Objective truth refers to absolute truth that is true at all times and in all places, independent of human perception or belief. According to the Bible, God is the ultimate source and foundation of objective truth. Here are some key biblical teachings on objective truth:
God’s Word is Truth
The Bible affirms that God’s Word is truth. Jesus declared “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). The psalmist wrote “The sum of your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160). God’s Word reveals objective truths that transcend time, culture and human understanding. God’s truth is eternal and unchanging.
Jesus is Truth
Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He is the perfect revelation of God and the fullest embodiment of truth. Jesus came to testify to the truth (John 18:27) and he is the Truth that sets people free from sin and deception (John 8:32). Through Jesus, we can know absolute spiritual truth.
The Holy Spirit Leads into Truth
A key role of the Holy Spirit is to guide believers into truth. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will “guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). The Spirit enables us to discern God’s objective truth in Christ and Scripture. He leads us beyond our limited human viewpoints to understand divine truths.
God’s Word is Objective Truth
The Bible presents God’s Word as objective revelation of truth, not just subjective human ideas. It repeatedly affirms “thus says the Lord”, underscoring that Scripture reveals God’s authoritative truth. The psalmist declared God’s word is “firmly fixed in the heavens” – eternal and unchanging (Psalm 119:89).
God’s Truth is Knowable
Though our human understanding is finite, God has revealed objective truths that we can know. Jesus prayed “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). God intends for us to be set apart by knowing His Word of truth. Scripture says we can know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32).
All Truth is God’s Truth
God is the ultimate source of all truth – scientific, moral, spiritual and more. His Word created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1). True science and reason should agree with Scripture. As Paul stated “All things were created through him and for him…in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17).
Truth is Absolute, Not Relative
Postmodern culture says truth is relative and subjective. But the Bible presents God’s truth as absolute and unchanging, not dependent on person or culture. Jesus said “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:33). God’s Word stands forever as objective truth.
Obeying God’s Truth Sets Free
Jesus said “If you abide in my word…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32). Obeying God’s revealed truth frees us from sin, deception and hopelessness. We are liberated by living according to His eternal truths rather than deceitful worldly notions.
Speak Truth with Love
Believers are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Standing for objective biblical truth should be accompanied by Christlike care for others. Truth liberates, but we must share it graciously. “Love…rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6).
Pray for Wisdom and Discernment
Since we are prone to human limitations, we should ask God for discernment to perceive His truth. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). The Holy Spirit helps us discern truth from falsehood. Pray for wisdom and understanding of God’s objective truth.
Test All Truth Claims
Not all claims to truth align with reality. We are called to test them. “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). Evaluate teaching and ideas against Scripture. God’s Word equips us to discern what is true.
Commit to Truth over Preferences
Standing for truth means upholding God’s reality over personal preferences. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). On issues where we feel differently than biblical truth, we submit our views to His higher ways. God’s truth judge’s our desires.
Choose Truth over Lies
Scripture warns against deceit and lying. “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). Intentional dishonesty displeases God. We must turn from lies and actively embrace God’s truth.
Truth Brings Freedom
Upholding God’s liberating truth sometimes means challenging worldly customs and groupthink. We “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Standing for truth brings freedom from unbiblical views.
Truth Does Not Change
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). God and His Word remain constant forever. His truth does not morph to fit changing cultural norms. Scripture instructs us not to be “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
Believe God over Circumstances
When facing hard circumstances, believers uphold God’s truths over troubling outward realities. We “look not to the things that are seen but the things that are unseen” (2 Corinthians 4:18). In confusion and darkness, we cling to God’s eternal promises and certainties.
Reject Relativism
Moral relativism asserts there are no absolute values. But this is contrary to Scripture. There are behaviors God consistently calls good or evil across all cultures. Relativism denies objective moral truth exists. But God’s Word proves otherwise.
Truth and Grace
Sometimes Christians separate God’s truth and grace – but Jesus embodied both perfectly. He taught hard spiritual truths but was also gracious to sinners. “Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). We are called to uphold truth like Jesus did – with mercy.
Supremacy of Christ
Jesus affirmed the utter supremacy of His identity and mission, asserting “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He made exclusive claims of truth, unlike postmodern pluralism. Truth is found in Christ alone. There is no access to the Father but through Him.
Truth and Love
Scripture links truth and love as essential companions. “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Truth should not be wielded as a weapon but spoken in gentleness and care.
Obedience to Truth
We obey God’s truths not just intellectually ascent to them. “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.” (1 John 2:3). Obedience confirms inner acceptance of truth. Outward conduct demonstrates our trust in God’s commands.
Persecution for Truth
Jesus warned upholding His truths would bring persecution. “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). But enduring hostility for the sake of the gospel is a blessing. God’s eternal truth is worth any cost this world may inflict.
Unity in Truth
Genuine Christian unity can only be attained by common commitment to God’s revealed truth. “I appeal to you brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Truth and Freedom
Belief in God’s truth represents the only path to genuine human freedom. “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). Freedom is found in submitting all of life to the liberating realities God has revealed.
Eternal Word Stands Forever
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) Earthly supports all ultimately fail, but God’s eternal truth remains steadfast. His Word stands valid for all people across all times.