1. D RILLING B IBLE B ASICS TRUTH: A BSOLUTE AND C OMPLETE

2. The Nature of Truth Truth = real, actual, factual, genuine. –It is in truth, the word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13) What does not follow God’s word is not true. –Your word is truth... (John 17:17)

3. The Source of Truth All things are summed up in God. –We are His offspring. (Acts 17:28) –Just and true are Your ways. (Revelation 15:3) In His word, God revealed all truth. –The Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth; whatever He hears, He will speak. (John 16:13) –Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (1 Peter 1:21)

5. Can We Know Truth? We can understand the revealed word. –He made known to me the mystery. When you read, you may understand. (Ephesians 3:3-4) –Contradictory interpretations arise when men misunderstand Scripture. We do what is true when we follow the word (doctrine) of Christ. –If you abide in My word, you are My disciples. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32) –The word is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word. (James 1:21-22)

6. Truth Is Absolute and Complete God’s word is absolute (not subject to human validation or change). –Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89) –The word of God lives and abides forever. (1 Peter 1:23) God’s word is complete. We do not need human creeds or latter-day revelations. –All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

7. Judging Between Truth and Error The Bible gives us wisdom and spiritual understanding—a basis for knowing if what we see and hear is true. –That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. (Colossians 1:9) The Bible is our final authority; we are not to go beyond what is written. –You may learn not to think beyond what is written. (1 Corinthians 4:6) –Whoever does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. (2 John 9)

8. Judging Between Truth and Error Truth is characterized by a “Thus saith the Lord.” –If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies. (1 Peter 4:11) Truth appeals to divine authority— book, chapter, and verse—from the inspired word. –Jesus said “The Scriptures testify of Me.” (John 5:39)

9. Jesus—The Truth Giver “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Truth must harmonize with the doctrine of Christ. –No “ other truths.” –Anything else is false. –We must not change one word. (Revelation 22:18,19)