In today’s world, we’re surrounded by competing voices, each claiming to offer its own version of the truth. In this pluralistic and often relativistic age, many believe truth is subjective—that what’s true for one person may not be true for another. As a result, claiming to know absolute truth may be seen as arrogant or narrow-minded.

If someone were to tell us our truth claim is arrogant, we shall do well to ask them if the statement they just made is true. If it is, their statement is arrogant too, by their own definition. If their statement isn’t true, it isn’t worth engaging with. This simple exercise in logic reveals the self-defeating nature of the statement that all truth claims are arrogant. It demonstrates that making truth claims is an inescapable part of rational discourse and human communication.

The Nature of Truth According to Scripture

• Truth is Objective, Not Subjective: The Bible presents a clear, unchanging understanding of truth. Jesus, speaking to His disciples, declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Here, truth is not a matter of personal perspective or cultural opinion. It’s objective, rooted in the person of Christ and the unchanging character of God. Scripture emphasizes that truth exists apart from human understanding, and it comes from God Himself. In a world where many argue that truth is relative, the Christian faith stands on the belief that truth is absolute because it flows from an absolute and sovereign God.
• General Revelation and Special Revelation: God has revealed His truth to us in two main ways: through general and special revelation. General revelation refers to how God makes Himself known through creation. As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” The natural world bears witness to God’s existence and truth, giving us glimpses of His power and majesty. But God didn’t stop there. Through special revelation—primarily Scripture and ultimately Jesus Christ—God reveals His redemptive plan and the fullness of His truth. The Bible is God’s Word, breathed out and authoritative, providing us with everything we need for life and godliness (2 Timothy 3:16). Truth is not something we discover on our own; it’s something God graciously reveals to us.
• The Reformed Understanding of God’s Sovereignty Over Truth: At the heart of Reformed theology is the conviction that God is sovereign over all things, including truth. Colossians 1:16-17 reminds us all things were created by Christ and for Christ, and “in Him, all things hold together.” This means God’s truth is not confined to spiritual matters but governs all reality. To know truth, then, is to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over creation and revelation. It’s not arrogance but submission to the Creator who holds all truth in His hands.

Human Limitation and Dependence on God for Truth

• Total Depravity and the Impact of Sin on Human Understanding: One of the key doctrines of Reformed theology is total depravity—the idea that sin has affected every aspect of human life, including our ability to understand truth. Romans 1:18-21 teaches that although God’s truth is evident in creation, humanity has suppressed it in unrighteousness. Sin clouds our minds and hearts, preventing us from fully grasping truth on our own. Therefore, claiming to know truth isn’t about personal wisdom or insight; it’s about acknowledging our limitations and looking to God for the truth we cannot find on our own.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit in Revealing Truth: Knowing truth is a gift of God’s grace, given through the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide His disciples “into all truth” (John 16:13). The Spirit illuminates Scripture and opens our eyes to understand God’s revelation. Rather than being an arrogant claim, knowing truth is a humble admission that we are dependent on the Spirit to teach us and lead us into a deeper understanding of God’s will.

Is Claiming to Know Truth Arrogant?

• The Difference Between Humble Confidence and Arrogance: The key difference between humble confidence and arrogance lies in where we place our trust. Arrogance says, “I have found the truth on my own.” Humble confidence, on the other hand, says, “God has revealed His truth to me, and I trust in His Word.” Christians are called to the latter. We do not claim to know truth because of our intelligence or superiority, but because we trust in the God who has made His truth known. As 2 Corinthians 4:7 puts it, “We have this treasure in jars of clay,” showing that the power comes from God, not us.
• Biblical Examples of Confidence in Truth: Throughout Scripture, we see examples of believers who confidently proclaimed the truth, not because of their own wisdom, but because they trusted in God’s revelation. Paul boldly declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). The apostles, despite persecution, insisted that “there is salvation in no one else” but Jesus (Acts 4:12). Their confidence came not from arrogance but from faith in the truth God had revealed to them.
• The Call to Speak Truth in Love: Ephesians 4:15 instructs us to speak the truth in love. This means that while we are called to proclaim the truth boldly, we must also do so with humility and compassion. Truth is not a weapon to wield over others; it’s a gift to share with grace. Knowing the truth should not lead to pride but to a greater sense of responsibility to serve others and point them to Christ.

Pluralism and Relativism: The Modern Challenge

• The Reformed Response to Pluralism: In our pluralistic society, many people believe that claiming to know absolute truth is offensive or arrogant because it excludes other viewpoints. However, from a Reformed perspective, we affirm that truth is not a matter of personal opinion but is rooted in God’s revelation. We stand firm on the belief that Scripture is God’s Word and that His truth is eternal and unchanging (Isaiah 40:8). While we respect others’ right to their beliefs, we hold to the truth revealed in Christ.
• The Exclusive Claims of Christ: Jesus’ claim that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) is an exclusive statement. It means that all other paths are false. While this can sound arrogant in a relativistic culture, it is simply the reality of God’s revelation. We proclaim this truth not out of arrogance but out of love, knowing that only through Christ can people come to know the fullness of God’s grace and truth.

Conclusion: Knowing Truth is Not Arrogance, But a Response to God’s Grace

So, is it arrogant to claim to know truth? From a Reformed Christian perspective, the answer is no. Claiming to know truth is not an act of personal arrogance but a humble response to God’s grace. We know truth not because we are wise or deserving, but because God has revealed it to us through His Word and Spirit. As Christians, we are called to live in the light of this truth, to share it with others, and to always do so with humility and love. Rather than shying away from the truth, we should stand firm in the knowledge that God has graciously made His truth known, and we have the privilege of living in it.

 

Related FAQs

• Why do some people view claiming to know truth as arrogant? People see claiming to know truth as arrogant because it can imply that one’s perspective is superior to others. In a pluralistic society, where multiple viewpoints are valued, asserting an absolute truth can be perceived as dismissive of other beliefs. However, from a Christian perspective, truth is not about personal superiority but about acknowledging God’s revelation.
• How does the Bible define truth? The Bible defines truth as objective and absolute, rooted in the character of God. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), indicating truth is found in Him. Scripture consistently presents truth as unchanging and divinely revealed, not subject to human opinion or cultural trends.
• What is the difference between general revelation and special revelation? General revelation refers to how God reveals Himself through nature and the created world, as seen in Psalm 19:1. Special revelation, on the other hand, is God’s direct communication through Scripture and Jesus Christ. While general revelation shows God’s existence and power, special revelation provides specific knowledge about God’s will and redemptive plan.
• How does sin affect our understanding of truth? According to Reformed theology, sin has corrupted every aspect of human life, including our ability to perceive truth. Romans 1:18-21 explains that humanity suppresses the truth in unrighteousness. This means that without God’s intervention, our understanding of truth is flawed and limited by our sinful nature.
• What role does the Holy Spirit play in revealing truth? The Holy Spirit is essential in guiding believers into all truth, as Jesus promised in John 16:13. The Spirit illuminates Scripture, helps us understand God’s will, and convicts us of sin. This divine guidance ensures that our knowledge of truth is not based on human wisdom but on God’s revelation.
• Isn’t it more inclusive to believe that all perspectives are equally true? While it might seem more inclusive to accept all perspectives as equally true, this approach can lead to contradictions and confusion. If every perspective is true, then the perspective that claims only one truth must also be true, which creates a paradox. From a Christian viewpoint, truth is about aligning with God’s revealed truth rather than inclusivity. Inclusivity in Christianity means loving and respecting others while holding firm to the truth revealed in Scripture.
• How can Christians claim to know truth without sounding arrogant? Christians can claim to know truth without sounding arrogant by emphasizing humility and the source of their knowledge. Truth in Christianity is based on God’s revelation, not personal superiority. By acknowledging that truth is a gift from God and not a personal achievement, Christians can share their beliefs with humility and respect. It’s important to listen to others, engage in respectful dialogue, and demonstrate Christ-like love and humility in all interactions.
• Isn’t it arrogant to say Jesus is the only way to God? Claiming that Jesus is the only way to God is about faithfulness to what Jesus taught. Christians believe that Jesus’ unique role in God’s redemptive plan makes this claim true. This belief is not meant to be exclusive in a negative sense but is seen as an invitation for all to come to God through Christ. It’s a message of hope and salvation, not of exclusion.

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