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What is Truth?

written by Asher Intrater
August 29, 2014

There is a clash of so-called “truth” in the world today. When Yeshua stood before Pilate, He told Pilate that He was the truth and was born to bear witness of the truth. Pilate’s last words to Yeshua are a significant question:

John 18:38
What is truth?

Yeshua seemed not to answer. What could He answer? He was the Truth incarnate standing before Pilate. His very presence was the answer to Pilate’s question. However, Pilate was looking for something rational or philosophical. Yeshua’s truth was personal and moral.

Truth comes from three sources:

  1. Yeshua (John 14:6).
  2. The Spirit of God (John 14:17)
  3. The Word of God (John 17:17)

Truth has a moral quality. A true person is someone you can trust. Truth is not just affirmed mentally; it must be obeyed (Romans 2:8, Galatians 3:1, 5:7). Real truth is spiritual and has an ability to change our lives in a dramatic way.

John 8:32
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

There is a flood of lies in the world today (Revelation 12:15). Truth seems to be irrelevant to most discussions (Isaiah 59:14-15). Perverted sexual relations are called “natural alternatives.” Lies of Islamic Jihad are considered legitimate. Israel is accused of war crimes while the terrorists are hailed as freedom fighters. Every kind of weird cult and philosophy is considered reasonable, while Christians are portrayed as fanatic fundamentalists. Darkness is called light; and light darkness (Isaiah 5:20).

But the truth remains the truth and nothing can change it (II Corinthians). We are to be a people who “love the truth” whether or not it is socially acceptable (II Timothy 2:10). We are called to be a “pillar and stronghold” of the truth despite the darkness in the world (I Timothy 3:15). 

There is an onslaught of lies in today’s society. Communications systems have mushroomed beyond all imagination. The younger generation is being flooded by so much seemingly contradictory information that they feel it is impossible to believe in any “one” truth. The idea that there is such a thing as “absolute” truth seems old-fashioned and archaic. 

However, truth remains the truth no matter how many are lying. Ultimately the truth will prevail, by the very fact that it is true.

II Corinthians 13:8 – For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

To find truth, we must desire it and look for it. Truth is not discerned passively. We must overcome enormous amounts of untruths before we can arrive at the truth. We must want the truth even if it goes against our selfishness. We must love the truth more than lies that make us feel good. We are to be a people who “love the truth” whether or not it is socially acceptable.

II Thessalonians 2:10 – …received the love of truth by which they can be saved

People who really want and love truth will find it. As they understand, believe and obey the truth, they are saved. That group of people who have loved and found the truth in the face of such opposition, must then hold on to it, protect it and pass it on to others.

I Timothy 3:15 – …the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.

We are called to be a “pillar and stronghold” of the truth despite the darkness in the world. The community of faith is composed of those who love truth, defend truth, live according to truth, and fight for the truth in our society.

Asher serves as president of Tikkun Global family of ministries and congregations, dedicated to the dual restoration of Israel and the Church. He is founder of the Revive Israel five-fold ministry team, and oversees both Ahavat Yeshua and Tiferet Yeshua congregations in Israel.

He and his wife Betty share a passion for personal prayer and devotion, local evangelism and discipleship in Hebrew, and unity of the Body of believers worldwide.

Asher was raised in a conservative Jewish home and holds degrees from Harvard University, Baltimore Hebrew College and Messiah Biblical Institute. He has authored numerous books, tracts and articles.

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