Once we have established faith in God the creator, we must establish what is true. We must establish this, so we know what is true to believe and to live by. We need to know what is true in order to know how to hold others accountable as well. How do you decide what is true and what is not true, what to live by and what not to live by may seem like an irrelevant question for your life, but it is very relevant. In fact, it impacts every area of your life. It ultimately impacts the lives of those around you, your eternity, and possibly the eternity of others. How do you decide what is right and wrong? The answer to this question will determine how you live and again, how you impact those around you.
If you lived in the 18th century, you might have formed an opinion about amputation. You may have decided that the truth is that if a leg becomes infected, it must be amputated in order for the person to live. Others may have believed that the infection is not capable of spreading, making amputation unneeded. We have enough evidence now to answer that question, but was there a time when there wasn’t enough evidence? The answer to this question would have had great consequences. If you decided that the leg should not be amputated and were wrong, a life would have been lost. If you decided that the leg should be amputated and were wrong, a leg would have been needlessly amputated. What you decide is true has great impact on life and the life of others. Now not every belief has this severe of consequence, but most beliefs have strong consequences that just take effect gradually.
Consider some of the following ways of thinking. If you believed that you should buy anything you want and just use credit to get it if you don’t have the money, this obviously impacts your credit as well as your budget. If you believe you should invest heavily for retirement, you will have an abundant retirement. If you believe that there are reasons for divorce, then when you face those reasons within your marriage, your marriage will be in jeopardy. If you believe that all life (human, animal, or plant) are equal, you will treat people differently than if you believed that human life is more sacred than the life of an animal or plant. It will control how you treat the environment around you and how you feel about the way others treat it. There are numerous areas in life in which to make a decision about what is true. How do we choose?
The way to find truth is by selecting a truth source, something that is the standard. Now when some here that, red flags go up. Those who do not believe the Bible to be the source of truth, often claim that they have no source of truth or that no absolute truth exists. They are full of contradictions; however, because there are beliefs that they hold and expect others to follow. They have determined that some things are true and some are not. In fact enough people exist with this viewpoint and try to silence anyone who thinks differently by way of legal force. What truth source have you chosen to accept as the real truth source?
There are many options of truth to choose from. We can put our trust in the conclusions of the professional world: science, psychology, or medical fields. There are also friends, celebrities, parents, teachers, religious teachers, or other individuals to put your trust in. Feelings and our own intellect also vie for our submission. We could also choose books, movies, television shows, or news anchors. Who or what have you decided to be the standard or measure for truth? Are you putting your trust in someone else, yourself, or the Bible? Who or what makes the decision when you make a decision? The answer to that question will tell you who your standard of truth has been.
All can be true at times and can be right. But only one can be the true measure of truth, because eventually these will all disagree. Who do you go to at that point? Whoever or whatever you go to is your measure of truth. The only truth measure that has been proven accurate throughout history is the Bible. Please check out Josh McDowell’s books A Ready Defense, Right from Wrong, and Beyond Belief to Convictions and you will find the evidence you need.
The Bible declares that it is “the word of truth” (James 1:18). Jesus is the Word of God, (John 1:1, 14). Which is why he declared himself to be “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). James urges us to look “intently at the perfect law…and…become an effectual doer” (James 1:25). Paul urges us to be “accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Jesus is the source and standard of truth and has revealed that truth through the Bible, so we should seek the Bible for the answers to life. When you chose what to believe and how to live, whom are you going to listen to?
We must accept the Bible as true in order to move on further with our faith, for it is the foundation for the Christian faith. All acceptable Christian beliefs are formed from what the Bible teaches. For those who need more evidence for the truthfulness of the Bible, please read thoroughly through the following articles. For those who are convinced, it may be a good idea for you to read through these articles as well. There is evidence that reveals the Bible is very reliable and it is the source of truth. From this point on the Bible will be what we use to establish truths.
General Evidence Part One
General Evidence Part Two
Manuscript Evidence
Archeological Evidence
Prophetic Evidence
Historical Evidence
