Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 90:359 (Jul 1933)
Article: Religious Truth
Author: George Lindley Young

BSac 90:359 (July 1933) p. 350

Religious Truth

George Lindley Young

“Buy the truth, and sell it not.” — (PROV. 23:23).

In the above citation men are admonished to obtain a certain thing and then not part with it. The thing referred to is of so much worth that, when once obtained, they are never to let it go. That thing is divine truth.

For generations men have had much to say concerning what they have been pleased to term truth or the truth. Yet to many, such truth has been a variable quality, an intangible thing, an admitted or practical uncertainty, or simply some pleasing illusion. And some have treated the matter as lightly as did Pilate. “What is truth?” he asked—but for no reply did he wait. As says Dummelow’s Commentary: “Rome was infested with a horde of Greek sophists and juggling Oriental theosophists, who all claimed a monopoly of ‘the truth,’ and hence Pilate had learned to scoff at all mention of the search for it.” Certain it is that, up to that time, the truth of things had not been discovered by human research.

We may note, however, that “the truth” is a matter that has frequent and honorable mention in the Bible. It is by no means a matter that is relegated to the background of that remarkable Book. Instead of there holding an inconspicuous place, the very reverse is true. In other words, God puts a premium on the truth. He delights in those who love it, who seek it, who find it and who hold on to it. It is this truth that properly instructs men in spiritual matters, in things concerning God and Christ and salvation and righteousness and the fear of God.

In this article we purpose to discuss what the Bible terms the truth. And naturally it will be conceded that a befitting consideration of that subject cannot but be helpful.

BSac 90:359 (July 1933) p. 351

From the standpoint of science, e. g., that which is termed truth is considered greatly important. Indeed, in any research of a truly scientific character, the object is the ascertainment of truth. It is not the ascertainment of what we may be pleased merely to call truth, but of what actually is truth. In scientific research it is, and properly so, customary to be empiric. One observes, tests, experiments. By such means he discovers facts as they actually exist in external nature. These facts may be in the realm of physics, astronomy, geology, biology, etc. From facts so discovered, from data so gathered, one may go on to the discovery of laws, the formulation of principles, etc.

As in science, so in philosophy. The method is different, as philosophy and science are very different though related disciplines. Where the one is concrete and emp...