What is absolute truth? Does absolute truth really exist?

TL;DR:

Absolute truth exists. In fact, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of truth. Recognizing this shapes all other aspects of life.

The concept of absolute truth—that which is true at all times and in all places—is foundational to our understanding of reality and morality. While some argue against its existence, the Bible affirms that absolute truth not only exists but is personified in Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that God is the source of all truth, and His nature and Word provide an unwavering standard for truth and morality. This understanding challenges relativistic worldviews and calls believers to align their lives with God's unchanging truth, recognizing its relevance and application in all aspects of life.

from the old testament

Numbers 23:19: "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" This verse affirms God's unchanging nature and truthfulness, establishing a foundation for absolute truth.
Psalm 119:160: "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever." This passage declares God's Word is the embodiment of truth, emphasizing its eternal nature.
Malachi 3:6: "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." God's immutability is directly linked to His faithfulness and truthfulness, providing a basis for absolute truth.

from the new testament

John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" Jesus explicitly claims to be truth incarnate, presenting Himself as the absolute standard of truth.
John 17:17: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." Jesus affirms that God's Word is truth, establishing a clear standard for absolute truth.
Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." This verse emphasizes the unchanging nature of Christ, reinforcing the concept of absolute truth.

implications for today

The existence of absolute truth has profound implications for how we understand reality and make moral decisions. In a world that often embraces moral relativism, the biblical concept of absolute truth, anchored in God's nature, provides a solid foundation for ethical reasoning and behavior. It challenges us to align our thoughts and actions with God's unchanging standards, rather than shifting cultural norms.

Recognizing absolute truth also impacts our approach to evangelism and apologetics. It encourages us to confidently share the gospel, knowing that its truth is not dependent on personal opinion or cultural context. At the same time, it calls for humility, acknowledging that while we can know truth, our understanding and application of it may be imperfect.

In daily life, the reality of absolute truth motivates us to seek wisdom and discernment through Scripture study and prayer. It encourages critical thinking and careful examination of ideas and philosophies in light of God's revealed truth. Ultimately, embracing the concept of absolute truth leads to a life of integrity, where our beliefs, words, and actions consistently reflect the unchanging character of God.

understand

The Bible asserts that absolute truth is real and personified in Jesus Christ, providing an unchanging standard for reality and morality.
Scripture teaches that God’s nature and Word are the foundations of absolute truth, which challenges relativistic views and guides ethical and moral decisions.
Recognizing absolute truth influences our understanding of reality and motivates us to live with integrity according to God’s unchanging standards.

reflect

How does acknowledging Jesus Christ as the embodiment of absolute truth impact your decisions and interactions with others?
Why is it important to align your personal beliefs and actions with the absolute truth revealed in Scripture?
How do you respond to the challenge of relativistic views in a world that often questions the existence of absolute truth?

engage

Many claim to be morally relativistic, believing right and wrong are based on personal feelings, rather than absolute truth. However, when faced with real-life scenarios, such as someone justifying stealing their car, they often reject this relativistic stance. Testing their beliefs in practical situations can help bridge the gap when conversing about absolute truth.
What are the implications of absolute truth for addressing contemporary moral and ethical dilemmas, and how can believers apply this understanding in practical ways?
In a pluralistic and relativistic society that values diverse perspectives, why is it important to understand and adhere to absolute truth?