To call the LORD “the true God” means that he alone has in his being the fulness of deity and is worthy to be worshipped as God. He and his word are a trustworthy foundation for life because he speaks the truth and is utterly reliable and consistent in his character, his revelation of himself, his promises and his pronouncements.
Titles reflecting God's truthfulness
The true God
2 Chronicles 15:3; Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9
The God of truth
Jesus Christ is ``the truth''
John 14:6 See also John 1:14, John 1:17, John 6:32 Jesus Christ calls himself “the true bread” meaning that he is real, substantial, reliable and life-giving; 1 John 5:20; Revelation 3:7, Revelation 3:14
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
The Spirit of truth
John 14:17, John 15:26, John 16:13; 1 John 4:6, 1 John 5:6
God is true to his character and his word
He speaks the truth
Isaiah 45:19 See also 2 Samuel 7:28; Psalm 33:4, Psalm 119:160; John 17:17; Revelation 21:5, Revelation 22:6
I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right.
He does not lie
Numbers 23:19 See also Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18
God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
He is true to himself and his promises
Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 25:10, Psalm 33:4, Psalm 145:13, Psalm 146:6; Lamentations 3:23; 2 Timothy 2:13
The truthfulness of God undergirds the law
Psalm 119:142 See also Psalm 19:7, Psalm 119:151, Psalm 119:160; Malachi 2:6–7
Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true.
The truthfulness of God undergirds the covenant
Psalm 25:10 The Hebrew word translated “faithful” can also be translated “true”. The word is particularly associated with God steadfastly upholding his covenant promises. See also Psalm 145:13; Hosea 2:19–20; 2 Timothy 2:13
All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.
The truthfulness of God undergirds the prophetic word
Ezekiel 12:25 See also Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 1:12, Jeremiah 28:9; Ezekiel 33:33; Daniel 2:45
because I, the LORD, will speak whatever word I speak, and it will be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak a message and bring it to pass, declares the Lord GOD.’”
The truthfulness of God undergirds his promises
Joshua 23:14–15 See also Numbers 23:19; 1 Kings 8:20; Psalm 105:42; Romans 4:20–21
Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed. But just as every good thing the LORD your God promised you has come to pass, likewise the LORD will bring upon you the calamity He has threatened, until He has destroyed you from this good land He has given you.
The truthfulness of God undergirds his judgment
Psalm 96:13 See also Psalm 98:9; Isaiah 11:3–5; Romans 2:2
before the LORD, for He is coming— He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.
The truthfulness of God undergirds the teaching of Jesus Christ
John 1:17 See also Matthew 5:18, Matthew 22:16 parallels Mark 12:14, Luke 20:21; Mark 3:28; Luke 4:24; John 1:51, John 8:31–32, John 18:37
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.