What is Truth?
There seems to be a mass of confusion in our day concerning what is true.
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.
I’m not going to expound on the Scripture quoted above (John 18:36-38). I simply quote it to show that the confusion over “What is Truth?” has been around for a very long time.
What is Truth?
I’m not expert, nor do I consider myself a man of any consequence. However, putting just a slight bit of honest thought into the matter, I find that the answer is fairly simple – at least, this has been my experience.
It is first important that “Truth” is quite naturally subdivided into two “camps.” First there is Spiritual Truth, then there is truth that exists only in relation to the physical plane, the physical world. Simple enough so far.
As for truth in the physical realm, there is always a “physical proof.” Always. If you ask me to believe that so and so is a good politician, then, if I ask for physical proof of this claim, you should always be able to provide me such proof. If you cannot, then it behooves my sense of prudence to be cautious regarding your claim. And the reverse is always the case as well. A statement of truth on the physical plane must always, does indeed always, render physical proof. If it does not, it is not true, worse – it is a lie.
What about the Spiritual realm? Spiritual Truth has its “proof”, but it does not render in physical form. This is where the confusion exists. I say that God exists. You ask for (physical) proof. I cannot provide “physical” proof of that which is not physical in nature. So you choose to disbelieve in the existence of God. And here is your dangerous mistake. Worry not, God will not smite you. On the contrary, your lack of belief only grieves God, it does not anger Him – despite what the church might teach (any church).
Proof of God, that is, proof of Spiritual Truth, is self-evident in the physical realm. In the Spiritual Realm, Truth is all there is – even the demons believe, and tremble (“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble!” James 2:19).
How is Spiritual Truth self-evident in the physical realm? First, it is important to understand – and ultimately to accept – that the Kingdom of God is within YOU:
20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Luke 17:20-21
In short, Spiritual Truth is Spiritually discerned. It is impossible to “prove” Spiritual Truth in the physical realm any other way. Many pious people come up with allegory to “prove” God exists, etc. but these are twaddle – overly simplistic and often emphasized with lofty words that hang in the air for a moment, then quickly dissipate.
So, if you seek proof of God, or any other Spiritual matter, you must look inside. There is no other way. And if you do so, you must be honest and sincere – with yourself (it is far too easy to lie to oneself).
On the other side, if you want proof of something that belongs to the physical realm – go ahead! Ask for physical proof! If none can be provided upon request, or, worse, refused upon respect – Run! You fools!