WHAT IS TRUTH? by M. C. Guild

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 25, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 33.

WHAT IS TRUTH?

By M. C. Guild

No QUESTION asked to-day is heard more frequently than the above, and never were so many different answers given. Many theories, each one contradicting the other, have led to such confusion that people are earnestly asking, “What is truth?”

Instead of giving our own opinions in regard to truth, we should give some statement from God’s Word that will enable every honest soul to come into possession of this priceless treasure, truth. In John 17:17 we read, “Thy Word is truth.” Here there is a sure foundation on which to build. “But,” says one, “since there are so many different interpretations of the Bible, how am I to know which is right? If I only could know the right way, how gladly I would walk in it!” Since we are so prone to make mistakes in finding and keeping the way of truth, it is evident that we need some one who knows the truth to guide us. Happily, such a Guide is provided, and can be had by all who will accept Him. “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13.

If we take some man for our guide, we shall be very apt to go astray; for even the best of men are fallible and liable to make mistakes. How glad we ought to be for a Guide who will teach us all things, and guide us into all truth!

How thankful we should be that our heavenly Father will “give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.” Luke 11:13. Since the Word of God was written by the direction of the Holy Spirit (2 Sam. 23:2; 2 Peter 1:21), the man who is fully guided by that Spirit will never be led to walk contrary to God’s written Word. The Word and the Spirit are in sweet accord. 1 John 5:7.

We may be sure that any spirit that would lead us to evade or disobey the plain requirement of God’s Word, is a false guide, which it is not safe to follow. Leading off from the main way to the heavenly city are many by-paths and diverging roads, and tried and tempted souls are often sorely perplexed as they come to a turning-point “where two ways meet.” It is fortunate that at every such place there is a Guide-book, plainly written, and all

who will heed it may easily keep the “highway of holiness.”

To every soul who asks with Thomas of old, “Lord, how can we know the way?” Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” To every troubled soul His word comes, “Follow thou Me.” All that is necessary to find and keep the pathway of truth is to meekly follow the instructions given, for “the meek will He teach His way.” Ps. 25:9. All such are able to say, “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Ps. 23:3. Lest any should be deceived by the false guides who are waiting at every turn to lure souls to destruction, the Lord has given a test that will enable us clearly to distinguish the false from the true: “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20.

This is a true test, for we read in Ps. 119:142, “Thy law is the truth.” The man who walks in the way of His commandments will have a good understanding of the truth, and be kept from going astray. “Through Thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” Ps. 119:104. All such will finally hear the welcome words, “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” Isa. 26:2. “We want the truth on every point; we want it, too, to practise by.” M. C. GUILD.