rutAlmost a century later another bloody and terrible war, the War Between the States, was fought to safeguard these truths. Without truth, no country or people can survive for long.

One of the most haunting and moving hymns to come out of the Civil War era was “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Julia W. Howe. Even as a young child, it bothered me to hear friends change the words of the song and use it as a humorous or profane song. It seemed sacrilegious to do so. To this day, when I hear the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, chills run up and down my spine. Reread or sing the verses sometime. “Glory! Glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on.”

It’s easy to say that we love truth. We try to teach our children to speak it. We require it of our government and our bank statements. We swear “to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth” before a judge. We even chisel it on the stones of our courthouses.

But truth can cause a lot of trouble when it goes up against beliefs or behaviors that are wrong, but which people cherish. We must choose. Will we stand for the truth whatever the cost like those brave patriots of our country? Or will we deny it for convenience sake? Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

In the gospels Jesus uses the words “I tell you the truth” over 80 times. John opens his gospel with “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

John shows that Jesus spoke the truth. A few examples: “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3); “You are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth” (John 8:40); “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

Christ’s incarnation revealed a new truth. The way is not in a set of directions, the law, or a collection from the book of wisdom – it is a person. The truth is not having correct doctrine or solid evidence – it is a person. The life is in a person – Jesus Christ.

Pilate, the Roman Governor who declared Jesus innocent of false charges, still condemned Christ to be crucified. He knew the truth but washed his hands of it. Jesus had told him, “For this reason I was born and for this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37). Multitudes down through the ages have done what Pilate did – they have tried to wash their hands of Christ. Jesus spoke the truth, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6).

Jesus willingly went to the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Only total truth, sinless and spotless could pay the just demands of the Holy Father in heaven. Through Christ’s shed blood you can have forgiveness and eternal life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). True liberty, life, and the pursuit of happiness are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. (See John 1:12.)

What those who had Jesus crucified did not know was that truth would march on in triumph. Jesus arose from the dead victorious over death, hell, and the grave. He ascended back to heaven and is seated on the throne at the right hand of the Father.

The same John, who described His first coming at His incarnation, as an elderly apostle, was given a vision of Christ’s coronation. John saw Jesus not riding on a donkey but coming back to this earth astride a majestic white horse as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. “His eyes are like blazing fire and on His head are many crowns” (Revelation 19:11-16). And what was this rider called? He is called the “Faithful and True”.

His truth is marching on. Are you ready for His coming? Bow your knee and confess Him as Savior and Lord. (See Philippians 2:8-11 and Romans 10:9.)