June 23, 2004

THE TRUTH

"Jesus answered, "I am... the truth... No one comes to the Father except through me' " (John 14:6, NIV).

Employing one of His powerful "I am" titles, Jesus makes a stunning claim: "I am... the truth." To discover Jesus as the truth is life's greatest discovery. In one of his essays, the brilliant British thinker, Francis Bacon, remarked that Pilate had jestingly asked, "What is truth?", but would not stay for the answer.

Ever since Adam and Eve fell for the devil's lies, mankind has been struggling to regain truth, but to little avail (see 1 Corinthians 1:21). Truth can be found only in Him who came to earth "full of grace and truth: (John 1:14, NIV). One of the essential reasons for the plan of salvation was that Christ might come to our planet to teach mankind the truth (see John 8:32). He came to demonstrate the truth about God and the universe; the truth about the origin, present existence, and future destiny of mankind; the truth about the gospel in all its spiritual and ethical ramifications. In His assertion, "I am... the truth" (John 14:6, NIV). Jesus established that truth was much more than the mere absence of error, much more even than that which corresponds to fact. Truth is Jesus Christ Himself.

Christ is the truth in all that pertains to God and the duties of mankind. Because He is truth, He is the guarantee of all God's promises (see 2 Corinthians 1:18-20). Because He is truth everything He says or does demonstrates truth in its perfection (see John 1:18; 14:9). Ellen White says it beautifully: "He was The Truth standing with girded loins and dusty feet, with His hands ever outstretched to bless; and in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift and save all who would believe on him."--The Youth's Instructor, June 17, 1897.

My Prayer Today: Lord, You have said, "I am... the truth." Help me to know the truth and to be set free. Amen.