What is Truth?
What is Truth?
By
Gary Primo
John 18:37 - Pilate therefore said unto him, Are you a king then? Yahushua answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice.
38 - Pilate said unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and said unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
Pilot was a curious person in my view. He admits to not knowing what the truth was that Yahushua was talking about, yet determines Him innocent regardless. The answer to Pilot’s question is found in the Book of Psalms.
Ps. 15:1 - Master, who shall abide in your tabernacle? who shall dwell in your holy hill?
2 - He that walks uprightly, and work righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.
3 - He that backbites not with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbour, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 - In whose eyes a vile person is condemned; but he honours them that fear Yahuwah. He that swears to his own hurt, and changes not.
5 - He that putts not out his money to usury, nor takes reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Two questions are being asked here:
1 – Who shall abide in your tabernacle?
2 – Who shall dwell in your holy hill?
The answer to the first is one that seems confusing to most. When we receive Yahuwah’s righteous spirit, we become the tabernacle of the Almighty Living Elohim. Our bodies are no longer our own; they are Yahuwah’s to use as He sees fit. For Yahuwah’s spirit to grow, its habitation must be one that is continuously seeking all truth. Continuing in falsehoods could be lethal to Yahuwah’s continued presence.
And, of course, number one is the prelude to number two. Before we can achieve the second one, we must abolish all and any possibility that any unrighteousness remains within our nature, we must sweep our houses clean and never allow the filthiness of unrighteousness return.
Verse 2 tells us that we are to “walk uprightly”. In other words, we are to walk as Yahushua walked. How was it that Yahushua walked? Yahushua walked with the whole armour of Elohim in place at all times. He wore the truth as His loincloth. He wore righteousness as His breastplate. His feet were shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, inferring travel and the taking of the Gospel to the world. He bore the shield of faith that protected Him from the Evil One. He wore the helmet of salvation, which was the plan from the foundation of creation. And He brandished the sword of righteousness, which is the word of Yahuwah. If we are to walk uprightly as Yahushua walked, we must have all of this spiritual armour in place. If walking uprightly all of our works should be in accordance with Yahuwah’s definition of righteousness; and no lie should ever pass from our lips.
These and the ones that follow were all included in the Mosaic Laws, but almost no one took them to heart. When we write Yahuwah’s laws on our hearts, we alter our human nature into an exact replica of Yahuwah’s heart and nature. WE BECOME ELOHIM! I cannot put it any simpler. And, the master key to acquiring this privilege is that we merely believe it is possible – and, we follow the plan.
Now, the rest of the study will cover other verses that deal with truth. According to the following website, there are 25 altogether. I have changed the order to present them chronologically.
Ps. 25:4 - Show me thy ways, O Yahuwah; teach me your paths.
5 - Lead me in your truth, and teach me: for you are the Elohim of my salvation; on you do I wait all the day.
6 - Remember, O Yahuwah, your tender mercies and your loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
We are to learn AND FOLLOW the path of Yahuwah, not the path of a man; for the path of men only leads to death. We are never to ASSUME that we already possess all knowledge and truth. Instead, we should assume that there is a vast universe out there, and when it comes to learning everything that Yahuwah wishes to teach us, we will always be lacking. Yahuwah expects us to be diligently searching out all His wisdom and truth daily. Even after we make it into the Kingdom, there will be much to learn.
A common historical occurrence has been for invading armies to destroy all records of knowledge they may have acquired and destroy them. Alexandria Egypt is a good example of this. The library in Egypt has been historically acclaimed as containing over 500,000 manuscripts of ancient knowledge, written by world renowned philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. The cause of the fire is disputed. Some believe it was an accident. Some believe that Julius Caesar had it burned down. Check out the following site for more details.
https://www.ancient.eu/article/207/what-happened-to-the-great-library-at-alexandria/
Just how merciful is Yahuwah? Well, seeing how He has put up with man all this time without destroying him; I would say He is merciful beyond measure. Neither does His kindness know any bounds. Some worldly types may not define Yahuwah’s actions as always kind but, within the scope of the big picture, they truly are.
Ps. 33:4 - For the word of Yahuwah is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
We are in the process of becoming Elohim. Therefore, we must be about taking on all of His attributes, not just the easy ones. As Yahuwah’s words is always right and true, so should ours be. As Yahuwah is faithful in all He says and does, so should we be.
Ps. 34:13 - Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking guile.
14 - Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15 - The eyes of Yahuwah are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry
Our most formidable foe is our own tongues. We tend to spout off the first thing that pops into our minds with no forethought. You may be familiar with the “word association” game, where one person says a word and you say the first word that pops into your mind. This is a play on the subconscious. It reveals our deepest darkest thoughts. “By their words/works you shall know them.” (Matt. 7:14). Nothing betrays our inner thoughts like the words that come out of our mouths. And, many times, the intended meanings are misconstrued
Departing from evil is indeed difficult in this age we live in. It is all around us. It is quite easy to get caught up in a social or political movement that detracts from our service to Yahuwah. It is not easy to do good or seek peace. Sometimes there are individuals preventing us from finding the peace we desire (an un-converted spouse, a rebellious child, etc.). Sometimes we try to do good and it is thrown back in our faces. DO IT ANYWAYS! Sometimes we do not find peace. SEEK IT ANYWAYS! Ask Yahuwah for His help and guidance. His eyes are always upon us. His ears are always listening.
Ps. 119:30 - I have chosen the way of truth: your judgments have I laid before me.
I do not believe that anyone intentionally seeks a lie. Every worldly religious group thinks they are following the truth. All who are born into such religions have been brainwashed from birth and often know nothing else. Such honestly believe that the lie is the truth, and never seek out anything to the contrary.
In following the way of truth, we have to first know what the truth is. We find that out by studying the word of Yahuwah. In the first five books of scripture (torah), we have the words of Yahuwah clearly laid out for us, along with His laws. Bringing ourselves under obedience to Yahuwah’s words and laws is the first giant step. The second is to ingrain them in our minds and hearts, changing our nature from physical to spiritual. Once we have accomplished that feat (never having another conscious evil thought), we will truly be of the same nature as Yahuwah.
Prov. 30: 5 - Every word of Elohim is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Yahuwah is the shied of faith for those who seek Him and accept Him into their hearts. His word is flawless. Absolutely every word that passes from the mouth of a man is subject to scrutiny. One has to test such words and prove if they be true or not. Such should not be the case with Yahuwah’s word. We should know and accept that Yahuwah’s word is always the truth.
Prov. 4:24 - Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Our mouths can sometimes be our greatest enemy. Things pour forth at times like an uncontrollable flood. Sometimes words come out of our mouths that bear no resemblance to the righteousness of Yahuwah. Of course, by the time we realize our error and try to close the gate, it is too late. This is why we need to think before we speak. Sometimes I will wait for 3 days before giving a response, just to take the time to weigh out in my mind what Yahushua’s response would be in the same situation.
Just to mention a case in point, I just moved into a new apartment. Right off the bat I had two women (who barely knew me) spreading rumors (lies) about me. The funny part of this story was that I first had a male neighbour warn me about one of these females and a couple of days later, the same female came up to me and warned me about the guy who warned me about her.
Now, at first I was quite angry about this and my first thought was to confront them and give them a piece of my mind; however, after giving myself time to simmer down and think about what Yahushua would do, I did nothing. That is what Yahushua did when His accusers were falsely accusing Him. Yahushua knew that their lies would eventually find them out, as they always do.
Prov. 10:29 - The way of Yahuwah is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
30 - The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
31 - The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
32 - The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaks frowardness.
(Froward - adjective
willfully contrary; not easily managed: to be worried about one's froward, intractable child.)
Following the way of Yahuwah strengthens us spiritually and prepares us for eternal life. The sinful person will never see this end. Only the righteous will inherit the earth. The wicked will only inherit eternal death. Righteousness begets wisdom. The wisdom of man is utter lunacy to Yahuwah. The contrary and unmanageable shall have their lying tongues cut out. The righteous speak righteously what is acceptable to Yahuwah. The wicked and lawless speak only what is contrary and; therefore, are unmanageable and unacceptable to Yahuwah..
John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
From the perspective of the whole plan of salvation, this was a curious development. The Word (Yahushua) became flesh so that He could dwell among us and feel our infirmities. Yet, according to the plan, we are to become the Word, so that we can dwell with Him in the Kingdom. And, as Yahushua was filled with grace and truth, so are we to be. If we do not resemble the Messiah in any way, and people do not see Yahushua when they see us, we are missing the mark, folks. There are no two ways around it.
John 4:24 - Elohim is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
So, what is a spirit? Notice it does not say that Yahuwah has a spirit, but that He “is” one. Interesting! That sounds similar to Mainstream Christianity’s concept of the soul. The soul is not something we possess but who we are – a living soul.
(Genesis 2:7 - And Yahuwah Elohim formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.)
John 8:31 - Then said Yahushua to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed;
32 - And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
We are to continue in Yahuwah’s word, not the word of any man. Men are fallible, Yahuwah is not. If we continue in His Word (Yahushua’s) we will be considered His disciples indeed. We will know all truth and that truth will set us free. Free from what? Free from the prison HaSatan has sentenced us to while we await eternal death! Free from the threat or eventuality of eternal death.
John 14:6 - Yahushua said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.
A number of priests did convert to The Way, but the scribes and Pharisees rejected it along with the Messiah. In their arrogance, they believed that they were pleasing to Yahuwah. Wait until they come up for judgment! Christianity believes that their “Jesus” actually replaced the Father, the nasty old Elohim of the OT. Muslims revere Yahushua as a prophet, but not much else. And, I do not know what Buddhists believe. None are striving to “come unto the Father” through the Son at all. And, even the Christians are striving to come before the Father by their pagan “Jesus”. Their work is all in vain.
John 15:26 - But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:
22 - If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
23 - He that hates me hates my Father also.
John 16:7 - Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 - And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 - Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 - Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you see me no more;
11 - Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
The Apostles feared the fact that Yahushua had to leave them. They were afraid they would have no one to lead them. And, at first, following the crucifixion, they all went back to their previous occupation – fishing. When in doubt, go fishing has always been my practice. I guess it was theirs also.
Not believing in Yahushua is indeed a sin, and likely the greatest sin of all, since He represents ALL the laws of Yahuwah. If one rejects Yahushua, they reject the law as well. Isn’t that exactly what Mainstream Christianity has done? They have replaced the true Messiah, Yahushua, for their pagan “Jesus”. In doing so, they are still worshipping the Roman god, Zeus. They say the laws of Yahuwah are done away with, yet honour the laws of Mithraism, which is all traditional Christianity ever was from the beginning – a Mithraic make-over.
The prince of this world has indeed been judged and sentenced. Of course, he will not begin serving his sentence until Yahushua returns. In his arrogance, HaSatan attempted to set his throne above Yahuwah’s. His success with Adam and Eve led him to believe he had won the war. However, that was only the first Battle. No matter how hard Yahuwah has tried to turn us back to Him, we have rebelled all the way. Even a global flood did not prevent sin from rapidly returning.
Eph. 4:14 - That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 - But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even HaMashiyack:
16 - From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
There is definitely no shortage of deceivers out there. Basically every human conceived religion is false. Every minister within any of the worldly religions is a liar. The world as a whole loves the lie and hates the truth. Just try convincing a traditional, die-hard Christian that he is deceived and see what response you get. You’ll be fortunate to escape with your life. No, man prefers the easy path, the one where he has to do nothing to gain salvation. “Just come as you are; you don’t have to change a thing.” I hate to tell them that no change = no salvation. Why would Yahuwah allow something corruptible into His incorruptible Kingdom? That would truly be insane.
Of course, the basis of all scriptural law is love. Yahuwah loves His creation. He loves man. He incorporated His laws into the creation to guide it into the Kingdom. Nothing corruptible will ever be allowed into the Kingdom. Those who think they can enter the Kingdom even a little corrupted are in serious trouble. A little leaven leavens the whole lump, and that will never be allowed in the Kingdom. For the Kingdom to flourish all corruption must be put to death – and it will be via the refining fire that envelopes the earth in the latter days.
The whole body in verse 16 refers to the church. For the church to work everyone has to be on the same page. Everyone has a different talent to contribute and together the church should run efficiently and effectively.
Do we see that in any church today? I don’t. Amongst the traditional Christian churches, I read almost daily about how their numbers are falling and how they are desperate to get those numbers back up. All I can say is that their lies have caught up to them. No one cares or gives a damn. So, what do the churches do? They change to entice the non-believers back, introducing abortion and homosexuality as if murder and perverted sexual practices were no longer sinful. How foolish are the ways of man?
The true church should be experiencing continual growth. Gaining one or two snippets of truth does not constitute the whole truth! Some like the 7th day Adventists stopped when they learned the truth about the weekly Sabbath. Others like the WCG stopped at the truth of the yearly Sabbaths. This is why I do not like setting any doctrine in stone. We never know when our studies are going to add more truth to the doctrine. And, every truth we learn adds to the edifying of body in love. Love is the target, folks. There is no law against love. In fact, it is the root of all righteous law.
Phil. 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
The purifying of our minds is no easy task. The spirit of HaSatan is always working against us, along with our carnal nature. However, the more we pursue these things, the greater the possibility that we will proceed to victory.
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2 Tim. 2:15 - Study to show yourself approved unto Elohim, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 - But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
“Study” is the key word here. “Search and prove all things”. We are not to accept any doctrine of men over those of Yahuwah. Studying and proving Yahuwah’s words are what we need to do to gain access to the mind and nature of Yahuwah. He will eventually lead us into all truth; but perhaps He wishes to see what we do with the truth we already have before revealing more. The doctrines of man lead us away from Yahuwah, not towards Him.
Heb.11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 - For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Faith does not simply come out of fresh air. It is based on something tangible. We exist because we are. We know that the universe did not simply pop into existence on its own. For any creation, there must be a creator. According to the laws that govern our physical universe, the concept of Evolution is a physical impossibility.
I disagree that these things cannot be seen. We see the evidence of creation EVERYWHERE WE LOOK. Even scientist studying sub-atomic particles today realize that the creation was no accident – that there is definitely some forms of highly intelligent design to it all, which demands the existence of a highly intelligent designer.
The elders (leaders of The Way) wore their faith on their sleeves, openly visible to all. For this they obtained a good report. Faith is the first step in coming before Yahuwah. Faith will eventually lead to the knowledge of all truth.
James 1:18 - Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
19 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 - For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of Elohim.
We are the firstfruits of Yahuwah’s Kingdom. We were handpicked by Him personally. After 36years in the faith, I still do not know why Yahuwah called me. However, I am very grateful that he did.
In today’s world, everyone seems to be so easily offended. Being offended by something or someone, can lead to a host of different conclusions. One can get angry. One can get violent. It can ruin an otherwise great friendship.
Pursuing wrath and vengeance is one of my own weaknesses. Being of Italian descent, I am naturally inclined towards spaghetti and revenge (lol). And, it has not been easy to overcome. I have managed to control my actions, but the thoughts always plague me. I seriously need to put it from me altogether.
James 5:11 - Behold, we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of Yahuwah; that Yahuwah is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
12 - But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Those who endure to the end will indeed be very happy when they enter the Kingdom. During our transformation we will have certainly learned the virtue of patience.
Truth is so much more than the obvious. When we make an oath or a promise to someone, we must carry out that oath in all sincerity and truth – otherwise it becomes a lie. So, spend some time in careful thought, weighing and counting the costs before you commit yourself and proceed.
1 John 1:5 - This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that Elohim is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 - If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Yahushua HaMachiyack his Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Elohim is pure, living light. This is what we must become too, if we desire to see the Kingdom. Just as there is no darkness in Yahuwah, so must there be no darkness found in us. If not for HaSatan, man too would have naturally progressed into this same state. Instead darkness entered into man and he began to worship the darkness instead of the light. And they still do this today. Harbouring any darkness while pretending to serve Yahuwah makes us a liar. Eventually the spirit of truth we received at baptism will abandon us if we are not doing everything possible to overcome the darkness. We must be careful to not allow this to happen.
A candle is likely the least illuminating source of light there is. And yet, when lit in a totally dark room, it gives enough light to reveal most of the contents. In the beginning we ignite the candle of spiritual understanding. As we study and learn that candle intensifies in light. Our goal is to get this candle shinning so bright that not even the tiniest particle of darkness remains. We will be totally consumed by the pure white light of righteousness.
1 John 3:7 - Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 - He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of Elohim was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 - Whosoever is born of Elohim does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of Elohim.
Well, one cannot get much clearer than that. If we do righteousness, then we are of Elohim. If we do unrighteousness, we are of the devil. Walk up to an average person on the street and ask them if they are of the devil and they will likely be offended. They see Satanic worshipers as creepy looking individuals practicing all sorts of dark magic and the occult. However, there are only two distinctions here. Either you are worshipping and following Yahuwah, or you are worshipping and following the Devil.
We cannot consider ourselves to be “of Elohim” until we have driven all sin out of our lives, including any sinful thoughts. As long as we are committing sin, we are not of Elohim. As long as we are thinking sinful thoughts, we are not of Elohim. We have not conquered the darkness; and one fatal slip can end us up right back where we started. Holding onto “a little sin” is never acceptable. Eventually one will become complacent over that one sin and it will turn into many sins. Sin begets more sin, just as righteousness begets more righteousness. The more we sin, the more natural it becomes.
1 John 2:27 - As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
This is definitely NOT an easy road we have chosen for ourselves. We have been anointed with Yahuwah’s spirit of truth. To not grow in the spirit, is, in fact, a denial of the presence of that spirit. We cannot pretend to be fully grown in the spirit and walk around with our chests puffed out, acting all pious when our inner person is drowning in darkness. We either are pious or we are not.
It is this spirit of righteousness that teaches us all truth. We have no need of a human preacher, pushing his agenda on anyone. And, I can guarantee you that Yahuwah sees everything and no one can put anything over on Him.
1 John. 3:17 - But whoso has this world’s goods, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of Elohim in him?
18 - My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
19 - And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
20 - For if our heart condemns us, Elohim is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
In other words, do not merely talk the good talk, but walk the good walk, also. Our actions either support or deny our speech – hopefully the former. When our actions support our words we can know we are of Yahuwah. Sometimes we may slip up and our hearts condemn us. When we repent of our actions and seek forgiveness, Yahuwah is quick to do so.
20 - And we know that the Son of Elohim is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Yahushua HaMashiyack. This is the true Elohim, and eternal life.
Upon baptism, we are imbued with the spirit of truth. Upon receiving that spirit, we are to become the temple of Elohim. We are to become Yahushua. We are no longer the same person. We are the temple of the spirit of truth, and we need to nurture that spirit until it grows and completely fills us. If we come up short of that, our spiritual future may be in peril.
Yahushua is the Elohim of the Old Testament who at all time interacted with man. The Father’s presence would have destroyed us all, since He cannot share the same space as corruption without destroying it.
Conclusion
Just as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, so is truth. Everyone on the planet has their own beliefs on what truth is. However, the reality is that there is only one truth, and Yahushua proved the Father’s words were right and true, when He was manifested in the flesh. The same cannot be said of any other religion on Earth.
Coming into all truth does not come automatically at baptism. It has to be worked at over a lifetime. There are not enough libraries on the planet to contain all the knowledge and truth of Yahuwah. We could study all our lives and still not know everything there is to know.
Basing our lives and beliefs on truth is a very huge first step. We learn what truth is from the word of Yahuwah. We secure that information in our brain and practice it by putting it into action. Fortunately, Yahuwah looks upon the heart to see what our true nature and intent is. If we have been giving it 100% effort, Yahuwah will be pleased.
Many people are looking forward to the day when the temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt as some sort of religious awakening. That is fine for nonbelievers but believers have no need of a physical temple. The temple is in us. We ARE the temple of the Living Elohim. If in the Messiah, we are the Messiah. This may all sound a little abstract, but that is exactly what apostles like John are telling us.
The Father only created one Son. That Son learned at the feet of the Father for an unknown length of time. In the end, the two were indistinguishable; which is why man thought he was interacting with the Father when it was really the Son. When we see the Son, we see the Father, also. When we are finally “of Elohim” we will also be indistinguishable from the Father or the Son. We will be reborn as brand new spiritual babies, pure and anxious to learn more. As we grow, we will be given more and more responsibilities (which come naturally with knowledge). One day we may have our own planet to be Elohim of. Someday we may have our own universe to create and manage. The possibilities are endless. And all we have to do is believe and learn all the ways (truths) of Yahuwah. Have a wonderful journey!
Yahuwah Bless
G.P.