Jerry Newcombe: Does Truth Matter?

The Wall Street Journal reports that there has been a sharp decline in traditional American values, including religious faith. Only 39% of Americans say their religious faith is important to them, compared to 62% in 1998.

This decline in religious faith also leads to a decline in the belief in absolute truth. However, the founders of America strongly affirmed the existence of absolute truth in the Declaration of Independence by declaring “We hold these truths to be self-evident…”.

Despite this belief in absolute truth, many people today deny its existence. At the heart of this issue is Jesus Christ who claimed to be “the truth.” He stood trial before the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate who asked him, “What is truth?” to which he received no answer.

But to the Christian, Jesus is Truth Incarnate. His coming into this world represents the Good News of salvation to those who believe in Him. He is the ultimate solution to get back to truth.

The written records of Christ’s life are found in the Biblical Gospels, which some people question the historical reliability of. Nevertheless, these records are historically verifiable according to Dr. Paul L. Maier, Ph.D., a retired professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University. Dr. Sam Lamerson, another historian, notes that the four Biblical Gospels are far more trustworthy than most people realize.

In our time, it’s more important than ever to recognize the existence of absolute truth and the impact it has on our lives. For those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Truth, they understand how Truth can change everything.

Dr. Jerry Newcombe is the executive director of Providence Forum and a senior producer and on-air contributor at D. James Kennedy Ministries. He has co-written 33 books, including What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? and George Washington’s Sacred Fire with Dr. Peter Lillback.