October 15

I am the truth.—John 14:6.

JESUS not only came to proclaim the truth of the mind of God, and the true way to eternal life, but he is the personification of truth. In him it dwells as the fountain and depository, and from him alone it is diffused abroad. He was the sun of truth, diffusing abroad his irradiating beams in every direction. He is the ocean of truth, from whence all the streams of truth are communicated to every part of his universe. He is the prince of truth: it is a leading feature in his character and reign. His throne is based upon it: his laws are truth embodied: his own mind is the standard of truth. All is true, as it is conformable to it, and all is false as it wants that conformity. His word is the revelation of truth, for it is revealed to us for our instruction, comfort, and salvation. But Jesus is the grand centre of truth: in him all its lines meet. He is the truth of prophecies which all referred to him, and in him received their full accomplishment. He is the truth of promises, being himself the great blessing promised, emphatically the mercy promised to the fathers. He is the truth of all the types, every one of which received its completion in him. He is the truth of all the sacrifices and ordinances, which were but shadows of that true sacrifice which should be offered in the end of the world, once, for all. He is the truth of the law, for he obeyed it, honoured it, manifested it, and made it honourable. He is the truth of the gospel, being the sum and substance of it, giving to it all its blessedness, preciousness, and power. All truth dwells in him, and it dwells in him in an infinite degree, and in him it is unchangeable and eternal. It is the Christian's privilege to receive him, to honour him, and to confide in him, as the truth. By so doing, we receive him into our souls, in all his inexpressibly precious and saving benefits.