CAN WE KNOW THE TRUTH?

By Nana Yaw Aidoo

It is the case in point that no one knows everything. The attribute of omniscience is reserved for the Almighty God, who can tell the end from the beginning (Isa.46:10). It is also the case that no one is absolutely and totally ignorant that he knows nothing. Everyone knows something and this something is either true or false. However, there are some who deny that truth can be known. Even some among the Lord's people. Interestingly, when they claim that truth cannot be known, they are affirming that they know that truth cannot be known. How inconsistent can people get?

We are told to believe that we are all seeking truth and so no one should claim a knowledge of truth. The point however is not whether we are all seeking truth but rather, whether whiles seeking truth, we can find it. Can truth be found as we seek it? Some say no. God's description of such people is that they are "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim.3:7).

Can we know the truth? Jesus Christ and His apostles so believed. To the Jews who believed Christ, He said; "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32). The Son of God emphasized a knowledge of the truth as the means by which men can be made free. I submit that He wouldn't have made such an emphasis if it were impossible to know the truth.

After our Lord preached a hard sermon, one which made His disciples desert Him, He asked the twelve whether they wanted to go away too. In response Peter said; "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (John 6:68-69). The truth was that Jesus was the Christ and Simon Peter laid claim to the fact that all of the twelve knew it. 

John also testified that Gaius walked in the truth (3 John 3). Pray tell how this man could have walked in something that it is impossible to know? The only way Gaius could have walked in the truth was if he knew the truth. And if Gaius could walk in the truth, can we not do same today?

Not only can we know the truth, but we can know that we know the truth. John wrote; "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3). Was the apostle John "proud," "all-knowing" and a "Pharisee" for making this statement?

If the truth cannot be known, then Jesus Christ and His apostles lied. If the truth cannot be known then Paul was wrong for saying the church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim.3:15). If the truth cannot be known then God has a wrong desire for He desires that all men be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim.2:4).

Can we know that God exists? Absolutely!

Can we know that Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son? Absolutely!

Can we know that the Bible is His word and His only word? Absolutely!

Can we know that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven? Absolutely!

Can we know what to do to be saved from our sins? Absolutely!

Can we know that Jesus Christ built only one (literally) church and so denominations do not have the approval of God? Absolutely!

We can know these and many more. If there is something we have no knowledge of, the Biblical exhortation is that we study so as to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Pet.3:18).

I learnt a long time ago that those who claim we cannot know the truth, really do not believe it for they know that we cannot know the truth. Rather, it is a calculated attempt to bring error (either in teaching or practice) into the Lord's fold or to pander to those who want their ears to be tickled.

It is my heartfelt prayer that rather than make ignorance a virtue and rather than glory in ignorance, we would through diligent study of God's Holy Word, "be filled with the knowledge of His will,...increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col.1:9-10).

God bless us all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.