“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NLT)
Truth is controversial. We live in a world of so-called “truth detectors,” and “fact checkers.” The self-appointed “guardians” purport to set the record straight, but then there are “fact checkers” for the “fact checkers.” And the cycle goes on and on. Does anyone know what the truth really is?
Jesus proclaimed that freedom was dependent upon knowing the truth. You have heard people claim that they live according to “their own truth.” This postmodern obfuscation is nothing new. Remember, Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” The goal is to avoid responsibility by claiming that truth is unknowable. Pilate is a case study in trying to avoid responsibility.
It is believed that the desire for freedom is built into each one of us. Perhaps it is, but do people really know what freedom is? Charlatans, false teachers, and prophets lure people with the promise of freedom. Peter describes them accurately, “They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” 2 Peter 2:19 (NLT)
The challenge for the church today is the same as it has always been. It is only when we introduce people to Jesus, the embodiment of truth, that they can experience true freedom. Everything else is fake news, counterfeit, and fraud. Jesus was unequivocal when he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT)
The Truth Is Known
They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:19–20 (NLT)
Plausible deniability is a means to avoid responsibility. Politicians, military officers, business leaders, and even ordinary people, claim to have no knowledge of something illegal, or immoral. With regard to knowing the truth about God, Paul demolishes every effort to claim ignorance.
God has revealed himself in nature for everyone to see. Atheists and agnostics do not have solid ground on which to stand. No one has a legitimate excuse. No plausible deniability. We must still preach the gospel so that they can know to call upon the name of Jesus, but God has made himself known to everyone.
There are consequences for willful ignorance. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. Romans 1:21–22 (NLT)
Without knowing the one who is Truth, freedom will always be elusive. These last days will be difficult. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13 (NLT)
Paul went on to say, But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 2 Timothy 3:14 (NLT) The truth sets us free and keeps us free.
Speak the Truth in Love
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15–16 (NLT)
Knowing and even speaking the truth is not enough. The book of Hebrews warns us of the dangers of being “hardened and deceived by sin.” There is a danger in still believing in God yet hardened by sin. When this happens, we still may speak of the truth, but in a cynical condemning manner. Oswald Chambers put it this way:
It is perilously possible to make our conceptions of God like molten lead poured into a specially designed mold, and when it is cold and hard we fling it at the heads of the religious people who don't agree with us.
A dominant trait in the life of Christ was his compassion for people. When love is absent from our presentation of the truth our growth and the growth of the body will be hindered. That is why we must feast on the word of God and enjoy the fellowship of believers more than watching or reading the news of the day.
Love and truth go hand-in-hand. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:23–24 (NLT)
True Freedom
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36 (NLT)
This world knows extraordinarily little about true freedom. Sadly, freedom is confused with indulgence, or a lack of restraint. For the child of God, we know that freedom is only found in Christ by living in his truth. No one has their own truth. It is a myth that too many people, including Christ-followers have accepted.
The world will not tell us the truth because the world doesn’t know the truth. There is a veil that prevents them from seeing the truth. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:16–18 (NLT)
Truth and freedom go together. Jesus is truth and only he can set us free!
Steve Ekeroth