The Truth stands alone as being without question, a fundamental revelation of the Christian faith. In the New Testament, there are several standards for truth that are expected of Christians. These standards not only guide our beliefs and actions but also help us to discern between true and false teachings. Let us explore some of the biblical standards of truth found in the New Testaments.
The first standard of truth found in the New Testament is that truth is based on God’s word and character. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Here, Jesus is stating that truth is not just a concept but is found in His character.
The second standard of truth is that it is revealed through the Holy Spirit. In John 16:13, Jesus tells His disciples, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” This means that truth is not just something we can find through our own reasoning or intellect, but it is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus and His teachings because they are the embodiment of truth.
As Christians, we must be willing to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide us into all truth.
The third standard of truth is that it is objective and unchanging. In Hebrews 13:8, it says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This means that truth is not something that changes with time or cultural norms. It is a constant and unchanging reality that we can always rely on.
As Christians, we must hold fast to the truth and not compromise it for the sake of cultural relevance or societal acceptance.
The fourth standard of truth is that it is supported by evidence. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Paul writes, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” Here, Paul is emphasizing that the truth of the gospel is not just a subjective belief but is supported by historical evidence.
As Christians, we must be able to provide a rational defense for our faith and be able to articulate the reasons why we believe what we do.
The fifth standard of truth is that it produces fruit in our lives. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.” Here, Paul is saying that the truth of the gospel should produce fruit iportance of honesty and integrity. Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight.” Here, the writer emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in our dealings with others. God expects us to be truthful in all our interactions, and He delights in those who act with integrity.
The New Testament standards of truth
In the New Testament, truth is associated with Jesus Christ, who is referred to as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus is the embodiment of truth, and He came to reveal the truth about God’s character and His plan for salvation. John 1:17 says, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Here, the writer emphasizes that Jesus brought a new revelation of truth that went beyond the law given through Moses.
Another standard of truth found in the New Testament is the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding us into all truth. John 16:13 says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears, He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.” Here, Jesus is promising that the Holy Spirit will guide His followers into all truth, and He will reveal the things that are to come.
As Christians, we are called to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to allow Him to guide us into all truth.
Another standard of truth found in the New Testament is the importance of evidence and rationality. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Here, Peter emphasizes that Christians should be able to provide a rational defense for their faith, and they should be prepared to explain the reasons for their beliefs.
Christianity is not a blind faith, but it is based on evidence and rationality.
Conclusion
The biblical standards of truth found in both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of God’s faithfulness, honesty, integrity, and the importance of following Jesus, the embodiment of truth. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding us into all truth and the importance of evidence and rationality in our beliefs.
As Christians, we are called to follow these standards of truth and to live our lives in a way that is consistent with God’s will.
