Gospel as Center: Chapter 2

Title: "Can We Know the Truth?" - an appropriate question in our age!

• Our stating truth as Christians must be backed up by defending the idea of truth itself.
• Postmodernity rightly rejects the philosophy of modernity - its rationalism attacks God, ignores sin, and has no room for humility and charity.
• Positives of postmodernism: (1) People are finite and therefore cannot fully understand truth. (2) Truth can potentially engender oppression, something to guard against. (3) We are led to think again through doctrines, strengthening the right. (4) Christians and postmodernists can combat modernism.
• However. . .you can't live as if there is no truth! Try it, it's impossible.
• Our Christian defense of truth:
• "Truth corresponds to reality" (p. 29).
• God exists, specifically the God of the Bible.
• One God implies a unity to His whole creation.
• "Sin prevents humans from receiving the truth" (p. 30).
• We are necessarily finite anyway.
• We are sinful.
• Jesus the Savior is the solution to sin!
• "The Bible - God's written revelation - conveys truth" (p. 32).
• Scripture is verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit.
• God's perfection implies that Scripture is also trustworthy and without error.
• The Bible's authority is God's authority, since it proceeds from His mouth.
• God reveals Himself in a variety of genres. So. . .
• To read the Bible is to drink living water (2 Peter 1:19).
• Truth is in God's covenant with us as well.
• God is the higher party in His covenant.
• Humans are His stewards.
• Jesus, God in the flesh, is touchable human Truth.
• Thus, in our witness, we start and end with Scripture, always humbly (as forgiven sinners) and boldly (knowing the teachings). Back up your witness with life-evidence that Jesus is a real Person to you - love, holiness, gentleness. Jesus is your confidence!
• People have an innate need for truth - go from there, challenging them to evaluate the Word's claims.