Knowing the Truth results in
freedom from several things – freedom from uncertainty; freedom from error;
freedom from confusion; freedom from falsehoods; freedom from doubt, and more.
The truth
is a very narrow thing. In accounting, the truth can be one number, one digit,
one answer – and only one. In science, truth is one chemical reaction, one
biological process, one physics calculation – and only one.
In many
disciplines, truth is conclusive – It’s unique, it’s accurate, it’s the only
conclusion. When all the facts have been accounted for, one can clearly see the
truth.
As a
result, uncertainty vanishes, error has disappeared, confusion is clarified,
falsehoods are revealed, and doubt is swept away. A sense of confidence arises
to the extent that when someone attempts to dispute the truth that has been
learned the evidence can be presented to refute any claims to the contrary.
In
philosophy and theology, however, the truth is less demonstrative. It is there,
for sure, but much harder to see and to prove. Without the physical senses to
confirm truth, the mind becomes open to uncertainty, error, confusion,
falsehoods, and doubt.
But the
truth can still be found, and when it is discovered, the self-assurance of its
accuracy is just as concrete as any scientific or mathematical evidence would
provide.
Thus, when
one encounters an unbeliever of the truth, and one answers any criticisms of
his certainty, he may be accused of being narrow minded, closed minded, or even
addle minded. The doubters of the truth cannot accept the narrowness of the
truth or the confidence that the believer of the truth demonstrates.
But the freedom that results in knowing the truth allows the believer to have complete assurance of his faith in the truth. There is no need to further examine or study contrary opinions or to keep an open mind about distracting ideas.
The sealed mind is secure in the truth, if it is indeed the truth. After all, Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
COPYRIGHT 2018 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON
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