What is truth? ...

"What is truth?" (John 18:38).

This question can be asked in a cynical way, suggesting that searching for truth is pointless, because there is no truth. The sceptics may say to us, "If it's true for you, that's okay by me - but it's not true for me." 

It can also be asked as part of a sincere search for truth. Where will such a search lead us? The question was put to Jesus - and the question leads us to Jesus. He described himself as "the truth" (John 14:6). 

Do we believe that Jesus speaks the truth? Do we believe that Jesus is the truth? Do we believe him when he says, in prayer to God the Father, "Your Word is truth" (John 17:17)?

If we believe that Jesus speaks the truth, and that Jesus is the truth, will we not stand, with him, in the confession of faith - God's Word is truth?

How much sense does it make to speak of Jesus being true for one person, and not true for someone else? Surely, that is to reduce faith to feelings - the way we feel about things. 

If our faith is to be more than feelings, we must build on the facts of the gospel - "Christ died for our sins ... he was raised on the third day ... " (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 

Is faith in Christ, crucified and risen, something we can take or leave? - if it gives you a good feeling, take it, and if it doesn't you can just leave it.

That may be the way many people, in today's world speak about Christ, but it's not the way Paul spoke about him. This is what Paul said, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile" (1 Corinthians 15:17).

Take away the resurrection of Christ- and you have nothing left - no gospel, no faith. 

In a world in which so many people are turning away from faith in Christ and his gospel, may God give us the grace and faith that we need to continue to take our stand with Paul: "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).