Tough Questions - Honest Answers
1. How can Christians claim that Jesus is the only way to God?
2. Where did Jesus claim to be God?
3. How can I be sure the Bible is really the Word of God?
4. How can anyone trust the Gospel accounts of His life?
5. How can you believe a Bible that is full of contradictions?
6. What if Christians are guilty of circular reasoning?
7. What about those who have never heard of Jesus?
8. Why won't living a good, moral life make me acceptable to God?
9. How can I be sure that Christianity isn't just another emotional or psychological experience?
10. How can a loving God allow war and suffering?
11. What about all the hypocrites I see who call themselves Christians?
12. How is Christianity relevant to today's needs?
13. How can I gain assurance of Salvation?
14. What place do feelings have?
15. What type of faith ensures Salvation?
16. What should happen if Jesus Christ has really entered my life?
17. Do skeptics ever believe in Jesus?
1. How can Christians claim that Jesus is the only way to God?
Jesus Himself claimed to be God and others recognized Him as Deity. He said in: John 10:30 I and my Father are one. The Greek language, in which the New Testament was originally written, is explicit. Literally, Jesus said, " I and the Father, we are one. "
Jesus also claimed that He was the only way to God: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Again, the Greek language is very clear. Jesus used the words " the way " and not " a way ". The question is. Can we accept as truth what Jesus claimed?
The most conclusive evidence establishing the deity of Jesus is the historically verifiable Resurrection. The apostle Paul wrote: Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the Resurrection from the dead.
If the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is true, then it is possible, and indeed logical, to believe all His claims and miracles. ( Including His assertion of the complete validity of the Old Testament. ) That would be what one would expect from God.
The primary reasons that Jesus Christ is the only way to God is that He has paid our sin debt to God and He offers eternal life:
- Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
- John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
This is something that no one else has ever claimed to do. Think about that for a moment! Every person is separated from a perfect, Holy God by sin. According to God’s requirement, either the individual must pay the penalty for sin by death or he must find someone who is willing and able ( someone who has no sin ) to pay the penalty of death for him:
- Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
- Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Jesus Christ was both able and willing to do this, as demonstrated by His death on the cross. That is why Jesus is the only way to God.
2. Where did Jesus claim to be God?
Jesus Himself claimed to be God and others recognized Him as Deity: John 10:30 I and my Father are one. The Greek language, which the New Testament was originally written. Literally, Jesus said, " I and the Father, We are one. " ( in total essence )
Jesus also claimed: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father but by me. Again, the Greek language is very clear. Jesus stated that He is " the " way and not " a " way.
3. How can I be sure the Bible is really the Word of God?
A number of facts make it reasonable to believe the Bible is accurate and reliable.
- Jesus, the Son of God and the greatest spiritual authority of all time, attested to the accuracy of the Bible: Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
- Archaeology has affirmed its historical accuracy by the discovery of Biblical manuscripts numbering in the thousands. Some are believed to be dated less than 30 years from the actual occurrence of the events that they describe, giving us by far the best attested historical document civilization possesses.
- The Bible’s amazing unity, even though composed of 66 books written over a period of 1,600 years by 40 authors from widely different cultures and parts of the world, attests that there was divine superintendence over its writing.
- The Bible not only claims to be the Word of God: 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. But through the minute fulfillment of prophecy and the miraculous transformation of individuals ( even skeptics ) who have believed its message, it has proved itself millions upon millions of times over to be exactly that.
The bottom line is whether you will choose to believe the Bible is God’s Word or not. Moreover, if you choose to believe, will you obey what it tells you to do? True " saving faith " is shown by a growing desire to please God out of love.
Jesus stated in: John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
A true believer will demonstrate love towards God as he chooses ( with God’s help ) to bring increasing numbers of areas of his or her life into obedience with what the Bible teaches.
4. How can anyone trust the Gospel accounts of His life?
A question that is often raised: Since the New Testament was written so long after Christ’s death, how can anyone trust the Gospel accounts of His life?
The fact of the matter is that eyewitnesses or people who recorded firsthand testimony wrote the Gospels. The writers were all living at the same time these events transpired and they had personal contact either with the events or with people who witnessed the events. There is strong internal testimony that the Gospels were written at an early date. The Book of Acts records the missionary activity of the early church and was written as a sequel by Luke ( attested by prominent secular historians as one of the most accurate historians of ancient times ) who wrote the Gospel according to Luke. The Book of Acts ends with the apostle Paul alive in Rome. This lead us to believe that it was written before his death, since other major events in his life have been recorded. We have some evidence that Paul was put to death in the Neonian persecution of A.D. 64, which means the Book of Acts was composed before this time. The Gospel of Luke, then, had to have been composed some time before that, probably in the last 50's or early 60's of the first century.
The early church generally taught that the first Gospels composed were that of Mark and Matthew, which would place us still closer to the time of Christ. This evidence leads us to believe that the first three Gospels were all composed within 20-30 years of the time these events occurred. A time when unfriendly eyewitnesses were still living who could contradict their testimony if it was not accurate. This type of evidence recently led one liberal scholar, John A. T. Robinson, to re-date the New Testament documents much earlier than most modern liberal scholars would have us believe. Robinson argued in Re-dating the New Testament that it could have been completed before A.D. 70, which is still well into the eyewitness period.
The evidence points out that the documents were not written long after the events, but within close proximity to them. Moreover, people wrote them during the period when many eyewitnesses or people acquainted with the facts were still living. The inescapable conclusion is that the New Testament picture of Christ can be trusted. Again, one finds after examining the evidence, that reliability and accuracy is not the issue. The real issue is what you will do about the claims in the Bible Jesus made to be God and the only One who can pay the penalty for your sins?
5. How can you believe a Bible that is full of contradictions?
It is truly amazing how often this question is asked. It assumes that the Bible is filled with many obvious discrepancies which, if true, would make it impossible for someone to believe that the Bible is of divine origin. If indeed, the Bible does contain demonstrable errors, it would show that at least those parts could not have come from a perfect, all-knowing God. While one could not argue with this conclusion, there is disagreement with the initial premise. It is very easy to accuse the Bible of inaccuracies, but it is quite another matter to prove it. Certain passages at first glance appear to be contradictory, but further investigation shows that this is not the case at all.
First we must define exactly what a contradiction is. The Law of non-Contradiction, which is the basis of all logical thinking, states that a thing cannot be and not be at the same time. In other words, it cannot be raining and not raining at the same time in the exact same place.
If one can demonstrate a violation of this principle from Scripture, then and only then can he or she prove a contradiction. For example, if the Bible said that Jesus died by crucifixion both at Jerusalem and at Nazareth at the same time, ( which it does not ) this would be a provable error.
It is important to remember that two statements may differ from each other without being contradictory. Some fail to make a distinction between contradiction and difference. For example, take the case of the blind men at Jericho. Matthew relates how two blind men met Jesus, while both Mark and Luke mention only one. However, neither statement denies the other; rather they are complementary.
- Matthew 20:29-34 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O LORD, thou Son of David. 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O LORD, thou Son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? 33 They say unto him, LORD, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
- Mark 10:46-52 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, LORD, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
- Luke 18:35-43 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. 37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, LORD, that I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Suppose you were talking to the mayor of your city and the chief of police at city hall. Later, you see your friend Jim and tell him you talked to the mayor today. An hour later, you see your friend John and tell him you talked to both the mayor and the chief of police. The statements you actually made to Jim and John are different, but not contradictory. Likewise, many biblical statements fall into this category. Many think they find errors in passages that they have not correctly read.
In the Book of Judges we have the account of the death of Sisera:
- Judges 5:25-27 He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. 26 She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples. 27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
- Judges 4:21 Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.
Judges 5:25-27 is supposed to represent Jael as having slain him with her hammer and tent peg while he was drinking milk. Judges 4:21 says she did it while he was asleep. However, a closer reading of Judges 5:25-27 will reveal that it is not stated that he was drinking milk at the moment of impact. Thus, the discrepancy disappears.
Sometimes two passages appear to be contradictory because the translation is not as accurate as it could be. A knowledge of the original languages of the Bible can immediately solve many of these difficulties. The reason is that both Greek and Hebrew, like all languages, have peculiarities that make them difficult to render into English or any other language. A classic example concerns the accounts of Paul’s conversion as recorded in the Book of Acts.
- Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
- Acts 22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
These statements seem contradictory; one says that Paul’s companions heard a voice, while the other account says that no voice was heard. However, knowledge of Greek solves this difficulty. As the Greek scholar, W. F. Arndt, explains in his book: Does the Bible Contradict itself ? " The construction of the verb " to hear " ( akouo ) is not the same in both accounts. In Acts 9:7 it is used with the genitive, in Acts 22:9 with the accusative. The construction with the genetive simply expresses that something is being heard or that certain sounds reach the ear; nothing is indicated as to whether a person understands what he hears or not. The construction with the accusative, however, describes a hearing which includes mental apprehension of the message spoken. From this it becomes evident that the two passages are not contradictory. "
" Acts 22:9 does not deny that the associates of Paul heard certain sounds; it simply declares that they did not hear in such a way as to understand what was being said. Our English idiom in this case simply is not so expressive as the original Greek. " ( pp. 13,14 )
It must also be stressed that when a possible explanation is given to a Bible difficulty, it is unreasonable to state that the passage contains a demonstrable error. Some difficulties in Scriptures result from our inadequate knowledge about the circumstances and do not necessarily involve an error. These only prove that we are ignorant of the background.
As historical and archaeological studies proceed, new light is being shed on difficult portions of Scripture and many " so-called errors " have disappeared with better-informed understanding. We need a wait-and-see attitude regarding some problems. While all Bible difficulties have not yet been cleared up, it is our firm conviction that as more knowledge is gained of the Bible’s past, these problems will fade away. The biblical conception of God is as an all-knowing, all-powerful being who does not contradict Himself. Therefore, we feel that His Word ( when properly understood ) will not contradict itself.
Let us turn the question around. With a body of sacred Scriptures so different from the rest, ( e.g. supported by many historical records and a great amount of evidence, fulfilled prophecy etc ) what will you choose to do with the evidence?
6. What if Christians are guilty of circular reasoning?
A charge frequently leveled against the Bible is that Christians argue in circles. The charge goes that Christians claim the Bible as the inspired Word of God and, as proof, quote a passage from the Bible that says so. This type of argumentation is known as " begging the question " or circular reasoning. It is based on assuming something to be true, using that assumption as fact to prove another assumption and using the " proved " assumption to prove your original assumption.
- Some Christians ( and many non-Christians ) do argue in circles but about the Bible they certainly do not need to. Instead of assuming the Bible is the Word of God, we can begin by demonstrating that the Scriptures are reliable and trustworthy historical documents. This is confirmed by applying the ordinary test of historical criticism to the Scriptures.
- After establishing that the Bible is a valid historical record, the next point is realizing that Jesus Christ claims to be the unique Son of God and that He bases this claim on His forthcoming Resurrection from the dead.
- Next, we examine the evidence for the Resurrection contained in this historic document and find that the arguments overwhelmingly support the contention that Christ has risen from the dead. If this is true, then He is the unique Son of God as He claimed to be. If He is indeed God, then He speaks with authority on all matters.
Jesus considered the Old Testament to be the Word of God:
- Matthew 15:1-4 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
- Matthew5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Furthermore, He promised His disciples who either wrote or had control over the writing of the New Testament books, that the Holy Spirit would bring all things back to their remembrance:
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Therefore, we can insist ( with sound and accurate logic ) that the Bible is in fact God’s Word. This is not circular reasoning, it is establishing certain facts and basing conclusions on the sound, logical outcome of these facts. The case for Christianity can be established by ordinary means of historical investigation.
On the other hand, if faced with such evidence you continue to create reasons not to believe, are you not guilty of your own circular reasoning? This begins with an attitude, " The Bible cannot be true! " Then, in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, one develops reasons not to believe. Are you being intellectually dishonest with yourself and others? What are you afraid of giving up?
7. What about those who have never heard of Jesus?
It's reasonable to believe that God, whose love is so great that He'd give His own Son is even more concerned about people than we could ever be: 2 Peter 3:9 The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
He desires that all people come into a personal relationship with Him: 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
The Bible teaches that all individuals have some knowledge of God and that He has put the consciousness of eternity in every person’s mind: Romans 1:19-20 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Therefore, each person is accountable for his or her response to this inward information. If a person truly desires to know God, God will provide the information needed to know Him. This was true for example with Cornelius, the Roman centurion who sincerely desired to know God. The book of Acts in the New Testament recalls how Peter was sent to tell him how he could receive Salvation:
Acts 10:17-35 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Many ask: How can a loving God send someone to Hell? With equal fairness, a better question is: How can a holy and righteous God allow a sinful person into Heaven? Ultimately, the issue becomes the following. Each individual must deal with the fact that they have their own choice of where they want to spend eternity.
God by nature is holy and just. If He dealt with us only in love, a love without standards, we would think Him weak and unworthy or our respect. He in fact, would not be truly God. If on the other hand, He dealt with us only in His holiness and justice, we would all be sent to Hell because His nature is incompatible with sin. By Christ’s ( God the Son’s ) death on the cross for our sin, God fully satisfied the requirements of His moral character, while at the same time providing the way by which an individual could come into a personal relationship with Him.
What is your decision regarding Christ’s offer to forgive your sins? Will you let Him enter your life, begin a personal relationship with you and begin changing your thoughts, attitudes, actions, desires and habits? In addition, once you have received His forgiveness for all of your sins, what will you do personally to tell others who have not heard about Jesus? We are told to be His witnesses.
- Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
- Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
8. Why won't living a good, moral life make me acceptable to God?
Many believe that if they do their best here on earth and are " sincere ". God will recognize their effort, overlook their weaknesses and grade on the curve. This belief however, shows a misunderstanding of God’s infinite righteousness and perfection: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Not a single one of us could honestly say that we have never knowingly done anything wrong. The apostle James tells us in: James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
These violations ( sins ) are not just isolated events, they are a reflection of the sin nature that permeates our entire being. Consider an omelet, it takes only one rotten egg to make the entire omelet rotten, no matter how many good eggs we add. The one rotten egg permeates the whole mixture and makes it unacceptable to our taste. Similarly, it takes only one sin to make us unacceptable to God. God is infinitely holy and good and no matter how hard we try, we could never succeed in reaching His absolute standard of perfections.
He is a just God who holds us accountable for violating those standards that we know to be right: Romans 2:14-16 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Only one person has ever lived a perfect life and that person was Jesus Christ, God the Son. Therefore, His death on the cross in payment for our sins is the only basis for God’s total forgiveness and acceptance of us. When we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and choose to follow Him, then we are no longer under God’s condemnation: Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
People who feel their sincerity ( in whatever they believe ) should gain them entrance to Heaven are misled. It is not the degree of sincerity one has in whatever they choose to believe. Rather, it is the object of one’s faith. Someone may be a sincere follower of some religion, cult or philosophy but they will go to Hell because they did not come to the one person who should be the object of faith. Jesus Christ is the only object in whom you should place your faith with all your sincerity and commitment.
In this society, many say, " Your truth is not my truth." They feel they somehow can decide ( like God ) what are the absolutes. They feel all truth is relative. However, the fact is that not all religions or belief systems are equal. There are absolutes. ( Have you check out gravity lately? ) It is faith in Jesus, God revealed in history, not faith in faith itself or some code of ethics, other religions or mindset that someone has constructed.
God wants you to know that you can have eternal life: I John 5:11-13 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. He offers His love to you.
9. How can I be sure that Christianity isn't just another emotional or psychological experience?
With the current prevailing attitude that " all things are relative " and " whatever works for you is your truth, " more and more people are seeking various personal experiences ( anything from legalistic religions to Transcendental Meditation to EST to encounter groups ) as a means of fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
However, Christianity is more than a subjective experience. It is based on critical, objective historical fact, the Resurrection of Christ. That event established Jesus’ Deity and His power over sin and death. If the Resurrection had not occurred, then Jesus would be neither the Son of God nor our Savior. Christianity would be meaningless. As the apostle Paul so bluntly stated in:
1 Corinthians 15:13-19 But if there be no Resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Christianity is not down on experience. Jesus invites individuals to experience a unique and personal relationship with Him. However, He encourages a commitment to Him that is based on an absolute truth. An objective fact of history outside of ourselves to which our subjective experience is joined. Moreover, that commitment is more than " accepting Christ " intellectually. Biblical faith is " trusting " faith and the one who receives Christ as Savior is exhorted to follow Him as LORD of their lives from then on. Regardless of up and down emotional feelings or psychological experiences.
10. How can a loving God allow war and suffering?
God loved us so much that He gave us freedom to make choices:
- Genesis 2:7-9 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
- Genesis 2:15-18 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
- Genesis 2:21-25 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
- Genesis 3 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 20 And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
This freedom involved the choice of saying yes or no to an obedient, yet personal relationship with God. The first two individuals He created both said no, a decision that subsequent generations of men and women have confirmed by their own choice to disobey God.
The Bible teaches that evil originated from outside this world:
- 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
- Jude 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. And entered the human race through Adam, whose disobedience in turn affected all of creation.
- Genesis 3:16-19 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Because we are by nature social creatures, an individual’s activities are not limited to himself but always affect others. Therefore, when we willfully choose to reject God and go our own selfish ways, others will necessarily suffer. When Adam failed to trust Him, God could have begun all over with a new creation, one which did not have the option to accept or reject God, like robots. But while He restricts evil, He has allowed evil to run its course so that individuals may voluntarily choose Him.
The climax of this great antagonism is that evil shall not rule in the universe forever, but will be decisively and ultimately overcome by God’s power in the future: 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
11. What about all the hypocrites I see who call themselves Christians?
Let us begin with the obvious. Jesus stated He would forgive all our sins, not make us perfect. Perfection comes when we die or when Jesus returns at His predicted Second Coming, whichever comes first. However, in this life believers are exhorted to:
1 Peter 1:14-15 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Yes, there are hypocrites in the church. However, remember that the church is like a hospital for the spiritually wounded and we all have the disease of sin. To be honest, one should expect to see less-than-perfect people in the church. The central issue is that they realize their sickness, come to Jesus to forgive them and begin the work of striving daily with the Spirit’s help to lead to a more holy, non-hypocritical lifestyle.
Furthermore, remember that many people who call themselves Christians are not. They are cultural Christians. For example, most people in their culture belong to a certain denomination or church. Or they are pseudo-Christians, meaning they have prayed a prayer and " accepted " Jesus as their Savior but have never truly repented of their sins and believed in Jesus Christ. Or they are social Christians, people who attend a church because it’s a good and acceptable thing to do. Like other so-called religious people, they follow a form of " churchianity " rather than true Christianity.
All of these groups ( and there are more ) show a Christian facade but are not truly born again by the Spirit of God. In the midst of suffering or persecution, their true colors will show. And Jesus said: Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
The issue is not whether Christians fail because they will!! Remember, we have not been perfected yet, only forgiven and we ( who are truly born again ) are in the process of becoming holy and righteous and less hypocritical. Having said this, the question remains. What will you do with the perfect, non-hypocritical Son of God? If you turn from Christ, now knowing what you do, you should ask if you are demonstrating incredible hypocrisy yourself: 1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
12. How is Christianity relevant to today's needs?
In the present age of overwhelmingly rapid scientific advances and increasing economic and social affluence, there exist certain needs which have been around since the beginning of the human race. Needs such as a sense of ultimate purpose, love and security, lasting inner satisfaction and peace. External stimuli, such as drugs, money, material possession or recognition of others, may supply temporary satisfaction of these desires. But lasting satisfaction ( a contentment and sense of meaning that remains even if the external circumstances are stripped away ), must come from within:
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
When Jesus enters our lives, He makes us complete persons, not dependent upon temporary stimuli for our fulfillment. When He enters into us, He brings a sense of ultimate purpose, a reason for being and satisfies our deepest longings and needs for true, lasting love and security.
Jesus also promises to give direction in whatever situation we find ourselves: John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The God who created the universe is certainly creative and wise enough to deal with our current needs. Jesus made a profound statement on the relevancy and authority of His Word:
- Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
- He also claimed: Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
13. How can I gain assurance of Salvation?
Quoting the LORD Jesus, the Apostle John wrote: Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self ( the Bible calls this repentance ) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive all our sins ( past, present and even future ) and to make us the kind of people He wants us to be. However, just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional experience. We receive Christ by faith as an act of our will. If you have sincerely asked Jesus to forgive your sins and come into your life, you have His promise in Revelation 3:20 that He will come in and be your friend so you can know Him personally. Would He mislead you? You have it on His authority, the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word that God has answered your prayer.
The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ. Again, the Apostle John wrote:
1 John 5:11-13 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Thank God often that Christ is in your life. Christ says in: Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
In the original Koinonia Greek language, that verse is more accurately translated, " I will never, no, not ever leave you or forsake you. " It is a triple, emphatic negative. You can know based on His promises that Christ lives in you and that you have eternal life, from the very moment you invite Him in. He will not deceive you. He is totally, wonderfully good and trustworthy!
A key to knowing you can have assurance of Salvation is your obedience: 1 John 2:3-4 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Are you willing to submit to Christ’s lordship in your life and change in areas that God points out in His word and through His Spirit that are wrong? Are you willing to obey what God says regardless of your fears or the consequences? Moreover, the Apostle John wrote that the key ingredient to all of this of that our motivation should be love of God: 1 John 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
14. What place do feelings have?
The Bible teaches that believers should not depend on feelings. Feelings are not bad in themselves. However, when it comes to Salvation, decisions and choices are more important than feelings. The promise of God's Word, the Bible, not our feelings is our authority. The Christian lives by faith ( trust ) in the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word. A train illustrates the relationship among Fact ( which is the engine, God and His Word ), Faith ( the passenger cars, our trust in God and His Word ) and Feeling ( the caboose and result of our faith and obedience ): John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
A train will run with or without a caboose. However, it would be useless to attempt to pull a train by the caboose. In the same way, as Christians, we do not depend on feelings or emotions but we place our faith ( trust ) in the trustworthiness of God and the promises of His Word. What will you place your faith in?
15. What type of faith ensures Salvation?
Some people feel that sincerity is key and to a degree they are correct because one cannot be emotionally detached totally from one's mind. Faith without some emotional component actually is an oxymoron. In other words, faith is a matter of not just what's in your head but also one's heart. On the other hand, there is great truth in the phrase: " One can be very sincere about what they believe, but if their belief is in the wrong object, they are simply sincerely wrong. "
- We all have faith in something, if you define faith as a set of beliefs which govern your attitudes, speech and behavior. For example, true atheists would often tend to have lifestyles which are licentious and self-centered if they honestly feel they are not accountable to a higher authority.
- Agnostics who have some integrity are in a quandary. On one hand, they may choose a life of licentiousness, gratifying all their desires or they may choose to live a semi-guilty lifestyle of a " good person ". In doing so, though they may not state it in words, they seek to live whatever they vaguely feel would be acceptable to a God ( who might exist ) who sets some moral or ethical standards of which they are not quite sure. However, they are hopeful they will " make the grade " when they die.
- Then there are those who are very religious, truly believing there is a god ( Muslims ) or gods ( Hindus ) and who follow a strict set of religious activities to achieve whatever type of afterlife that religion promises.
- In addition, there are people who believe in an unbiblical view of Jesus Christ. For example, Mormons do not believe Jesus Christ is God the Son, eternally pre-existent before time. True Mormons believe Jesus " became " a god and so can all the followers of the Mormon faith ( The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ), which encourages many ( but not all ) morally good ethical practices.
- Then there are wonderful church-going folks who believe they are Christians due chiefly to their church attendance, living a good " Christian life ", giving money, involvement in the church choir and the list goes on.
2. Where did Jesus claim to be God?
3. How can I be sure the Bible is really the Word of God?
4. How can anyone trust the Gospel accounts of His life?
5. How can you believe a Bible that is full of contradictions?
6. What if Christians are guilty of circular reasoning?
7. What about those who have never heard of Jesus?
8. Why won't living a good, moral life make me acceptable to God?
9. How can I be sure that Christianity isn't just another emotional or psychological experience?
10. How can a loving God allow war and suffering?
11. What about all the hypocrites I see who call themselves Christians?
12. How is Christianity relevant to today's needs?
13. How can I gain assurance of Salvation?
14. What place do feelings have?
15. What type of faith ensures Salvation?
16. What should happen if Jesus Christ has really entered my life?
17. Do skeptics ever believe in Jesus?
1. How can Christians claim that Jesus is the only way to God?
Jesus Himself claimed to be God and others recognized Him as Deity. He said in: John 10:30 I and my Father are one. The Greek language, in which the New Testament was originally written, is explicit. Literally, Jesus said, " I and the Father, we are one. "
Jesus also claimed that He was the only way to God: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Again, the Greek language is very clear. Jesus used the words " the way " and not " a way ". The question is. Can we accept as truth what Jesus claimed?
The most conclusive evidence establishing the deity of Jesus is the historically verifiable Resurrection. The apostle Paul wrote: Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the Resurrection from the dead.
If the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is true, then it is possible, and indeed logical, to believe all His claims and miracles. ( Including His assertion of the complete validity of the Old Testament. ) That would be what one would expect from God.
The primary reasons that Jesus Christ is the only way to God is that He has paid our sin debt to God and He offers eternal life:
- Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
- John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
This is something that no one else has ever claimed to do. Think about that for a moment! Every person is separated from a perfect, Holy God by sin. According to God’s requirement, either the individual must pay the penalty for sin by death or he must find someone who is willing and able ( someone who has no sin ) to pay the penalty of death for him:
- Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
- Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Jesus Christ was both able and willing to do this, as demonstrated by His death on the cross. That is why Jesus is the only way to God.
2. Where did Jesus claim to be God?
Jesus Himself claimed to be God and others recognized Him as Deity: John 10:30 I and my Father are one. The Greek language, which the New Testament was originally written. Literally, Jesus said, " I and the Father, We are one. " ( in total essence )
Jesus also claimed: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father but by me. Again, the Greek language is very clear. Jesus stated that He is " the " way and not " a " way.
3. How can I be sure the Bible is really the Word of God?
A number of facts make it reasonable to believe the Bible is accurate and reliable.
- Jesus, the Son of God and the greatest spiritual authority of all time, attested to the accuracy of the Bible: Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
- Archaeology has affirmed its historical accuracy by the discovery of Biblical manuscripts numbering in the thousands. Some are believed to be dated less than 30 years from the actual occurrence of the events that they describe, giving us by far the best attested historical document civilization possesses.
- The Bible’s amazing unity, even though composed of 66 books written over a period of 1,600 years by 40 authors from widely different cultures and parts of the world, attests that there was divine superintendence over its writing.
- The Bible not only claims to be the Word of God: 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. But through the minute fulfillment of prophecy and the miraculous transformation of individuals ( even skeptics ) who have believed its message, it has proved itself millions upon millions of times over to be exactly that.
The bottom line is whether you will choose to believe the Bible is God’s Word or not. Moreover, if you choose to believe, will you obey what it tells you to do? True " saving faith " is shown by a growing desire to please God out of love.
Jesus stated in: John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
A true believer will demonstrate love towards God as he chooses ( with God’s help ) to bring increasing numbers of areas of his or her life into obedience with what the Bible teaches.
4. How can anyone trust the Gospel accounts of His life?
A question that is often raised: Since the New Testament was written so long after Christ’s death, how can anyone trust the Gospel accounts of His life?
The fact of the matter is that eyewitnesses or people who recorded firsthand testimony wrote the Gospels. The writers were all living at the same time these events transpired and they had personal contact either with the events or with people who witnessed the events. There is strong internal testimony that the Gospels were written at an early date. The Book of Acts records the missionary activity of the early church and was written as a sequel by Luke ( attested by prominent secular historians as one of the most accurate historians of ancient times ) who wrote the Gospel according to Luke. The Book of Acts ends with the apostle Paul alive in Rome. This lead us to believe that it was written before his death, since other major events in his life have been recorded. We have some evidence that Paul was put to death in the Neonian persecution of A.D. 64, which means the Book of Acts was composed before this time. The Gospel of Luke, then, had to have been composed some time before that, probably in the last 50's or early 60's of the first century.
The early church generally taught that the first Gospels composed were that of Mark and Matthew, which would place us still closer to the time of Christ. This evidence leads us to believe that the first three Gospels were all composed within 20-30 years of the time these events occurred. A time when unfriendly eyewitnesses were still living who could contradict their testimony if it was not accurate. This type of evidence recently led one liberal scholar, John A. T. Robinson, to re-date the New Testament documents much earlier than most modern liberal scholars would have us believe. Robinson argued in Re-dating the New Testament that it could have been completed before A.D. 70, which is still well into the eyewitness period.
The evidence points out that the documents were not written long after the events, but within close proximity to them. Moreover, people wrote them during the period when many eyewitnesses or people acquainted with the facts were still living. The inescapable conclusion is that the New Testament picture of Christ can be trusted. Again, one finds after examining the evidence, that reliability and accuracy is not the issue. The real issue is what you will do about the claims in the Bible Jesus made to be God and the only One who can pay the penalty for your sins?
5. How can you believe a Bible that is full of contradictions?
It is truly amazing how often this question is asked. It assumes that the Bible is filled with many obvious discrepancies which, if true, would make it impossible for someone to believe that the Bible is of divine origin. If indeed, the Bible does contain demonstrable errors, it would show that at least those parts could not have come from a perfect, all-knowing God. While one could not argue with this conclusion, there is disagreement with the initial premise. It is very easy to accuse the Bible of inaccuracies, but it is quite another matter to prove it. Certain passages at first glance appear to be contradictory, but further investigation shows that this is not the case at all.
First we must define exactly what a contradiction is. The Law of non-Contradiction, which is the basis of all logical thinking, states that a thing cannot be and not be at the same time. In other words, it cannot be raining and not raining at the same time in the exact same place.
If one can demonstrate a violation of this principle from Scripture, then and only then can he or she prove a contradiction. For example, if the Bible said that Jesus died by crucifixion both at Jerusalem and at Nazareth at the same time, ( which it does not ) this would be a provable error.
It is important to remember that two statements may differ from each other without being contradictory. Some fail to make a distinction between contradiction and difference. For example, take the case of the blind men at Jericho. Matthew relates how two blind men met Jesus, while both Mark and Luke mention only one. However, neither statement denies the other; rather they are complementary.
- Matthew 20:29-34 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O LORD, thou Son of David. 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O LORD, thou Son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? 33 They say unto him, LORD, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
- Mark 10:46-52 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, LORD, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
- Luke 18:35-43 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. 37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, LORD, that I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
Suppose you were talking to the mayor of your city and the chief of police at city hall. Later, you see your friend Jim and tell him you talked to the mayor today. An hour later, you see your friend John and tell him you talked to both the mayor and the chief of police. The statements you actually made to Jim and John are different, but not contradictory. Likewise, many biblical statements fall into this category. Many think they find errors in passages that they have not correctly read.
In the Book of Judges we have the account of the death of Sisera:
- Judges 5:25-27 He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. 26 She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples. 27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
- Judges 4:21 Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.
Judges 5:25-27 is supposed to represent Jael as having slain him with her hammer and tent peg while he was drinking milk. Judges 4:21 says she did it while he was asleep. However, a closer reading of Judges 5:25-27 will reveal that it is not stated that he was drinking milk at the moment of impact. Thus, the discrepancy disappears.
Sometimes two passages appear to be contradictory because the translation is not as accurate as it could be. A knowledge of the original languages of the Bible can immediately solve many of these difficulties. The reason is that both Greek and Hebrew, like all languages, have peculiarities that make them difficult to render into English or any other language. A classic example concerns the accounts of Paul’s conversion as recorded in the Book of Acts.
- Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
- Acts 22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
These statements seem contradictory; one says that Paul’s companions heard a voice, while the other account says that no voice was heard. However, knowledge of Greek solves this difficulty. As the Greek scholar, W. F. Arndt, explains in his book: Does the Bible Contradict itself ? " The construction of the verb " to hear " ( akouo ) is not the same in both accounts. In Acts 9:7 it is used with the genitive, in Acts 22:9 with the accusative. The construction with the genetive simply expresses that something is being heard or that certain sounds reach the ear; nothing is indicated as to whether a person understands what he hears or not. The construction with the accusative, however, describes a hearing which includes mental apprehension of the message spoken. From this it becomes evident that the two passages are not contradictory. "
" Acts 22:9 does not deny that the associates of Paul heard certain sounds; it simply declares that they did not hear in such a way as to understand what was being said. Our English idiom in this case simply is not so expressive as the original Greek. " ( pp. 13,14 )
It must also be stressed that when a possible explanation is given to a Bible difficulty, it is unreasonable to state that the passage contains a demonstrable error. Some difficulties in Scriptures result from our inadequate knowledge about the circumstances and do not necessarily involve an error. These only prove that we are ignorant of the background.
As historical and archaeological studies proceed, new light is being shed on difficult portions of Scripture and many " so-called errors " have disappeared with better-informed understanding. We need a wait-and-see attitude regarding some problems. While all Bible difficulties have not yet been cleared up, it is our firm conviction that as more knowledge is gained of the Bible’s past, these problems will fade away. The biblical conception of God is as an all-knowing, all-powerful being who does not contradict Himself. Therefore, we feel that His Word ( when properly understood ) will not contradict itself.
Let us turn the question around. With a body of sacred Scriptures so different from the rest, ( e.g. supported by many historical records and a great amount of evidence, fulfilled prophecy etc ) what will you choose to do with the evidence?
6. What if Christians are guilty of circular reasoning?
A charge frequently leveled against the Bible is that Christians argue in circles. The charge goes that Christians claim the Bible as the inspired Word of God and, as proof, quote a passage from the Bible that says so. This type of argumentation is known as " begging the question " or circular reasoning. It is based on assuming something to be true, using that assumption as fact to prove another assumption and using the " proved " assumption to prove your original assumption.
- Some Christians ( and many non-Christians ) do argue in circles but about the Bible they certainly do not need to. Instead of assuming the Bible is the Word of God, we can begin by demonstrating that the Scriptures are reliable and trustworthy historical documents. This is confirmed by applying the ordinary test of historical criticism to the Scriptures.
- After establishing that the Bible is a valid historical record, the next point is realizing that Jesus Christ claims to be the unique Son of God and that He bases this claim on His forthcoming Resurrection from the dead.
- Next, we examine the evidence for the Resurrection contained in this historic document and find that the arguments overwhelmingly support the contention that Christ has risen from the dead. If this is true, then He is the unique Son of God as He claimed to be. If He is indeed God, then He speaks with authority on all matters.
Jesus considered the Old Testament to be the Word of God:
- Matthew 15:1-4 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
- Matthew5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Furthermore, He promised His disciples who either wrote or had control over the writing of the New Testament books, that the Holy Spirit would bring all things back to their remembrance:
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Therefore, we can insist ( with sound and accurate logic ) that the Bible is in fact God’s Word. This is not circular reasoning, it is establishing certain facts and basing conclusions on the sound, logical outcome of these facts. The case for Christianity can be established by ordinary means of historical investigation.
On the other hand, if faced with such evidence you continue to create reasons not to believe, are you not guilty of your own circular reasoning? This begins with an attitude, " The Bible cannot be true! " Then, in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, one develops reasons not to believe. Are you being intellectually dishonest with yourself and others? What are you afraid of giving up?
7. What about those who have never heard of Jesus?
It's reasonable to believe that God, whose love is so great that He'd give His own Son is even more concerned about people than we could ever be: 2 Peter 3:9 The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
He desires that all people come into a personal relationship with Him: 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
The Bible teaches that all individuals have some knowledge of God and that He has put the consciousness of eternity in every person’s mind: Romans 1:19-20 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Therefore, each person is accountable for his or her response to this inward information. If a person truly desires to know God, God will provide the information needed to know Him. This was true for example with Cornelius, the Roman centurion who sincerely desired to know God. The book of Acts in the New Testament recalls how Peter was sent to tell him how he could receive Salvation:
Acts 10:17-35 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Many ask: How can a loving God send someone to Hell? With equal fairness, a better question is: How can a holy and righteous God allow a sinful person into Heaven? Ultimately, the issue becomes the following. Each individual must deal with the fact that they have their own choice of where they want to spend eternity.
God by nature is holy and just. If He dealt with us only in love, a love without standards, we would think Him weak and unworthy or our respect. He in fact, would not be truly God. If on the other hand, He dealt with us only in His holiness and justice, we would all be sent to Hell because His nature is incompatible with sin. By Christ’s ( God the Son’s ) death on the cross for our sin, God fully satisfied the requirements of His moral character, while at the same time providing the way by which an individual could come into a personal relationship with Him.
What is your decision regarding Christ’s offer to forgive your sins? Will you let Him enter your life, begin a personal relationship with you and begin changing your thoughts, attitudes, actions, desires and habits? In addition, once you have received His forgiveness for all of your sins, what will you do personally to tell others who have not heard about Jesus? We are told to be His witnesses.
- Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
- Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
8. Why won't living a good, moral life make me acceptable to God?
Many believe that if they do their best here on earth and are " sincere ". God will recognize their effort, overlook their weaknesses and grade on the curve. This belief however, shows a misunderstanding of God’s infinite righteousness and perfection: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Not a single one of us could honestly say that we have never knowingly done anything wrong. The apostle James tells us in: James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
These violations ( sins ) are not just isolated events, they are a reflection of the sin nature that permeates our entire being. Consider an omelet, it takes only one rotten egg to make the entire omelet rotten, no matter how many good eggs we add. The one rotten egg permeates the whole mixture and makes it unacceptable to our taste. Similarly, it takes only one sin to make us unacceptable to God. God is infinitely holy and good and no matter how hard we try, we could never succeed in reaching His absolute standard of perfections.
He is a just God who holds us accountable for violating those standards that we know to be right: Romans 2:14-16 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Only one person has ever lived a perfect life and that person was Jesus Christ, God the Son. Therefore, His death on the cross in payment for our sins is the only basis for God’s total forgiveness and acceptance of us. When we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and choose to follow Him, then we are no longer under God’s condemnation: Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
People who feel their sincerity ( in whatever they believe ) should gain them entrance to Heaven are misled. It is not the degree of sincerity one has in whatever they choose to believe. Rather, it is the object of one’s faith. Someone may be a sincere follower of some religion, cult or philosophy but they will go to Hell because they did not come to the one person who should be the object of faith. Jesus Christ is the only object in whom you should place your faith with all your sincerity and commitment.
In this society, many say, " Your truth is not my truth." They feel they somehow can decide ( like God ) what are the absolutes. They feel all truth is relative. However, the fact is that not all religions or belief systems are equal. There are absolutes. ( Have you check out gravity lately? ) It is faith in Jesus, God revealed in history, not faith in faith itself or some code of ethics, other religions or mindset that someone has constructed.
God wants you to know that you can have eternal life: I John 5:11-13 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. He offers His love to you.
9. How can I be sure that Christianity isn't just another emotional or psychological experience?
With the current prevailing attitude that " all things are relative " and " whatever works for you is your truth, " more and more people are seeking various personal experiences ( anything from legalistic religions to Transcendental Meditation to EST to encounter groups ) as a means of fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
However, Christianity is more than a subjective experience. It is based on critical, objective historical fact, the Resurrection of Christ. That event established Jesus’ Deity and His power over sin and death. If the Resurrection had not occurred, then Jesus would be neither the Son of God nor our Savior. Christianity would be meaningless. As the apostle Paul so bluntly stated in:
1 Corinthians 15:13-19 But if there be no Resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Christianity is not down on experience. Jesus invites individuals to experience a unique and personal relationship with Him. However, He encourages a commitment to Him that is based on an absolute truth. An objective fact of history outside of ourselves to which our subjective experience is joined. Moreover, that commitment is more than " accepting Christ " intellectually. Biblical faith is " trusting " faith and the one who receives Christ as Savior is exhorted to follow Him as LORD of their lives from then on. Regardless of up and down emotional feelings or psychological experiences.
10. How can a loving God allow war and suffering?
God loved us so much that He gave us freedom to make choices:
- Genesis 2:7-9 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
- Genesis 2:15-18 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
- Genesis 2:21-25 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
- Genesis 3 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 20 And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
This freedom involved the choice of saying yes or no to an obedient, yet personal relationship with God. The first two individuals He created both said no, a decision that subsequent generations of men and women have confirmed by their own choice to disobey God.
The Bible teaches that evil originated from outside this world:
- 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
- Jude 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. And entered the human race through Adam, whose disobedience in turn affected all of creation.
- Genesis 3:16-19 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Because we are by nature social creatures, an individual’s activities are not limited to himself but always affect others. Therefore, when we willfully choose to reject God and go our own selfish ways, others will necessarily suffer. When Adam failed to trust Him, God could have begun all over with a new creation, one which did not have the option to accept or reject God, like robots. But while He restricts evil, He has allowed evil to run its course so that individuals may voluntarily choose Him.
The climax of this great antagonism is that evil shall not rule in the universe forever, but will be decisively and ultimately overcome by God’s power in the future: 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
11. What about all the hypocrites I see who call themselves Christians?
Let us begin with the obvious. Jesus stated He would forgive all our sins, not make us perfect. Perfection comes when we die or when Jesus returns at His predicted Second Coming, whichever comes first. However, in this life believers are exhorted to:
1 Peter 1:14-15 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Yes, there are hypocrites in the church. However, remember that the church is like a hospital for the spiritually wounded and we all have the disease of sin. To be honest, one should expect to see less-than-perfect people in the church. The central issue is that they realize their sickness, come to Jesus to forgive them and begin the work of striving daily with the Spirit’s help to lead to a more holy, non-hypocritical lifestyle.
Furthermore, remember that many people who call themselves Christians are not. They are cultural Christians. For example, most people in their culture belong to a certain denomination or church. Or they are pseudo-Christians, meaning they have prayed a prayer and " accepted " Jesus as their Savior but have never truly repented of their sins and believed in Jesus Christ. Or they are social Christians, people who attend a church because it’s a good and acceptable thing to do. Like other so-called religious people, they follow a form of " churchianity " rather than true Christianity.
All of these groups ( and there are more ) show a Christian facade but are not truly born again by the Spirit of God. In the midst of suffering or persecution, their true colors will show. And Jesus said: Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
The issue is not whether Christians fail because they will!! Remember, we have not been perfected yet, only forgiven and we ( who are truly born again ) are in the process of becoming holy and righteous and less hypocritical. Having said this, the question remains. What will you do with the perfect, non-hypocritical Son of God? If you turn from Christ, now knowing what you do, you should ask if you are demonstrating incredible hypocrisy yourself: 1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
12. How is Christianity relevant to today's needs?
In the present age of overwhelmingly rapid scientific advances and increasing economic and social affluence, there exist certain needs which have been around since the beginning of the human race. Needs such as a sense of ultimate purpose, love and security, lasting inner satisfaction and peace. External stimuli, such as drugs, money, material possession or recognition of others, may supply temporary satisfaction of these desires. But lasting satisfaction ( a contentment and sense of meaning that remains even if the external circumstances are stripped away ), must come from within:
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
When Jesus enters our lives, He makes us complete persons, not dependent upon temporary stimuli for our fulfillment. When He enters into us, He brings a sense of ultimate purpose, a reason for being and satisfies our deepest longings and needs for true, lasting love and security.
Jesus also promises to give direction in whatever situation we find ourselves: John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The God who created the universe is certainly creative and wise enough to deal with our current needs. Jesus made a profound statement on the relevancy and authority of His Word:
- Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
- He also claimed: Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
13. How can I gain assurance of Salvation?
Quoting the LORD Jesus, the Apostle John wrote: Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self ( the Bible calls this repentance ) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive all our sins ( past, present and even future ) and to make us the kind of people He wants us to be. However, just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional experience. We receive Christ by faith as an act of our will. If you have sincerely asked Jesus to forgive your sins and come into your life, you have His promise in Revelation 3:20 that He will come in and be your friend so you can know Him personally. Would He mislead you? You have it on His authority, the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word that God has answered your prayer.
The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ. Again, the Apostle John wrote:
1 John 5:11-13 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Thank God often that Christ is in your life. Christ says in: Hebrews 13:5 I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
In the original Koinonia Greek language, that verse is more accurately translated, " I will never, no, not ever leave you or forsake you. " It is a triple, emphatic negative. You can know based on His promises that Christ lives in you and that you have eternal life, from the very moment you invite Him in. He will not deceive you. He is totally, wonderfully good and trustworthy!
A key to knowing you can have assurance of Salvation is your obedience: 1 John 2:3-4 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Are you willing to submit to Christ’s lordship in your life and change in areas that God points out in His word and through His Spirit that are wrong? Are you willing to obey what God says regardless of your fears or the consequences? Moreover, the Apostle John wrote that the key ingredient to all of this of that our motivation should be love of God: 1 John 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
14. What place do feelings have?
The Bible teaches that believers should not depend on feelings. Feelings are not bad in themselves. However, when it comes to Salvation, decisions and choices are more important than feelings. The promise of God's Word, the Bible, not our feelings is our authority. The Christian lives by faith ( trust ) in the trustworthiness of God Himself and His Word. A train illustrates the relationship among Fact ( which is the engine, God and His Word ), Faith ( the passenger cars, our trust in God and His Word ) and Feeling ( the caboose and result of our faith and obedience ): John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
A train will run with or without a caboose. However, it would be useless to attempt to pull a train by the caboose. In the same way, as Christians, we do not depend on feelings or emotions but we place our faith ( trust ) in the trustworthiness of God and the promises of His Word. What will you place your faith in?
15. What type of faith ensures Salvation?
Some people feel that sincerity is key and to a degree they are correct because one cannot be emotionally detached totally from one's mind. Faith without some emotional component actually is an oxymoron. In other words, faith is a matter of not just what's in your head but also one's heart. On the other hand, there is great truth in the phrase: " One can be very sincere about what they believe, but if their belief is in the wrong object, they are simply sincerely wrong. "
- We all have faith in something, if you define faith as a set of beliefs which govern your attitudes, speech and behavior. For example, true atheists would often tend to have lifestyles which are licentious and self-centered if they honestly feel they are not accountable to a higher authority.
- Agnostics who have some integrity are in a quandary. On one hand, they may choose a life of licentiousness, gratifying all their desires or they may choose to live a semi-guilty lifestyle of a " good person ". In doing so, though they may not state it in words, they seek to live whatever they vaguely feel would be acceptable to a God ( who might exist ) who sets some moral or ethical standards of which they are not quite sure. However, they are hopeful they will " make the grade " when they die.
- Then there are those who are very religious, truly believing there is a god ( Muslims ) or gods ( Hindus ) and who follow a strict set of religious activities to achieve whatever type of afterlife that religion promises.
- In addition, there are people who believe in an unbiblical view of Jesus Christ. For example, Mormons do not believe Jesus Christ is God the Son, eternally pre-existent before time. True Mormons believe Jesus " became " a god and so can all the followers of the Mormon faith ( The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ), which encourages many ( but not all ) morally good ethical practices.
- Then there are wonderful church-going folks who believe they are Christians due chiefly to their church attendance, living a good " Christian life ", giving money, involvement in the church choir and the list goes on.
NONE OF THESE PEOPLE ARE SAVED!!!
Please hear me on this!!!
Just any type of faith, DOES NOT save you!!!
Let's state this truth another way. There are innumerable types of faith and faith objects which do NOT save a person. No matter how sincere they are. For example:
- I may believe that a car can take me to the store but if there in no engine or gas in the tank, its not going anywhere.
- I may believe that dying as a martyr may gain my entrance into some sort of Heaven but if that belief is not founded on truth, no amount of sincerity will change that which is not true into something that becomes true.
Sincerity of faith is not as important as the object of faith. I may sincerely believe that I can earn Salvation and entrance into Heaven but if the Doorkeeper ( God ) says otherwise, my faith is useless.
Let's get to the bottom line. Jesus Christ clearly claimed to be God's Son, literally God in the flesh. No other person has ever made that claim, then backed it up by fulfilling literally hundreds of prophecies and an historically verifiable Resurrection. I may have small faith ( Jesus said " a mustard seed " ) in Him and His claims to have paid totally for my sins by His sacrifice on the cross and be plagued with some doubts. Nevertheless, I have much more assurance of Salvation when I come to God on His terms than on my synergistic ( man-made ) philosophy of religion or what I " think " makes me acceptable to Him. Bypassing His only offered solution to my sin problem.
Now, you may say that's just my opinion. And I say: True. But what did Jesus say about faith:
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
So, how does Jesus define faith? He says that those who believe in the ways He defines it has eternal life, are saved from their sins and the result of it. Meaning Hell. And made residents of Heaven. But the opposite of faith is the one who does not obey whatever Jesus has said in regards to coming to Him as THE way, THE life and THE truth for Salvation: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. And, in fact, is rejecting the Son.
That's why many so-called Christians will not be going to Heaven, along with all Hindus, Muslims, good people, church attendees, Mormons, atheists, agnostics, etc. All of these have " faith " in something, but since the object of their faith is wrong, their degree of sincerity does not alter the Truth. Nor the outcome, which is eternity in Hell.
Conversely, those who claim to be Christians should be demonstrating obedience to Christ:
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
By seeking to follow and obey what He says based on love and not because they are trying to " earn " Salvation: Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
And, those who claim to be Christians but are living a life the Bible characterizes as sinful, should pause to ask if they are indeed saved. True faith results in action , which in the case of actual Christians produces a lifestyle where the person begins to act more and more like Jesus Himself.
Obedience to Christ and the Word Of God ( which He stated was infallible ) is what faith is all about. Where do you stand? As someone once asked: If you were pulled into court on the charge that you were a follower of Jesus, would there be sufficient evidence to convict you?
16. What should happen if Jesus Christ has really entered my life?
Once you have sincerely asked Christ into your life, several areas will begin to change or develop. The rate of change will vary for each individual but after some days/weeks/months if there is no change in heart attitude and behavior, a person should re-assess if they have actually become a Christian. True repentance is not just an attitude but rather a transformational process.
If a person demonstrates no clear change in their lifestyle, habits, thoughts and words over a period of time, then little assurance can be given to them regarding their Salvation. The Apostle Paul exhorted people to: 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Some areas that you might expect to see change are the following:
- A growing desire to read, understand and apply what you learn in the Bible: Psalms 119:10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
- A growing sense of God’s presence and gentle voice whispering to you to obey the Scriptures as they should apply to your life: Romans 5: 1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
- A greater awareness of God’s holiness, one’s sin + motivation for doing things, plus a growing sorrow over anything which displeases God, leading to a quiet humility: Psalms 51:1-17 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy Salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou God of my Salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O LORD, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
- A growing sense that you are forgiven as you confess and repent from your sins: Psalms 32:1-2 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
- Increasing manifestation of the " Fruit of the Spirit " as you rely on God’s Spirit to fill you more each day, moment by moment: Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
- A growing desire to pray and talk with your Father in Heaven: I Thessalonians 5:17-18 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
- A growing desire to fellowship with like-minded believers, as well as to help those in need:
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
- A growing desire to share your faith in Christ with others as you depend moment by moment on the empowering of God’s Spirit: 1 John 4:2-3 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
- A growing strengthening of your faith, perseverance in the midst of suffering or persecution for your faith and a desire to honor Him in all areas. Acts 4:1-35 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the Resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, LORD, thou art God, which hast made Heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the LORD, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, LORD, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the Resurrection of the LORD Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
- A growing desire to give of your time, talents and resources to promote the kingdom of God:
Acts 2:44-47 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the LORD added to the church daily such as should be saved.
- A growing desire to integrate one’s faith with all elements of one’s life, seeking to please God in all areas: 2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
For example: If the Bible clearly speaks about an issue, how will it affect your personal life and ethics? Your family life? Your business? Think about it. Again, a person who claims to be a Christian, but does not demonstrate a deepening love for God manifested by allowing Christ to increasingly be LORD of their life may not be a true believer. For example, there are many terrible, hateful things done by religious people, including so-called Christians.
The Apostle John stated that a person who is not growing in love but remains hateful, is not a believer: 1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
The Apostle Paul says in: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LORD Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe ( because our testimony among you was believed ) in that day.
In that case, if those people were to die this moment, they would go to Hell rather than Heaven, having chosen to live a false life, pretending to be a Christian. They gave themselves the " label " of Christian but it was not true of their actual relationship with Christ Himself. God is love and true Christians demonstrate more of this over time.
17. Do skeptics ever believe in Jesus?
The Biggest Skeptic in the World
It could have been me
What follows is just one example of how the truth can not be denied.
To the best of my memory, before I came to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I did not believe the Bible was true. I doubted whether God, Satan, Heaven or Hell even existed. I believed that we were born, lived so many years and then died. I had my own business and thought that I had succeeded by my own wits.
One evening, my wife and I heard some documentation that these were the last days before Jesus Christ would actually return. Not wanting to hear it, I almost walked out. Something kept me there and I listened but was not convinced. However, I decided to do some research to find out if the Bible was really true. Indeed, if I could find one contradiction or anything that was not true, then I could disregard it. I believed this would not take long. This led me into much research. I learned nearly 1/3 of the Bible is directly or indirectly related to prophecy, which includes about 10,000 prophecies. One thing needed, was to determine when the Bible was actually written. Thus, a study of biblical history with various translations and archaeology was necessary. The Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found in Israel, contained parts of the Old Testament including prophecies of the coming of Jesus Christ. It has been proven that these were written before Christ came. Thousands of clay tablets and archaeological sites also confirm many accounts in the Bible.
I took time off from work and began studying the prophecies. My wife would spend a lot of time at the library. She obtained documentation for me from reference books, which I would check against the Scriptures to see if the prophecies took place. One week went by and then a month. Every prophecy that we were able to get information on proved to be accurate. I was astonished but I was still not convinced. Later, there were people who would show me what appeared to be contradictions in the Bible. These were not contradictions but only a lack of research on the part of those that said these things.
Stubborn, that's me. Even after four months of intensive study, proving prophecy after prophecy was true I was still skeptical. Four months turned into six. I became more determined. It wasn't possible that the sixty-six books of the Bible written by many people over hundreds of years would not have some errors I thought. Thousands of prophecies and every one perfect? Impossible! If I would admit that, then I would also have to admit there was a God and I was not prepared to do that yet. I wanted to know the truth. More months passed. Finally, I had to admit after spending countless hours of research I was wrong.
I may have been the biggest skeptic in the world but now I know the Bible is true and is the perfect Word of God. Anyone willing to take the time I did and do the same research could only come to the same conclusion, if they are honest with themselves. I became afraid that I would perish. I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God as a result of His love, compassion, mercy and grace.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no other name but Jesus Christ under Heaven given among men whereby we MUST be saved.
- Acts 4:12 Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
- Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
- Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
