What role does truth play in the proclamation of "the way of salvation"?

Acts 16:17 records the slave girl’s words: “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” Though demon-inspired, the statement itself was factually correct. That moment highlights how truth functions in proclaiming salvation.

First, the gospel is grounded in objective truth, not opinion. Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Without truth there is no reliable message of deliverance, for salvation rests on the historical reality of Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Second, the Spirit of God works through truthful words. Believers are “born again through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). When Paul later wrote, “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13), he affirmed that accurate proclamation of truth is the Spirit’s chosen instrument to awaken faith.

Third, error mingled with truth undermines the message. The demon in Acts 16 opposed the apostles even while speaking a true sentence. Paul silenced the spirit (Acts 16:18) because the source and context threatened to confuse listeners and discredit the gospel. Scripture consistently warns that deception distorts the way to life (2 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Truth must therefore be guarded, clarified, and presented without admixture of falsehood.

Fourth, truth not only informs but liberates. Jesus promised, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Salvation delivers from sin’s penalty and power; that deliverance is experienced as one embraces the truthful message of Christ’s atoning work (Romans 6:17-18).

Finally, proclaimers must live and speak truthfully. Paul reminded Timothy, “Preach the word…correctly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 4:2; 2:15). Integrity validates the message, while hypocrisy discredits it (Titus 2:7-8).

In summary, truth is the very substance of the way of salvation. It reveals the Savior, conveys the gospel, awakens faith, frees from bondage, and must be spoken and guarded by those who herald it.