01 Feb Is the Bible Absolute Truth?

How Do We Know That the Bible is Absolute Truth?

Once a commonly regarded fact, the idea of absolute truth seems to be nearly extinct in our current society. Truth is commonly regarded as subjective, relative, or even non-existent in both religious and non-religious circles. Does absolute truth exist? What does absolute truth even mean? 

Is the Bible absolute truth? We know that the Bible is absolute truth, the inspired word of God. In a world that devalues truth, we must stand firm on the absolute truth provided through Scripture. Upon this truth, we base our worldview and make decisions on how to move throughout our daily lives.  

So, why is it so important to understand that the Bible is absolute truth? What about the popular argument that truth is subjective? In this post, we will take a closer look at how society views and defines truth. But, more importantly, we will look at how we know the Bible is the absolute truth.

It is important to educate yourself on why the existence of absolute truth is so important. In doing so, you will be able to defend your faith more effectively as you continue to grow in your pursuit of truth. 

Biblical Meaning of Truth

Before we dive into the topic of the Bible as absolute truth, it is important to develop an understanding of the Biblical meaning of truth.

Answers in Genesis defines Biblical truth as “firmness, stability, durability, unchangeableness, permanence, duration, constancy, certainty, dependableness, dependability, reliableness, reliability, trustworthiness, faithfulness, fidelity, security, truth, verity”. 

Absolute truth provides us with stability, permanence, constancy. It provides us with a framework for all of life. For this reason, absolute truth is much more important than one might first assume.

Why is Absolute Truth So Important?

Although some individuals, including some in Christian communities, believe that absolute truth is not important we know that this is not the case. Absolute truth is not simply a matter of religion. Absolute truth impacts every area of life, determining right from wrong and providing a framework through which we view things. 

In an article for Focus on the Family, Linda Keffer writes, “If we have ultimate truth, it gives us both a way to explain the world around us and a basis for making decisions. Without it, we’re alone. We’re just 6 billion organisms running around, bumping into each other with nothing unifying to work for or believe in. It’s every man for himself. And we’re without a purpose; if there’s no true story of where we came from and why we’re here, then there’s nothing that really gives our lives meaning.”

Without absolute truth, man is left to interpret things as he sees fit. A lack of absolute truth is a lack of meaning and purpose for life. 

Truth is An Important Part of God’s Character

John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  And in John 1:14 we read, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

From these verses and many others, we know that truth is an important part of God’s character. It is central to who He is. God is eternal and unchanging, the very antithesis of absolute truth. For this reason, to believe in God is to believe in absolute truth. 

Additionally, we know that the Bible is the inspired word of God. God, who is the very picture of absolute truth, could not inspire words that were not also absolutely true. Christians must believe in the Bible as absolute truth as it is central to the nature of God. 

Society Believes Truth is Subjective

While the majority of society believed in absolute truth at one point, this is no longer the case. In our current society, truth is seen as subjective. Each individual has the ability (and responsibility) to determine what is right and wrong in their version of “truth”. 

Some people believe there is no truth while others believe there are many truths. We see the negative effects of this belief system almost daily. Without an absolute truth guiding morality, what is considered a heinous crime to one person may be deemed “appropriate” to another. Because of this, we are sadly seeing a great decline in overall morality in our country. Without a frame of reference based on absolute truth, people are left to make decisions that suit their personal agendas.

If Truth is Subjective, There is No Right or Wrong

Perhaps the greatest reason why society continues to stray away from acknowledging the existence of absolute truth is for personal comfort. If truth is subjective, there is no right or wrong. A person who would otherwise feel guilty or condemned by a morality based on absolute truth no longer feels this way. By replacing absolute truth with relative truth, individuals no longer have an absolute doctrine governing their lives.

Common Sense Proves that Truth is Absolute

With just a brief look at the concept of relative truth, common sense proves that truth must be absolute. An article written by Alex McFarland for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association provides a great example of this fact. 

Alex writes, “Besides relativism’s inherent logical flaws, the fact is, such platitudes just aren’t livable. I doubt someone would remain tolerant of a bank teller who said, “You and your bank statement both say your account contains $5,000. That may be true for you, but it’s not true for me.” We can talk as if the world is relative, but how we live proves that it is absolute.”

Even someone who promotes and defends the idea of subjective or relative truth can not argue the fact that our world is governed by absolute truth. This absolute truth originates in the Bible, the source of all truth. 

Why People Reject the Bible As Absolute Truth

So, why do so many people reject the Bible as absolute truth? Why, even in Christian circles, are individuals becoming more tolerant of the idea of relative or subjective truth? It all boils down to people wanting to feel more comfortable as they live outside of the bounds of Scripture. 

If The Bible is Truth, It Has Authority

Perhaps the greatest reason why people reject the Bible as absolute truth is that if the Bible is truth, it has authority over their lives. Unfortunately, the majority of people in today’s society shy away from any mention of authority. They desire autonomy to make their own decision based on their version of “truth”. 

People Want to Live Without Rules Other Than Their Own

Far too many people have come to associate rules and morals with a negative connotation. Instead of viewing the morals that exist through absolute truth as protection, they view them as restrictive. Without an acknowledgment of absolute truth, people can live life on their own terms. We know that this quickly leads to dangerous territory.

Bible Verses About Absolute Truth

There are many verses throughout Scripture on the topic of truth. Here are just a few of the most common Bible verses about absolute truth in which to begin your personal study of the topic. 

John 8:32

“…and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 17:17

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

Psalm 119:160

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

1 John 5:20

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

Proverbs 30:5

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”

These are just a few of the many verses in the Bible that speak to the importance of truth and the nature of God as truth. Studying these Scriptures will enable you to more boldly defend the importance of absolute truth and truth found in the Bible.

The Lifelong Pursuit of Truth

As Christians, we must commit to a lifelong pursuit of truth. We must weigh every aspect of life against the absolute truth found in Scripture. While some may view this absolute truth as restrictive, we know that it provides a framework through which to view life. Absolute truth is a critical part of both our faith and our daily living. Without absolute truth, people are left to interpret right from wrong according to their own definitions of the word.

This has led to great immorality, compromise, and injustice in not only our society in America but also the world as a whole. You can learn more about what the Bible says about justice here. By acknowledging the Bible as absolute truth, we gain a foundation on which to pursue equality, liberty, and justice for all.