“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 14
The word progressive is used a lot these days to describe the notion that truth is evolving. Basically, it’s the belief that people are more enlightened and intellectual today than in the past. Phrases such as, “Follow your truth” convey that what’s true for one person isn’t necessarily true for someone else. However, the meaning of truth cannot change, otherwise it was not true to begin with. So, if universal truth exists and that truth is unchanged, what is it?
Well, we established last time that Jesus never changes (Hebrews 13:8). Today, we see that Jesus has existed from eternity past and that He never separates Himself from God’s Word. He is the Word and He is the Truth (John 14:6). Consequently, we find truth by looking to the One “full of grace and truth.” As followers of Christ, we believe that all truth is God’s truth. In other words, truth is divine in origin (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore, biblical truth is infallible, absolute, and lasting. It does not evolve with time or cultural trends.
How then should believers respond to a world that rejects the truth of Scripture? The Bible calls us to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). “The faith” refers to the truths taught by Jesus and the apostles. This was in contrast with false teaching that had already made its way into the Church. False teachers still attempt to deceive by manipulating and marginalizing God’s Word. The apostle Paul didn’t yield to any perversion of the gospel, “for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you” (Galatians 2:5). We are told to defend truth, not because it can be defeated, but simply because it’s under attack.
While truth is unchanged, it certainly transforms and liberates anyone who believes. “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Are you content to know the truth and freedom of the gospel for yourself, or are you contending for the faith? The best way to defend truth is by sharing your faith verbally, then backing up your testimony with an authentic Christian life.
Read the previous devotion in this series: Jesus is Unchanged
Read the next devotion in this series: Sin is Unchanged
