Let God Be True (Really)
In a postmodern world where many think that truth is relative, that you should follow “your truth”, or that the idea of there being an objective truth is offensive, it is no wonder society drifts into confusion. Yet Romans 3:4 speaks bluntly about the truth and its relationship to God and us:
“…let God be true, but every man a liar…”
While beautifully and simply stated, this verse contains a mountain of doctrinal truth. It speaks to the nature of God, the nature of man, and the only standard by which truth can be truly known. And when taken seriously, it exposes the spiritual crisis of our age and the responsibility of every believer today.
God Is True and Objective Truth Exists
The first truth is simple but the most important: God is true, and objective truth exists. Truth is not something felt, discovered within, or created by culture. Truth exists outside of us because God Himself exists outside of us, and He has revealed His truth in His word.
Yes, believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit the moment they trust the gospel (Eph 1:13-14), but that does not mean everything we think or feel is from God. Walking after the Spirit is not following what we feel; it is walking according to the written word of God and the spiritual truths the Spirit enables us to understand by faith (1Co 2:12-15; Rom 8:1-5; 12:1-2).
God judges righteously and impartially by an objective standard, not a mystical or hidden one (Psa 98:9; 2Ti 4:1,8). His word is truth (Joh 17:17). His inspired scriptures are the final authority for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction (2Ti 3:16).
If someone desires truth, they must humbly seek the God who is and the book He wrote, respecting its progressively revealed nature.
“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” – Proverbs 15:33
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15
Every Man Is a Liar: The World Is Filled with Deception
The second truth is equally clear: “every man a liar.”
This is not simply about intentional dishonesty; it is about the fallen nature of mankind. Humans are finite, biased, easily deceived, and influenced by sin and the world’s system.
With the explosion of instant access to media, social platforms, and information overload, deception spreads faster than ever. The Bible warns that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2Ti 3:13).
If we do not compare everything to the truth of the Bible, in relation to our current standing under grace, not law, we will fall prey to error, whether we realize it or not.
The Bible exhorts us to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, understanding what the will of the Lord is (Eph 5:15:17). We must learn and comprehend the truth of God to do so. We must search the scriptures to see whether things be so (Joh 5:39, Acts 17:11). We must prove all things and hold fast that which is good (1Th 5:21). This takes work that most people don’t want to do, but is absolutely necessary.
God’s unchanging truth stands above scientists, psychologists, philosophers, studies, "experts", religious tradition, pastors, theologians, and even (and especially) the latest and greatest AI. If it contradicts the written word rightly divided, it is not truth, regardless of how long it has been taught or how many people believe it.
No one is fully trustworthy, either through intentional deceit or unknown ignorance. This applies to even the closest, smartest, nicest, or most trustworthy people we may know. Even the smartest or best-intentioned people can be influenced by:
Pride
Money
Power
Tradition
Popular opinion
Prestige
Academia
Religious systems
Cultural pressure
We see clear warnings about this in the Bible:
“[8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” – Colossians 2:8-10
“[20] O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: [21] Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.” – 1 Timothy 6:20-21
This does not mean Christians should isolate themselves or scornfully distrust every person they hear. But it does mean the Bible must remain the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, and we must always keep that in mind when any sort of information is presented to us. The Bible doesn’t speak about everything in the world, but what it does speak about, it is infallible.
Every Man Is a Liar, Including YOU
A third important truth from this passage is that every man is a liar, including you.
This is a necessary blow to the pride of the “critical thinker” who assumes they are above deception. In this age of intellectual independence, many Christians isolate themselves into theological corners, thinking they alone understand God perfectly and have nothing to learn from anyone. This is our pride swelling up, and it is a foolish disposition.
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" - Proverbs 12:15
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." - 1 Corinthians 10:12
"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." - Galatians 6:3
The Christian life is not a solo sport.
Edification happens in the Body of Christ, through charity, humility, and the effectual working of God’s words in believers (Eph 4:12-16, 1Th 2:13).
You need others. Others need you. Ultimately, everyone needs more of God's knowledge to enlighten their eyes to the glorious grace found in Christ.
As excellently stated in 1 Corinthians 15:34:
“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” - 1 Corinthians 15:34
We need to wake up. We cannot serve God faithfully if we are prideful, apathetic, doctrinally lazy, or spiritually numb. We must learn the truth, grow in the truth, and use the truth to help others (1Ti 2:4).
God’s Truth Is the Only Weapon Strong Enough for the Battle
The Christian’s weapon is not experience, tradition, personality, pedigree, or cultural trends. It is the living, written word of God:
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" - 2 Corinthians 10:5
To stand for truth today requires bringing every thought into captivity, not to our own reasoning or someone else's, but “to the obedience of Christ.”
Most Christians agree with this in theory… until the Bible contradicts their tradition, upbringing, church culture, favorite teacher, or current understanding. Then suddenly the Bible, or the person simply quoting it, becomes “too divisive,” or that particular topic is dismissed as something that “doesn’t matter that much.” According to who exactly?
According to the word of God itself, it is supposed to cut deeply:
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
That kind of spiritual surgery is not always comfortable. It exposes what our flesh would rather keep hidden. And when people do not want to face what God’s word reveals, because it is easier not to, you will inevitably encounter pushback. The moment we begin changing our minds and subsequently our lives according to God’s word, friction naturally follows. Truth confronts error. Light exposes darkness. Grace disrupts religious systems and long‑held assumptions.
However, this friction should never come from our own behavior, pride, or contentious spirit. It should arise solely from the nature of truth itself, which divides, clarifies, and reveals. And every time this happens, it presents an opportunity:
With believers: to engage in loving, edifying conversations around the Bible.
With unbelievers: to preach the gospel of Christ in love.
Conclusion: Let God Be True
Romans 3:4 is not just a small snippet from the Bible; it is an entire worldview. It is a spiritual posture. It is a daily discipline.
Truth is not whatever we feel, whatever our culture celebrates, or whatever our church or family tradition hands us. Don't let your own pride or understanding prevent you from trusting in the Lord (Pro 3:5). Let go of the need to be right, and focus on seeking what is right, regardless of whether it is congruent with what you currently believe or not.
Truth is what God says.
Let God be true. Let the Bible be the authority. Let every person, including yourself, be exposed and cleansed by the renewing power of God's word and love. It sets you free: both eternally, when we trust in Christ's work on the cross alone to save us, and practically when we renew our minds and avoid the lies of Satan that lead to corruption in our lives (Gal 6:7-9)
When we let God be true no matter what, we will grow, we will help others grow, and we will stand firmly in the grace and truth of Christ.
