The Lens of Truth

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)

Many people want to put science in the living room and the Bible in the attic. They want to keep them apart, but that really doesn’t solve what people see to be the problem for this reason. Science, history, and theology are not three distinct branches of knowledge. They are simply three different ways in which we view the world around us. You can’t always separate them. Here is a classic example. Take the resurrection of Jesus. Was that a theological event, a historical event, or a scientific event? The answer to that question is “Yes.”

It is recorded as a historical event. If His body was physically and literally raised from the dead then scientifically you are now dealing with anatomy, biology, physics, and even chemistry and of course it is the basis of all Christian theology. The truth of the matter is if you take the scientific and historical truth out of the resurrection you have no theological truth left. 

Simply put, the God of the Bible is the God of science. The God of the Bible is the God of nature and also the God of truth.

Scripture must always be our go-to book. Science can tell you how you got here, but only scripture can tell you why you are here. Science can tell you how your life began in your mother’s womb, but only scripture can tell you how your life is to be lived when you are out of it. Scientific truth has its limits. It can answer a lot of important questions, but it can’t answer the most important questions. Only scripture can tell you who you are, why you are here, what you are to do while you are here, and where you go when you leave here.

The Bible is not a book of biology, but it will lead you to the Lamb of God that can take away your sins. It is not a book of botany, but it can lead you to the Rose of Sharon who can give off the fragrance of salvation. It is not a book of astronomy, but it can lead you to the Bright and Morning Star whose light can guide you into the presence of God. It is not a book of medicine, but it can lead you to the Great Physician who can heal your heart and cure you of the one disease that will kill you forever and that is sin. This book is truth and when you know this truth and the one who said He is the truth, you will be set free now and forever.

Dear Lord, thank you that your word, your truth, and your creation impact every area of our lives. When I try to segment or silo your truth from science, history, and other subjects, help me instead to use your truth as a lens through which to view the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.