Topical Encyclopedia
TruthIn the biblical context, truth is a fundamental attribute of God and a cornerstone of His revelation to humanity. The Bible presents truth as absolute, unchanging, and divinely revealed. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for truth, "emet," conveys notions of firmness, stability, and reliability. Truth is closely associated with God's character, as seen in
Deuteronomy 32:4, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He."
The New Testament further emphasizes truth through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In
John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement underscores the belief that truth is not merely a concept but is embodied in Christ Himself. The Holy Spirit, referred to as the "Spirit of truth" in
John 16:13, guides believers into all truth, ensuring that God's revelation is understood and applied.
Truth in Scripture is also linked to the Word of God. In
John 17:17, Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." The Bible, as God's inspired Word, is the ultimate standard of truth for believers, providing guidance, correction, and instruction in righteousness (
2 Timothy 3:16).
FaithfulnessFaithfulness is another key attribute of God, reflecting His unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. The Hebrew word for faithfulness, "emunah," conveys a sense of steadfastness and reliability. God's faithfulness is celebrated throughout the Scriptures, as seen in
Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!"
In the New Testament, faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22) and a characteristic that believers are called to emulate. The faithfulness of God is demonstrated in His covenantal relationships, as He remains true to His promises despite human unfaithfulness.
1 Corinthians 1:9 affirms, "God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."
The faithfulness of Christ is also highlighted in the New Testament.
Hebrews 3:6 states, "But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast." This faithfulness is a model for believers, who are encouraged to remain faithful in their walk with God, trusting in His promises and living in obedience to His Word.
In summary, truth and faithfulness are integral to the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. They are attributes that believers are called to reflect in their own lives, as they seek to live in accordance with God's revealed Word and in the power of the Holy Spirit.