The QuestionIn the 1970's I read a novel entitled, The Word by Irving Wallace, which became a movie, starring David Jansen. The story was built on the idea that new discoveries indicated that the Bible was not accurate, and in fact was the flawed foundation of the Christian faith. Of course, it was fictional. But it raised the question, "What would I do if "irrefutable evidence" was discovered that supposedly exposed the Bible as a fraudulent?
The Answer
Up to that point in my life, I had found the Bible to be the infallible and inerrant word of God. My studies and my relationship with God were perfectly intact. I was able to answer, to my satisfaction, any and all questions and attacks leveled at the Bible. I considered the criticisms and the scholarship of those who rejected the Bible (which was often formidable). But my answer was that I would trust God's word, the Bible. As the years have passed, the attacks against the Bible have mounted, with even more renowned scholars of skepticism. I have also put more time into my studies. My position has not changed.
I came to a point early in my Christian experience that fixed my faith in the Bible and the God of the Bible. Through the years I have seen anti-Biblical speakers, books and videos flood the market. I have seen people turn from the Scriptures and from the Christian faith. I understand that there can be scholars on both sides of an argument and I understand that recent discoveries can, "prove that the Bible wrong." Still, my studies and my relationship with the God of the Bible have not weakened. My faith is not blind. My beliefs are stronger now than ever before. My faith has not been weakened by the so called "irrefutable evidence."
The Reason
My confidence is based on "faith." Faith in the Bible and faith in Jesus Christ. I don't just believe in someone I have heard about, I believe in Him because I know Him, and I have found His word to be more than adequate for every problem I face. I cannot answer every criticism, and I cannot match intellect or academic accomplishment with all of the non-believing scholars. But I can stand unflinchingly on that which I have come to know and trust. It comes down to this one issue. Do I trust what I have come to know as the "revealed word of God," and trust the One Who has saved me, or do I trust that which is contrary to the message and the integrity of Jesus? It is not a battle between scholars on either side, or arguments or evidence, since both sides can march out their experts. It is about trust in Jesus.
The Battle Rages On
As I have watched the enemies of the Bible raise their voices of criticism and as I have read their arguments, I am amazed at the frailty of human endeavor. On the other hand, I have been amazed to see the Bible truths verified, through personal experiences and through academic research. Men change their minds, but God and His word changes not.
My Encouragement
Therefore, I encourage everyone to be filled with the word of God and with the Spirit of God, and to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ as you study the word of God. It is not the changing views of this world that will stand firm in the storms of life. It is not the claims of self acclaimed men that will prove to be true in the final analysis. It is the eternal word of God.
The Answer
Up to that point in my life, I had found the Bible to be the infallible and inerrant word of God. My studies and my relationship with God were perfectly intact. I was able to answer, to my satisfaction, any and all questions and attacks leveled at the Bible. I considered the criticisms and the scholarship of those who rejected the Bible (which was often formidable). But my answer was that I would trust God's word, the Bible. As the years have passed, the attacks against the Bible have mounted, with even more renowned scholars of skepticism. I have also put more time into my studies. My position has not changed.
I came to a point early in my Christian experience that fixed my faith in the Bible and the God of the Bible. Through the years I have seen anti-Biblical speakers, books and videos flood the market. I have seen people turn from the Scriptures and from the Christian faith. I understand that there can be scholars on both sides of an argument and I understand that recent discoveries can, "prove that the Bible wrong." Still, my studies and my relationship with the God of the Bible have not weakened. My faith is not blind. My beliefs are stronger now than ever before. My faith has not been weakened by the so called "irrefutable evidence."
The Reason
My confidence is based on "faith." Faith in the Bible and faith in Jesus Christ. I don't just believe in someone I have heard about, I believe in Him because I know Him, and I have found His word to be more than adequate for every problem I face. I cannot answer every criticism, and I cannot match intellect or academic accomplishment with all of the non-believing scholars. But I can stand unflinchingly on that which I have come to know and trust. It comes down to this one issue. Do I trust what I have come to know as the "revealed word of God," and trust the One Who has saved me, or do I trust that which is contrary to the message and the integrity of Jesus? It is not a battle between scholars on either side, or arguments or evidence, since both sides can march out their experts. It is about trust in Jesus.
The Battle Rages On
As I have watched the enemies of the Bible raise their voices of criticism and as I have read their arguments, I am amazed at the frailty of human endeavor. On the other hand, I have been amazed to see the Bible truths verified, through personal experiences and through academic research. Men change their minds, but God and His word changes not.
My Encouragement
Therefore, I encourage everyone to be filled with the word of God and with the Spirit of God, and to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ as you study the word of God. It is not the changing views of this world that will stand firm in the storms of life. It is not the claims of self acclaimed men that will prove to be true in the final analysis. It is the eternal word of God.
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