Firstly, let's start by defining what we mean when we say 'truth'. There are basically two competing definitions. One definition says that truth is 'whatever seems right to you' (truth is subjective). The other definition says that truth is 'that which corresponds to observable facts' (truth is objective). But which definition is, dare I say it, true? In order to answer that question we have to assume the second definition. If we can't know truth, then we can't answer the question 'what is truth?', can we? So already we must rely on the idea that truth is absolute.
The implication of this is that anyone who wants to deny that truth is absolute must first make an absolute truth claim. If someone were to say 'truth is unknowable', they would be claiming to know that truth is unknowable. If they were to say 'there is no such thing as absolute truth', they would be claiming that it is absolutely true that there is no absolute truth. Those are self- refuting statements! To deny absolute truth is to claim an absolute truth, so you simply cannot win that argument.
A person who commits themselves to the pragmatic idea that truth is just 'whatever works for you' will inevitably end up resorting to claims like these that contradict themselves. Definition two is true because it is the only definition that makes logical sense. Therefore, we must conclude that truth is not 'whatever works for you' but it is 'whatever corresponds to objective fact'.
That being the case, consider what was said by the Apostle Paul in Acts 17:30-31: "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Since truth is objective, this statement has to be either true or false. It cannot be something that is 'true for you but not for me'. You must decide whether Paul was telling the truth or not. If he was, then there is coming a day in which God is going to judge all of mankind. The commandment is to repent (turn from your sins) and trust in the one God raised form the dead, namely the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't just write this off but be intellectually honest and examine this for yourself. Go to www.thegoodpersontest.com and see if what Paul said is true or not.
That's one pretzel down and a whole lot more to go. As long as people keep twisting the truth I'll keep writing. Until then, if you will seek the truth you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.
Andre Holwerda
