Question 1

Who determines truth?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.2 Samuel 7:28“For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth.”Only God can determine truth because he created the truths by which life and the universe function.John 8:31-32Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”The truth, even when it is hard, sets people free from ignorance and deception. Since God is truth and sets the standards for truth, knowing his truths frees us from the ignorance and deception of what the world claims is true.

Question 2

What is absolute truth?

Accepted Answer

Job 34:12“Truly, God will not do wrong. The Almighty will not twist justice.”Psalm 18:30God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.Psalm 19:7The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.Psalm 33:4The word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.Psalm 111:7-8All he does is just and good, all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.Psalm 119:91Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.Psalm 119:160The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.Proverbs 12:19Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.Proverbs 30:5Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.Isaiah 40:8“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”Most define absolute truth as the things that are true for all people, for all times, for all places. Absolute truth is truth that is universal and constant. Therefore, absolute truth must originate from God, who is the only being who transcends all people, places, and time, and who is objective, universal, and constant. In other words, God didn’t just create truth; he is truth itself.John 3:33“Anyone who accepts his [Jesus’] testimony can affirm that God is true.”Romans 3:4Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”Titus 1:1-2I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.Absolute truth originates from God as the creator of the laws and principles that govern the world, life, and relationships. Without absolute principles on which we can rely, the world would not be able to exist or function.Exodus 20:1God gave the people all these instructions.Nehemiah 9:13“You [God] came down at Mount Sinai and spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and instructions that were just, and decrees and commands that were good.”Psalm 119:128, 142Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way. . . . Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true.2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.God’s Word is absolute truth. His standards are those upon which human life is meant to be based, standards that create peace, harmony, and unity in relationships. God has set these standards and if we follow them, we experience greater joy and purpose.

Question 3

How can I know the Bible is true?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 23:19“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”1 Samuel 15:29“And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!”Psalm 119:160The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.John 14:6Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”John 17:17“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.”God’s Word is true because it is an extension of God’s truthful character.John 15:26“I [Jesus] will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.”John 16:13“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”John 18:37-38Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” “What is truth?” Pilate asked.2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.When the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds, our hearts recognize the truth. Indeed, the human quest for truth finds fulfillment in Christ Jesus, but hard hearts are still free to question and reject the truth.Luke 1:1-4Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.Luke 24:33-36There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said.Luke 24:46He [Jesus] said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.”1 John 1:1-3We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.We can trust the New Testament’s claim of Christ’s resurrection because the story is told by eyewitnesses.

Question 4

How does knowing the truth impact my relationship with God?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 9:10Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.Psalm 89:2Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.Titus 1:2This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.We can trust God because he always tells the truth. Nothing he has said in his Word, the Bible, has ever been proven wrong or false. He created us in order to have a relationship with us for all eternity. God’s love is a reality we can rely on.John 14:6Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”Romans 1:18God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.God wants us to accept the ultimate truth that only by following Jesus can we spend eternity with him. He wants to spare us from the terrible consequences of pushing this most important truth away.John 8:31-32Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”1 John 2:4If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.1 John 2:27You have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.The truth sets us free from slavery to sin and its deception. Knowing the truth has an effect on how we live.

Question 5

Does God really expect me to tell the truth all the time?

Accepted Answer

Exodus 20:16“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.”Proverbs 6:16-19There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.God’s law forbids intentional lying, and in particular, any lie that causes harm to others.Ephesians 4:15Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ.Followers of Jesus are called to speak the truth, always in a loving manner.

Question 6

Why is telling the truth so important?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 23:19“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”1 Samuel 15:29“And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!”Proverbs 12:22The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.Matthew 12:33“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad.”Luke 16:10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”Romans 3:4Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”Honesty is God’s nature. He can’t tell a lie. If we are to follow God, we must strive to be as much like him as possible by being honest.Deuteronomy 25:13-16“You must use accurate scales when you weigh out merchandise, and you must use full and honest measures. Yes, always use honest weights and measures, so that you may enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. All who cheat with dishonest weights and measures are detestable to the Lord your God.”Psalm 37:37Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.Isaiah 33:15-17Those who are honest and fair, who refuse to profit by fraud, who stay far away from bribes, who refuse to listen to those who plot murder, who shut their eyes to all enticement to do wrong—these are the ones who will dwell on high. The rocks of the mountains will be their fortress. Food will be supplied to them, and they will have water in abundance. Your eyes will see the king in all his splendor, and you will see a land that stretches into the distance.Ephesians 4:25So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.Telling the truth promotes good relationships, and honesty helps us live at peace with God and others, leading to joy in life. Accordingly, in business dealings, we should be more concerned about being truthful than about making a profit.Psalm 36:10Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts.Proverbs 11:3Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.Proverbs 28:18The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.Psalm 24:3-5Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior.Dishonesty and avoiding the truth threaten to wreck our lives, but there is freedom in honesty because we never have to worry about getting caught lying—whether by God, others, or ourselves. We should seek God’s blessing by striving for honesty.Romans 12:3Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.Honestly evaluating our walk with God allows us to continue growing in our faith.

Question 7

Why don’t we always tell the truth?

Accepted Answer

Acts 5:1-10But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself.” . . . About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.” And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” Instantly, she fell to the floor and died.Acts 20:30Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.We sometimes lie for our vanity—to look good. Although people are most respected when they show integrity, we sometimes lie to become popular or gain power. Lying presents a false image to others, an image we hope makes us more desirable. In actuality, this false image displays the undesirable qualities of dishonesty and deceit. Lying often makes us look bad when it comes to light.Genesis 4:8-9While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him. Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”We sometimes lie to avoid punishment and cover up our sins. Lying tries to shift the blame, but this solution is only temporary and often brings greater punishment when the truth is discovered.Genesis 12:12-13“When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife. Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’ So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.”Genesis 18:15Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh.” But the Lord said, “No, you did laugh.”We sometimes lie to protect ourselves, but that fear often comes from a lack of faith.Genesis 27:35-36Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.” Esau exclaimed, “No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice.”Psalm 12:2Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.We sometimes lie because of our greed. It’s tempting to lie to obtain something we desire. Flattery is a form of lying, making up sweet words to get another person to give us what we want or do what we ask.Acts 16:16-21One day . . . we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. . . . [Paul] turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her. Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.”We sometimes lie to get revenge. Just as a drop of poison is all it takes to kill someone, a little lie is all it takes to kill someone’s reputation. In fact, little lies have been known to literally lead to someone’s death.Jeremiah 17:9“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?”Mark 7:20-22He [Jesus] added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.”Sometimes we even lie or distort the truth without thinking about it. The bottom line reason for avoiding the truth is that we are all born with a sinful nature, and therefore we are prone to sin.