By Steven Lawson

Fourth, truth is objective. This means that truth is not subjective. It is not discovered by personal feelings nor determined by private intuitions. Instead, truth is propositional. It is conveyed in narrowly defined words that have rational definitions and is stated in precise terms that communicate real meaning. Words mean something in regard to truth. Therefore, truth is black and white. It is definite, definitive, and conclusive. Truth is not abstract, vague, or nebulous. It is accurately stated by the fixed meaning of words and can be observed, discussed, studied, analyzed, believed, proclaimed, and defended.

Because truth is objective, it is impartial, unbiased, unprejudiced, and non-partisan. It speaks to all people in all places the same. Truth never speaks out of both sides of its mouth. It never caters to the crowd. It never says one thing to one person and something else to another. Truth addresses all people alike as it finds them.

Fifth, truth is immutable. God does not change and neither does His truth, which cannot be true today but not true tomorrow. Truth is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Right is always right and wrong is forever wrong. Society may try to redefine morality. Culture may try to reclassify its mores. But Jesus identified Himself as the Truth, not the custom of the day. Truth is forever the same. The psalmist says, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89). Isaiah 40:8 affirms, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God abides forever.” The world changes. Kingdoms rise and fall. But truth remains unchanging.

Truth is permanent, fixed, and established. It is inflexible, unvarying, constant, lasting, enduring, timeless, unchanging. Therefore, truth is always relevant. It is always current, always contemporary, always relevant. Truth addresses the issues of the day with penetrating insight. It is never outdated, never obsolete, never expired. Truth never tires, never wanes, never ceases to be true.

Sixth, truth is authoritative. Truth does not stammer or stutter. It speaks with the supreme authority of God Himself. It always makes demands upon us and never offers mere suggestions. It never presents just one more option to consider. It is never intended to be simply interesting. It never speaks to tickle our curiosity. Instead, truth speaks with the voice of sovereignty. Truth roars with the sound of many waters, drowning out every other voice. Truth is commanding, arresting, and directional. It has the authority to order us. Truth must, therefore, be heard. It demands our undivided attention. We cannot pretend that truth has not spoken. We cannot act as if it will go away. We cannot live in denial of truth. It lays hold of us by the lapels and draws us close. It summons us and mandates our complete compliance. Truth is binding upon our lives. Truth demands our response.

Likewise, truth possesses supernatural power. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32). When received by faith, the truth delivers our souls from the tyranny of sin. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (17:17). The truth cleanses and purifies. It penetrates into the deepest level of the human heart, cuts to the bone, and works from the inside out (Hebrews 4:12). It has life-changing power. It conforms, transforms, and reforms. Truth renews our minds, revives our hearts, and redirects our steps.

Truth has the final word in all matters, telling us how to worship and how to walk. It tells us how to follow Christ. It is the final arbitrator on any subject. It is the final judge of every life. All people are measured by the truth. Every life is weighed in the balances of the truth. Every destiny is marked by the truth. And so the truth will have the final say in every life.”

Steven Lawson is senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama and a teaching fellow of Ligonier Ministries.