Understanding Biblical Truth in a Postmodern World
Understanding Biblical Truth in a Postmodern World
The concept of biblical truth is rooted in the idea that Scripture provides a clear and understandable revelation of God's will and character. According to Matthew Henry, the word of God is intended to give light and understanding to those who read it, and its efficacy is evident in its ability to enlighten the understanding of those who are sanctified [3]. John Gill notes that the Bible is a sealed book to those who are not spiritual, but to those who have been given an understanding by Christ, its truths are plain and understandable [1].
In a postmodern world where truth is often seen as relative and subjective, the biblical concept of truth stands in stark contrast. The Bible presents truth as objective and absolute, rooted in the character and nature of God. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note, the world to come is not subject to angels, but to Christ, who is the ultimate authority and source of truth [2].
The biblical understanding of truth is not limited to intellectual comprehension, but involves a deepening spiritual understanding that comes through the work of the Holy Spirit. According to John Gill, the truths of the Gospel are unknown to men apart from the Spirit's illumination, and it is only through the ministry of the word, attended by the Spirit and power of God, that people come to know divine truths [4].
In the face of postmodern skepticism, the biblical concept of truth remains unchanged. As Matthew Henry notes, the entrance of God's word gives light, and it is through the Scripture that people come to understand God's will and character [3]. The challenge for Christians is to communicate this understanding of truth in a way that is relevant and compelling to a postmodern world.
The early Christian community faced similar challenges, and the apostle Paul's writings provide insight into how they navigated these issues. According to John Gill, Paul's ministry was characterized by both honour and dishonour, as some people received him with reverence and others with contempt [6]. Despite these challenges, Paul remained committed to proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, and his writings continue to be a source of guidance and inspiration for Christians today.
The biblical understanding of truth is not just a theoretical concept, but has practical implications for how Christians live and interact with the world around them. As Matthew Henry notes, regeneration involves a weanedness from the world, and a willingness to live above its concerns and values [5]. This understanding of truth is essential for navigating the complexities of a postmodern world, and for living a life that is faithful to God's revelation in Scripture.
Sources
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 8:9: They are all plain to him that understandeth,.... Whose understanding is enlightened by the Spirit of God; who is a spiritual man, that has a discerning, and can judge of spiritual things: as for the carnal man, let him have what natural knowledge or wisdom he will, he cannot know these things; for they are spiritually discerned, and can only be discerned by spiritual men. The Bible is a sealed book to others, learned or unlearned; the mysteries or doctrines of the Gospel are hid in parables from such; but those to whom Christ has given an understanding to know him, ”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 2:5: For--confirming the assertion, Heb 2:2-3, that the new covenant was spoken by One higher than the mediators of the old covenant, namely, angels. Translate in the Greek order, to bring out the proper emphasis, "Not the angels hath He," &c. the world to come--implying, He has subjected to angels the existing world, the Old Testament dispensation (then still partly existing as to its framework), Heb 2:2, the political kingdom of the earth (Dan 4:13; Dan 10:13, Dan 10:20-21; Dan 12:1), and the natural elements (Rev 9:11; Rev 16:4). and even individuals (”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:130: Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God's testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God's word gives light. If we begi”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 78:6: That the generation to come might know them,.... Not only notionally, but spiritually and experimentally; which is the case, when human teachings are attended with the spirit of wisdom and revertion in the knowledge of divine truths; for the truths of the Gospel are unknown to men; the Gospel is hidden wisdom, the wisdom of God in a mystery; the Bible is a sealed book, the doctrines of it are riddles and dark sayings; the ministry of the word is the means of knowledge, which become effectual when attended with the Spirit and power of God: even the children which sho”
- 2 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 5:16: In these verses the apostle mentions two things that are necessary in order to our living to Christ, both of which are the consequences of Christ's dying for us; namely, regeneration and reconciliation. I. Regeneration, which consists of two things; namely, 1. Weanedness from the world: "Henceforth we know no man after the flesh, Co2 5:16. We do not own nor affect any person or thing in this world for carnal ends and outward advantage: we are enabled, by divine grace, not to mind nor regard this world, nor the things of this world, but to live above it. The”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 6:7: By honour and dishonour,.... Some persons think and speak honourably of us, and behave in a reverent manner towards us; they wish us well, bid us God speed, receive us into their houses, and treat us with respect: others think meanly of us, speak of us with the utmost contempt, and use us as if we were the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things; so we pass through the world; this is the treatment we meet with on the right hand and on the left; nor are we much affected with it: by evil report and good report; as it fares with our persons, so with”