times. For example:
- Salvation is only found through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12)
- We are saved by God’s grace alone, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Those who repent and believe in Christ are forgiven and granted eternal life (John 3:16)
- The righteous will experience eternal life with God (John 17:3)
- Those who reject Christ face eternal separation from God (Revelation 20:15)
This message of salvation centers on the historical person and work of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. Trusting in Christ’s finished work is the only way people can be made right before God. This truth holds true regardless of cultural context or personal beliefs.
4. Moral truth
The Bible communicates moral truths that define right and wrong for human behavior. For example:
- Lying, adultery, theft, and murder are sins before God (Exodus 20:1-17)
- Hatred is equated with murder (1 John 3:15)
- Sexual immorality is morally wrong (1 Corinthians 6:18)
- Life is sacred from conception to death (Psalm 139:13-16)
- Husbands and wives have a duty to love one another (Ephesians 5:25,33)
These examples reveal timeless moral boundaries that God expects all people to live by. His standards for human behavior transcend culture and apply to all societies. Concepts like justice, love, integrity, and compassion carry universal meaning because they reflect God’s character.
5. Spiritual truth
The Bible contains teachings about the spiritual nature of mankind and the immaterial reality that exists beyond the physical universe. For example:
- Human beings have an eternal soul (Matthew 10:28)
- A spiritual realm inhabited by angels and demons is very real (Ephesians 6:12)
- Satan attempts to deceive people and keep them from God’s truth (2 Corinthians 4:4)
- Using mediums and witchcraft to contact the spirit realm is forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10-13)
- Heaven and hell are literal places that people will spend eternity in (Matthew 25:46)
These examples of spiritual truth in Scripture affirm that an immaterial, spiritual reality exists alongside the physical world we observe. The Bible provides unique insight into this invisible realm that scientism denies and ignores. Yet these truths align with human experiences across time and cultures of supernatural encounters, spiritual oppression, prophetic visions, and life after death.
Absolute Truth Grounded in God’s Character
In summary, the Bible presents universal truths about God, mankind, salvation, morality, and the spiritual realm. These truths are grounded in God’s own character – his perfect holiness, righteousness, justice, and love. Therefore, these truths transcend human opinion, majority vote, societal trends, or cultural context. They remain constant and absolute because God himself is constant and absolute.
Ultimately, Jesus Christ embodied God’s absolute truth in human form. He declared, “I am the truth” (John 14:6). God’s Son upheld moral truth in a sinful world. His perfect life, death, and resurrection made God’s absolute spiritual truth accessible to all. Through Christ, there is hope for all people to know and embrace God’s truths.
So according to Scripture, absolute truth exists because it flows from God’s limitless being. Human viewpoints, philosophies, and worldviews will always be limited and flawed. But God’s universal truths found in the Bible present an accurate, authoritative framework for making sense of mankind’s experiences across cultures and eras. They align with the real world because the Creator shaped and defines that world.
Of course, experiencing God’s truth is more than just intellectual assent. His truths must be embraced by faith. The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Yet when his truth is received by faith, it brings tremendous hope, meaning, and freedom. Jesus promised, “If you abide 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).
So according to the Bible, absolute truth does exist, grounded in God’s unchanging character. His truth is embodied by Jesus Christ and revealed to humanity through Scripture by the power of the Holy Spirit. When embraced in faith, God’s absolute truths provide stability, meaning, and freedom in the midst of an uncertain world.