REV. MAX C. BUNGARD Where do we find the meaning of truth?

What is truth? It's an age-old question. Pilate asked Jesus that question.
Many people currently believe that truth is relative (i.e. it can change); it is not absolute. Truth to them is that which works at that time. On another occasion under different circumstances that which was true before may no longer be true.
Dictionary definition
A dictionary definition of truth is conformity to fact or actuality; a statement proved to be or accepted as true; sincerity; integrity or fidelity to an original or standard; reality, actuality that, which is considered to be the supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning and value of existence.
Jesus claimed to be "the truth" (John 14:6). All truth is rooted in the person and character of God. He embodies truth. He personifies truth. He is truth. God's word is true, and his commandments are true, because he is true. God is the standard by which all claims are measured. It is also true to say that he is totally honest and will never lie. It is true to say that he is totally real and good. He defines what reality and goodness are since He created and exemplifies them. He is the God of truth, and no one else is.
If anything is true, it is true always, everywhere, and for everyone. The message of the Bible is not for one nation or one culture or one age but for every nation, every culture, and every age. That is why Jesus commanded His disciples to carry the message of the gospel to the entire world and to call on everyone to repent and trust Him alone for salvation. There is not one truth for you and a different truth for me. There is only one truth for everyone.
Since God is standard
Since God is the standard of truth, his statements are to be believed, his commandments are to be obeyed. This is called "doing the truth" and is the same thing as abiding in Christ or walking according to the Holy Spirit. It is life as God designed it. We do the truth because we believe the truth and have trusted him who is the truth.
For this reason, if our lives do not match our profession of faith, the genuineness of our claim to believe the truth of the gospel may be called into question.
The Bible reveals truths that must be believed and acted upon if a person is to have eternal life. While unaided reason is not sufficient by itself to understand these truths, the illumination provided by the Holy Spirit helps us to understand and believe the truth of the gospel. God has made us rational creatures like himself and has chosen to use the medium of language to communicate in his word truths that we can and must know.
Many people today doubt objective truth, ascribing all truth claims to selfish or group-centered motives. But the Bible clearly teaches that God has revealed truth that is true whether anyone knows it or believes it. Objective facts make a claim true, not personal opinion. It is the Holy Spirit who persuades someone that the gospel is true, granting faith to believe its claims.
XThe Rev. Max C. Bungard, who has been in ministry for almost 40 years, is pastor of New Castle Bible Church of New Castle, Pa.