Christ - The Standard of Truth
By Jason D Witcher

The statement by the Lord, "I am the way", John 6:4, and the theological framework it creates does not suffice unless he can also declare that he is the Truth. Therefore we must evaluate the second part of the profound statement of John 6:4, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life". The second ingredient of this salvific formula is not that he is only one of many truths, but instead that he is the supreme and exclusive possessor of truth, even more he is the embodiment of truth itself; the source from which all truth flows from and upon which all error is measured against. Jesus then is the standard by which everything else is judged. By definition something is true to the extent that it conforms to reality. That which conforms to his standard is therefore true and that which deviated from it is comparatively false as Christ is the source of all reality. If he were not the truth, he could not declare that he is the way.

Pondering this somewhat philosophical issue is important to us as Christians. We stand in rebellious opposition to the world standard and boldly proclaim that we alone possess absolute truth, divine wisdom and eternal life. In this statement of exclusivity we take the position that there is no other way but the way of cross, all others regardless of the sincerity of the adherent, lead to damnation. This uncompromising standard in a modern culture of universalism and moral relativism makes the Christian position disfavored. However, the true Christian must accept the truth of God no matter how such position is viewed by men. This idea has been a thorn for many; the idea of truth is a concept that has bewildered men since the beginning of time. All people in some form seeking it, yet we claim as disciples of Christ to possess and have access to that which man has always sought. So what does it really mean to be true? How can finite man discover this infinite principle? Is it discernable by deductive reasoning? Is it discernable by scientific methods? The search for truth has stumped philosophers and thinkers, theologians and scientists, but here in this simple verse, Jesus seems to address this infinitely complex question in startlingly simple terms. He reveals the mystery that has eluded men for eons.

"Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered; Thou sayest that I am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, what is truth?" John 18:37-38.

What is truth? We don't oft consider the depth of the question posed by Pontus Pilate, "What is truth?" We fail to consider the seriousness of the question, because we arrogantly assume that we instinctively know the answer. However, it is a question that each of us must sincerely and thoughtfully address at some point in our lives. What is true? What is real? Is there a standard that governs us all? Am I on the right track? Jesus concisely answers all these deep questions with one simple decisive statement, "I am the Truth!"

The problem for the world with this Christian proposition is that it absolutely eliminated man's opinion for the equation, it in fact denies man's right to even negotiate the terms of the discussion or the method of its determination. Since the very beginning, man has always wanted to be the standard of truth. It was Satan's appeal to this inherent pride that caused the Adam to fall. Instead of accepting the standard set by God, Adam and Eve erected their own wisdom as the standard of truth and rebelled against the truth that had been revealed by God. Since the beginning God has declared a truth that commands man to simple obedience, however man since the beginning has been unwilling to adhere to the Truth of God. God had given them the entire world to enjoy, yet man was not happy until they had acted on the desire to determine what was right and wrong for them. By abandoning the truth of God for a lie, seeking to obtain truth by they own flawed insight, the set the course for their progeny to seek the wisdom of man instead of the wisdom of God. A pattern that we continue to follow to this day.

Man desires to set the rules, because if we can set the rules, we can dictate and justify doing anything that our flesh desires. But if we accept God and his standard, then we are forced to recognize our own sinfulness and wickedness. God's standard is a mirror upon which we would rather not look. Romans 3:23 states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". This is a blow to the ego of man. God's declaration that we are all sinners, all criminals who have broken his law and therefore justly deserve punishment. Having nothing with which to cleanse our guilt, all we can do is beg the mercy of God. As sinners we must admit that we have not and cannot live truly before God. The word "sin", harmatia in Greek, literally means to miss the mark. God therefore declares that all have missed the holy mark of God's perfect truth. If left to our own truth, a truth rooted in our own sinfulness, we are fated for judgment. But by accepting the way of Christ, believing it to be the truth of God, we place in the midst of his saving truth where we can be restored to God. Therefore it is essential for each individual to address the question posed by Pontius Pilate. What is truth? Who determines what is true? God or man? Jesus or you? It is a question you must answer because life and death hang in the balance.

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. John 6:4

Jason D. Witcher, Esq. is a partner in the law firm of Kane, Shore and Witcher located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in West Philadelphia under the leadership of Pastor Garth Gittens, Ph.D. Understanding that his professional success is a testimony to the power of Jesus Christ, his firm focuses a large part of its practice devoted to meeting the legal needs of Christian Churches and their congregations throughout the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_D_Witcher
http://EzineArticles.com/?Christ---The-Standard-of-Truth&id=4668483