The Substance of FaithAn Evidence and Foundational

Christian Curriculum

Truth Part 1c

Part 1c: How Can Humans Know Truth?

The voice of God is absolute truth

Ummm… maybe God

is right!

God“The truth is...”

How does the Bible explain how we know truth?

• In Romans 1:19-20, the apostle Paul discusses how all people at all time have had general knowledge of God. In this context, Paul provides an explanation of how all humans may have knowledge from God.

How do we know if God is speaking?

“…because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…” (Romans 1:19-20 NKJV)

How do we know if God is speaking?

“…because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…” (Romans 1:19-20 NKJV)

How do we know if God is speaking?

“…because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…” (Romans 1:19-20 NKJV)

How do we know if God is speaking?

“…because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…” (Romans 1:19-20 NKJV)

How do we know if God is speaking?

“…because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…” (Romans 1:19-20 NKJV)

How do we know if God is speaking?

• This is how we know when God is speaking:

His message has the distinctive glory of God.

Psalms 19:1-2

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto

night reveals knowledge. (Psalms 19:1-2 NKJV)

Absolute through the limited?

• If absolute truth is delivered through our perceptions, and our perceptions are limited, how can we have absolute truth through limited means?

• Is the whole greater than the sum of its parts?

How Humans Obtain Knowledge

Senses Thought

Philo

soph

y

Scie

nce

Med

ia

Relational Knowledge

How Humans Obtain Knowledge

Senses Thought

God’s Word(Relational Knowledge)

Whole > parts?

• Can the whole be greater than the sum of its parts?

• Yes, because all things are possible to God.

• This is the basis of life, faith, morality, and knowledge.

How is our perception of truth dependant on our view of God?

• If we continue to read in Romans 1:21-23, we see that people have known about God, but they rejected Him for two key reasons:

Romans 1:21-23 NKJV

because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

How is our perception of truth dependant on our view of God?

• First, they did not honor God. To honor God is to uplift Him and esteem Him above all else. Instead of uplifting the truth of God, these people were wise in their own estimation, which was really foolishness (v. 22). Instead of uplifting God they uplifted idols—and especially the idol that looked like themselves (v. 23).

Proverbs 9:10 NKJV

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is

understanding.

Romans 1:21-23 NKJV

because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

How is our perception of truth dependant on our view of God?

• Second, they did not give thanks. Giving thanks occurs both in speech and action. To give thanks is to live in a way that shows appreciation of God and His truth. This would involve seeking truth and desiring truth. Those who do not desire and love truth will not find it (2 Thess. 2:10-11; Matt. 7:7).

2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 NKJV

…and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not

receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong

delusion, that they should believe the lie…

Matthew 7:7 NKJV

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Communication breakdown?

• We must spend time with God to know how to recognize His glory

• The Bible is a gift of the written words of God, which provides great clarity

• The inspiration of the Bible will be addressed in part four of this series

Many Interpretations?

• Many human interpretations does not mean that there is no true interpretation.

• “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NKJV)

• “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32 NKJV)

Truth & Faith

• Faith is based on truth• “So then faith comes by hearing, and

hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17 NKJV)

Truth & Faith

• Noah’s example (Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6-8)

Human knowledg

e

God’s Word

Truth & Faith

• Faith is trusting in God’s truth above other forms of knowledge

Human knowledg

e

God’s

Word

Conclusion

• In conclusion, humans can know truth of God by relationship to God. God has given us the language that allows us to perceive His nature and glory in general revelation. Although God chooses to transmit the perfect through the limited, if we truly exalt God, we understand that this is fully possible for God. The rejection of truth is fundamentally based on a rejection of God Himself.