If what we believe is not truth, we quietly drift into a life that is not real. But truth stands firm — a steady rock beneath our feet, a light that helps us choose well, a gentle hand that guides our steps. I’ll illustrate four concepts of truth on the basis of the court oath.
The Court Oath
In courtrooms, we hear the words: “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”
This oath is built for justice. Its four parts are four doors — each one opening up toward what is right and good. Let’s walk through them, beginning at the end.
“So Help Me God”
There is no truth apart from God. He is Truth. Jesus is called the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Also, His Word and His Spirit never disagree; together they lead us gently toward what is real. And they speak in line with the will of the Father.
We need His help to see clearly, to separate light from shadow, to live honestly. If we build what we believe on anything except Truth, we build on shifting sands. The Word of God should be our reference point.
Practical example:
When faced with a difficult situation — like a serious health concern or financial challenge — we need the [pure] truth about our covenant rights, which include healing and provision. That’s when we read Scripture, sit quietly, and invite the Spirit to help us find the applicable truth.
“The Truth”
In court, only truth is welcome. A single lie can twist the path of justice. Truth and falsehood cannot walk hand in hand. If one rises, the other fades.
Practical example:
In our example of a health concern or financial challenge, we need the truth about His healing and provision, and not anything to the contrary.
“The Whole Truth”
Justice requires the full story — not the trimmed version, not the softened edges, not the parts we prefer. Wholeness brings clarity and full inheritance.
Practical example:
If we are not aware that God heals ALL of our diseases (Psalm 103:3) and provides ALL of our needs (Philippians 4:19), we will settle for less than His best desires and intentions for us.
The full truth opens the door to understanding and full occupation of our Promised Land.
“Nothing but the Truth”
To honour justice, we must guard truth from the small additions, the subtle twists, delicately crafted omissions or deceiving questions or even the stories we tell to make ourselves or our situation look better.
Truth is powerful. It can stand on its own.
Practical example:
We may Adam and Eve what happened when they lent out their ears to a serpent’s sly question? What started as a misleading question, escalated to a complete denial of the truth. The serpent knew that doubt is the doorway to selling the lie.
A Just Judge
God is the just Judge of His Kingdom. For His Kingdom’s justice to flow — into our homes, our decisions, our relationships — we must welcome His truth: pure, whole, and unaltered.
When we embrace truth, we stand on solid ground. And from that ground, a flourishing life begins.
