Is Truth Relative or Absolute?

Summary

The exploration of whether "absolute truth" exists in a world increasingly inclined toward relativism is both timely and profound. In contemporary society, the concept of truth has become fluid, with many subscribing to the idea that truth varies from person to person and context to context. This perspective suggests that what is true for one individual may not necessarily be true for another, leading to a myriad of personal truths rather than a singular, universal truth.

In addressing this notion, the discussion delves into the contradictions inherent in the claim that all truth is relative. If one asserts that all truths are relative, they inadvertently make an absolute statement about the nature of truth itself, thus negating their original claim. This paradox highlights the logical inconsistencies in the argument against absolute truth.

The conversation further extends to self-evident truths, such as mathematical and physical laws, which stand as immutable regardless of personal belief or perspective. For instance, the law of gravity remains constant and unyielding, irrespective of an individual's acknowledgment or understanding of it. Such universally recognized truths reinforce the argument that certain aspects of reality are absolute and not subject to personal interpretation.

From a biblical perspective, the concept of truth extends beyond mere factual or moral accuracy; it is personified in the figure of Jesus Christ, who claims to embody truth itself. The Bible is presented as the ultimate source of truth, offering spiritual and moral guidance that transcends human subjectivity. It asserts that while humans may grapple with understanding and accepting truth, the divine nature of truth as revealed in Scripture remains steadfast and unchangeable.

The narrative also acknowledges the pervasive influence of deception in the world, attributing it to malevolent forces that seek to distort and obscure truth. In a realm where falsehoods often masquerade as truth, discerning the genuine from the counterfeit becomes a crucial endeavor.

The concluding sentiment is an invitation to embrace the concept of absolute truth as articulated in biblical teachings, urging individuals to seek and adhere to this truth amidst a culture that often champions relativism. The call is not merely to acknowledge truth as an abstract concept but to integrate it into one's life, thereby aligning oneself with a reality that transcends temporal and cultural fluctuations.

In essence, the discourse challenges the prevailing ethos of relativism, advocating for a return to a foundational belief in absolute truth as a cornerstone for meaningful existence and moral clarity in an increasingly ambiguous world.

Full Transcript

Is there really such a thing as “absolute truth” — something that’s true for all people, in every nation, and in every time period of history?

For many people today, truth is relative, not absolute. They talk about “your truth” and “my truth.” They believe “What’s true for you may not necessarily be true for me” and “What’s true for me may not necessarily be true for you.” Do you share in this belief? More and more people today decide and make choices based on feelings rather than an objective standard of truth.

But is truth relative or subjective? Is it just a matter of personal opinion, taste, or preference?

In this episode, we will tackle this question head-on and share seven biblical facts about truth.

Let’s discuss.

We’re now living in a “post-truth” world. That means objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.

In recent surveys conducted by the Barna Group, an increasing number of Americans said moral truth depends on the situation or circumstances rather than on an objective standard like the Bible.

Truth is now regarded as something felt rather than something known. Truth is increasingly seen as relative, not absolute. Many people today believe that no religious text has a monopoly on truth, but that all faith traditions are just different expressions of the same spiritual message.

As a result, many have begun to identify as people who “love Jesus but not the church” or as “spiritual but not religious.” They seek faith but outside of organized religion or any local church.

But is it really true that there is no such thing as absolute truth? Is it true that all truth is relative?

Logically, we know that this statement does not make sense. Because anyone who makes the claim that all truth is relative is making an absolute statement about truth — namely, that all truth is relative. Therefore, their argument is self-defeating. This proves that truth is absolute.

We also know that there are truths that are obvious and self-evident. For example, 2 + 2 = 4. It doesn’t matter who you are, what language you speak, what culture you grew up in, or what time in history you lived — 2 + 2 has always been 4 and will always be 4.

The same goes for the law of gravity and other laws of physics. It doesn’t matter if you believe gravity or not. It doesn’t care about your feelings, your politics, or your religion. If you jump from a very tall building, you will get killed. Gravity does not care who you are or what you believe.

Now just as there are laws of mathematics and physics, there are also laws that govern spiritual realities. Of the thousands of religious beliefs out there, how can you tell which of any is true?

Have you ever been lost in a forest with a group of friends? Have you ever tried determining where north is via consensus? No matter how passionate or how convicted you are, you cannot change where TRUE NORTH is. Because truth is not relative, it is absolute. True North won’t bow down to your feelings or opinions. You will remain lost unless you use a compass. In the same way, you will remain lost spiritually unless you make use of our only spiritual compass.

Here Now Are The 7 Biblical Facts About Truth:

1. The #1 problem in this world is confusion and universal deception.

 Revelation 12:9 — So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

1 John 5:19 — We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

People often lie. I’m not just talking about politicians and some medical “experts” that run our global health agencies. We can’t even fully trust the media. The “official” narrative is not always even true. The truth is often suppressed and even censored under the label “conspiracy theory.”

It’s sad that even some of our trusted authority figures lie. People lie or stretch the truth to sell products or services. Even religious leaders can’t be trusted to preach the full truth — either out of ignorance, fear of displeasing their church board, or offending their financial supporters.

2. Physical and empirical truth can be discovered. But spiritual and moral truth must be revealed.

The French existential philosopher, novelist, playwright, and critic Jean-Paul Sartre once said:

“Everything has been figured out, except how to live.”

We have all the tools of science — including the scientific method — to discover truths about the physical world we live in. But the tools of science and even philosophy can only go so far. They cannot answer the biggest questions of life such as:

What is the purpose and meaning of life?

Where did we come from?

Where are we going?

What is a human being?

These truths must be revealed.

3. The God of the Bible is a God of truth, and His Word is truth.

Notice these four verses:

Deuteronomy 32:4 — He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.Titus 1:2 — “God... cannot lie.”Hebrews 6:18 — “It is impossible for God to lie.”

So if there’s a conflict between what man says and what God says, we know who to believe:

Romans 3:4 — “Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar.”

4. Yahshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) is the Word of God (in person).

 Our Lord and Savior is the Truth and is the fullest embodiment of living the truth. He was the only one who lived a perfectly sinless life, following God perfectly. Notice these verses:

John 1:14 — And the Word [Christ] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 14:6 — Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Christ did not say, “I am one of the ways, I am one of the truths...” He is the way. He is the truth!

He was being very exclusive here in His statements. He said no one comes to the Father except through Him! He didn’t teach that there are “many roads that lead to heaven.”

And lest one think that Christ wasn’t really serious, check out the words of the apostle Peter:

Acts 4:12 — Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

5. The Bible, as originally inspired and written, is God’s Word (in print).

 The Bible is the written expression of God’s absolute truth. In the Bible we find spiritual and moral truths that we cannot discover. These are truths that have been revealed to us by God.

Notice these verses:

John 17:17 — Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Psalms 119:151 — You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 — All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1:20-21 — ... no prophecy [or teaching] of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy [God’s teachings] never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 — You welcomed [God’s words through Paul] not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

John 10:35 — The Scripture [God’s written words] cannot be broken.

The Bible never contradicts itself. It teaches us the truth — both what to believe and how to live.

6. Satan — and all who choose to follow him — hates the truth of God.

 John 8:44 — You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Romans 1:25 — [Evil people] exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Romans 1:28 — And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting...

1 John 2:4 — He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

7. God wants everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 1 Timothy 2:4 — [God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3:7 — [Some are] always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Learning is good. Education is great. But if it doesn't bring us closer to the truth, it’s pointless.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TRUTH is absolute, not relative. Truth is that which corresponds to reality — and Ultimate Reality, which is God. We live in a world of universal deception, instigated by God’s enemy, Satan the Devil. While we can discover physical truths, spiritual truths must be revealed.

May we all have the courage to seek the truth from God’s Word, the Bible — His spiritual compass that unfailingly points to True North!

Let me end with a quote from Cecil B. DeMille, producer of the classic movie, The Ten Commandments:

“It is impossible for us to break the law. We can only break ourselves against the law.”

May God bless you as you seek Him. If you’ve found this teaching helpful, please share this also with your family and friends. So until next time, this is Daniel Macaraeg of BiblicalTruths.TV, reminding you to always be growing, to always be giving, and to always be grateful.