The Truth Heals

I have been studying the questions of Pontius Pilate.  Each question of Pilate has encouraged us to consider our own encounter with Jesus.  Pilate’s question, “Are you a king then?” should encourage us to consider Christ’s lordship in our own life.  Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king.  For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37).  If Jesus is telling us that this is THE REASON He came into the world, it is worthy of every person’s attention.  It should be reason for everyone to pause and inquire for more information.  Yet, Pilate dismisses Jesus.  “Pilate said to Jesus, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, ‘I find no fault in Him at all'” (John 18:38).  During my nearly 25 years of ministry, I have seen many respond to Jesus with the same response as Pilate.  They have nothing really against Him, they just have no interest in hearing what He has to say.  Pilate was asking the right questions, he just didn’t listen close enough to the response.

We live in a culture today that rejects absolutes.  Can anything be true?  What makes something right or wrong?  What makes something to be true?

According to Barna Research Group, the number one source to determine whether something is true or not is personal feelings.  We might ask, “Is lying wrong?”  Most of us would certainly say “Yes!”  The next question we must ask is “Why is lying wrong?”

• Feelings.  (Feelings change.)
• My parents taught me.  (Parents make mistakes.)
• The church taught me.  (The church can point you to truth, but does not make something to be true.)
• It’s illegal.  (Laws change.)
• If it hurts people.  (Feelings change.)
• Consequences.  (Consequences vary.)

Is lying wrong because the Bible says, “Do not lie” (cf. Col. 3:9) or does the Bible say “Do not lie” because lying is wrong?  We could also ask, is murder wrong because the Bible says, “Do not murder,” or does the Bible say “Do not murder” because murder is wrong?

Our measure for determining right from wrong must flow from the character of God (cf. John 18:37-38).

Why is lying wrong?  Because God is truth!  Why is murder wrong?  Because God is life!  Why is hatred wrong?  Because God is love!  Why is justice right?  Because God is just!  Why is purity right?  Because God is pure!

If we are going to understand TRUTH, we must know the person, character, and nature of God!  The better I know the person, character, and nature of God… the better we can understand truth.  Judges 17:6 reminds us of the impact of the fall (sin), “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”  When Christ is not King in your life, then you are left to determine “what is right in your own eyes” (e.g. feelings, parents, church, illegal, etc.).

When Christ is the King of your life, then the Holy Spirit begins to develop the character of God into your life.  It is a measure of authenticity.  Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (cf. John 8:31-32).  If you want the ability to discern right from wrong, then you must know the character of God.