WHY BELIEVE? There are a multitude of objective evidences that the bible is the authentic word of God: the fulfillment of old testament prophecy; the consistency with scientific observation, secular history and archeology; its preservation over time by some of its worst critics (Mt. 24:35); and the miracles -- especially Jesus resurrection. Often Christians feel that if we could just communicate this body of objective evidence effectively, the world would readily render obedience to the gospel. Indeed, much of our evangelistic efforts are spent in this direction. Obedience to the gospel, however, is much more than an intellectual exercise. The gospel must be obeyed from the heart (Rom. 6:17), not the head. Indeed, the intellect often gets in the way by blocking the objective evidence which would lead to conversion (Mt. 13:5). The bible itself teaches that faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). When we abandon our own prejudices and open ourselves to allow God to speak to us through His written word, we take the first and most important step toward establishing true faith in Him. A further proof of Gods word comes when we allow ourselves to be guided by it. Paul begged the Romans to present your bodies a living sacrifice ... that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:1-2). Proof here refers to the validation as would occur when gold is heated and refined (1 Pet. 1:7; Rev. 3:18). Such investigation is not discouraged; indeed, it is commanded (1 Thes. 5:21). As you read and study Gods word you will grasp reality and freedom (Jn. 8:32). It explains all things that we need (Lk. 1:3; Jn. 14:26), and thoroughly furnishes us unto every good work (2 Tim. 3: 16-17). It provides the only way that we can understand the strange and unpredictable world in which we live. If we are at liberty to discard one word of it, then we can trust none of it (Mt. 5:18). If it is not the most holy, truthful and righteous of documents, than it is the most deceitful and destructive. We cannot have it both ways. When we consider these alternatives it becomes clear: no objective person who has fairly evaluated the evidence can reject the fact that the bible is the only authoritative word of God. Let us go to it with this attitude, for when we do we obtain a completely different communication than when we go with only a scholarly intent.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 09:24:00 +0000
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