In 2004, the sponsorship scandal, often referred to as "Adscam," became a major political issue in Canada. The scandal involved the misuse of public funds intended for promoting Canadian unity in Quebec. The Liberal government, under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, was found to have funneled millions of dollars to advertising firms with close ties to the party, for little to no actual work performed.

When the truth about this misuse of funds came to light, it was clear that the government had not only misled the public but also betrayed the trust placed in them. The ensuing investigation and revelations revealed that what was presented as a legitimate program was, in reality, a significant breach of ethical standards. The scandal led to a profound loss of confidence in the Liberal Party and played a key role in their defeat in the 2006 federal election.

While efforts were made to address and explain the scandal, the damage had been done. This situation highlighted a sobering reality: when truth is compromised for personal or political gain, it can erode public trust and have lasting consequences.

Today we hear the phrase thrown around "live your truth" while avoiding questioning anyone else's truth. Two thousand years ago, Pilate skeptically asked, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Today, the question remains just as relevant.

The Bible clearly distinguishes between truth and falsehood, leaving little room for ambiguity. John encouraged his readers to show their love by living truthfully (1 John 3:18). Our dedication to truth is demonstrated through our obedience to the authority of Scripture (1 John 4:6). Truth equips us for spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:14). Christian worship is defined by truth (John 4:24), and Christian discipleship is marked by speaking truthfully (Ephesians 4:25).

One reason the Bible holds truth in such high regard is because truth aligns with God's character. God does not and cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalm 89:35; Hebrews 6:18), for He is the God of truth.

In Psalm 31, David spoke about the false accusations from his enemies. These lies were significantly impacting his life, causing his neighbors and acquaintances to look at him with suspicion and disdain (vv. 11–13). The falsehoods were damaging his reputation and even threatening his life, much like the lies of the religious leaders endangered Jesus centuries later. Instead of falling into despair, David knew where to turn when deceit seemed to triumph. He declared, "Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God" (v. 5, ESV).

The term “LORD, God of truth” or “LORD, faithful God” (ESV) translates the Hebrew name Yahweh El Emeth, which highlights that God is the essence of truth and provides hope that, although falsehood may appear overwhelmingly powerful for a time, truth will ultimately prevail. Reflecting on Yahweh as the God of truth—Yahweh El Emeth—leads us to several important implications.

To begin with we must recognize that Yahweh is the only true God. Jesus prayed in the garden, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Christianity boldly asserts itself as a religion of absolute truth and unequivocally labels anything contrary to it as false. This in contrast to Adam who in the garden doubted the truth of God’s Words when the snake spoke to him.

As believers, we must not let the enemy intimidate us into rejecting God’s truth. Exclusive claims to truth often invite scorn and hostility, and those who hold to such truths may find themselves marginalized. There is a constant temptation to renounce Christian claims to absolute truth to avoid being seen as intolerant or being ostracized. However, since God is “the only true God,” we must steadfastly uphold the truth He has revealed.

We must then understand that because He is Yahweh El Emeth, the God of the Bible is eternally and completely trustworthy. Paul wrote, “Let God be true though every one were a liar” (Romans 3:4). People cannot always be relied upon. Humans make mistakes and do not always stay true to their word. They can be easily misled by lies, but Yahweh El Emeth is unfailingly reliable. In the words Scripture, He is the “faithful God” (Psalm 31:5).

A practical implication of this is that, ultimately, God will always be proven right. Romans 3:4 states: “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” When God's claims are tested, He always proves to be dependable. Honest examination will always reveal the accuracy of God's word. Throughout history, the truth of Scripture has faced countless attacks, yet it has always withstood the test of time. In contrast the devil is call the ‘father of lies’(John8:44). He speaks what appears convincing but is actually designed to deceive and delude people away from the truth

Yahweh El Emeth assures us that God cannot lie. Hebrews 6:18 states: “It is impossible for God to lie.” Yahweh El Emeth’s truth has never been disproven, despite being frequently tested. This does not mean that every biblical truth is easy to understand. At times our experiences seem to conflict with the claims of Scripture.

However, even when we cannot immediately resolve an apparent contradiction, and even when we struggle to align God’s promises with our experiences, Scripture reassures us that God does not and cannot lie. He always keeps His promises, though not always according to our timeline.

Lastly, because He is Yahweh El Emeth, God makes no mistakes. This gives us confidence in His word. Paul writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Not only is God the embodiment of absolute truth, but His revelation to us is also absolute truth. God’s word is trustworthy and sufficient because it comes from a trustworthy and sufficient source.

Scripture connects truth directly to righteousness. For instance, Paul writes about “those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness” (Romans 2:8). Here, the opposite of “truth” is depicted as “unrighteousness.” Therefore, righteousness and truth are intimately connected. Because He is “the only true God,” we can be assured that His character and actions are always righteous. Indeed, the God of all the earth always does what is right.

For David, Yahweh El Emeth was not just a theoretical concept. He understood that even when facing severe opposition and false accusations, he could trust himself to the God of truth. Similarly, Jesus placed His trust in Yahweh El Emeth. Because God is true and therefore righteous, Jesus could humbly entrust Himself to God, believing that, despite the immense suffering, the Judge of all the earth was, as always, doing what was right. We too can face our hardships with the same assurance because we know who God is, a God of Truth.

“Every Word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him” – Proverbs 30:5