Is there such a thing as absolute truth / universal truth?

Is There Such a Thing as Absolute Truth or Universal Truth?

To address the concept of absolute or universal truth, we must first define truth itself. Truth, according to common definitions, is “that which corresponds to fact or reality.” It is something that conforms to the actual state of affairs or what is real. In contrast, falsehood is what deviates from reality or is contrary to fact.

Some individuals argue that truth is subjective and contingent upon personal perception or societal consensus. Others assert that absolute truth exists, meaning certain realities or principles remain constant regardless of individual beliefs or cultural contexts. To explore whether absolute or universal truth exists, we will examine its philosophical, theological, and biblical underpinnings.

The Denial of Absolute Truth: Relativism and Its Implications

The rejection of absolute truth is often rooted in relativism, which claims that truth varies from person to person or culture to culture. Relativism leads to the idea that moral or existential truths are not fixed but dependent on individual preferences, circumstances, or societal norms. This perspective often gives rise to situational ethics, which suggests that the morality of an action depends entirely on the context.

Relativism produces troubling implications for society:

  1. Moral Chaos: Without absolute standards of right and wrong, there is no consistent basis for judging behavior. If morality is relative, then concepts such as justice and fairness lose their objective grounding, and actions like murder, theft, or deception cannot be universally condemned.

  2. Philosophical Contradictions: Relativism is inherently self-contradictory. When someone claims, "There is no absolute truth," they are making an absolute statement. This claim undermines itself because if no absolute truth exists, then the assertion itself cannot be absolutely true.

  3. Subjective Ethics: Relativism allows individuals to justify any behavior as "right for them," creating an ethical framework that shifts with personal desires or societal trends. Such subjectivity breeds inconsistency and instability in moral reasoning.

Relativism stands in stark contrast to the biblical worldview, which affirms the existence of absolute truth rooted in the nature of God and revealed through His Word.

The Biblical Foundation for Absolute Truth

Scripture unequivocally teaches that absolute truth exists and is grounded in the character of God. Truth is not an abstract concept but is embodied in the person of God Himself:

  1. God Is Truth:
    “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psalm 119:160, NKJV).
    “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6, NKJV).
    God is the ultimate standard of truth, and His Word reflects His perfect, unchanging nature.

  2. Truth Is Immutable:
    “For I am the Lord, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6, NKJV).
    The eternal and unchanging nature of God guarantees that the truths He reveals are not subject to revision or cultural reinterpretation.

  3. Truth Is Universal:
    “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge” (Psalm 19:1–2, NKJV).
    God’s creation testifies to universal truths about His existence and divine power. This testimony is available to all humanity and transcends cultural boundaries.

Evidence for Absolute Truth

  1. The Moral Conscience:
    Every human being possesses an innate sense of right and wrong, which reflects the moral law written on their hearts by God.
    “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them” (Romans 2:14–15, NKJV).
    This universal moral awareness points to the existence of an absolute moral standard established by a holy and just Creator.

  2. The Laws of Nature and Logic:
    The consistent operation of physical laws, such as gravity or thermodynamics, reveals the presence of absolute truths governing the natural world. Similarly, the principles of logic (e.g., the law of non-contradiction) reflect the orderly and rational nature of God’s creation.

  3. The Reliability of Scripture:
    The Bible demonstrates internal consistency, historical accuracy, and fulfilled prophecy, validating its claim to be the inspired Word of God. The unchanging truths of Scripture serve as the foundation for understanding absolute truth.
    “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17, NKJV).

The Necessity of Absolute Truth

The rejection of absolute truth leads to moral and spiritual confusion. Without a fixed standard of truth, individuals are left to navigate life based on personal preferences, cultural trends, or societal pressures. This leads to instability and ultimately alienation from God, the source of all truth.

The denial of absolute truth also hinders meaningful dialogue between competing worldviews. Without a shared standard for evaluating claims, no rational basis exists for resolving differences or discerning right from wrong. Absolute truth provides the necessary framework for justice, morality, and human flourishing.

The Centrality of Christ in Absolute Truth

Jesus Christ embodies absolute truth. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection reveal the nature of God and the path to salvation. Christ’s declaration in John 14:6“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”—emphasizes that truth is found exclusively in Him.

Furthermore, Jesus promised the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead His followers into all truth:
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:13, NKJV).

Conclusion

Absolute truth exists because God exists, and He has revealed Himself as the ultimate standard of truth. This truth is evident in creation, conscience, and Scripture. In a world of competing claims and moral relativism, believers are called to uphold the truth of God’s Word and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as the exclusive path to salvation.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32, NKJV).

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