Reasons We Believe (Foreword by John MacArthur) E-Book

Nathan Busenitz

• Herausgeber: Crossway
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 333

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2008

Beschreibung

Reasons We Believe will reinforce your personal faith and will provide you with a clear, concise, evangelistic tool to help you share that faith with others. In an age of cynics and skeptics, Christianity is constantly under attack. Believers need resources that defend the veracity of their faith. They are searching for clear, concise, and credible answers to both doubts of their own and objections from their unbelieving friends. Nathan Busenitz provides such resources to believers. Reasons We Believe confirms and strengthens the faith of believers by demonstrating the reliability of the twofold authority on which Christianity rests: the Word of God and the person of Jesus Christ. Reasons builds a biblical foundation for the authority of the Bible and then shows how extra-biblical evidence corresponds with and thereby attests to what the Bible claims. This study seeks to reinforce the faith of Christians while also providing them with a straightforward evangelistic tool for reaching non-Christians.

Leseprobe

Reasons We Believe

Copyright © 2008 by Nathan Busenitz

Published by Crossway Booksa publishing ministry of Good News Publishers1300 Crescent StreetWheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law.

Cover design: Amy Bristow

Cover photo: iStock

First printing, 2008

Printed in the United States of America

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: English Standard Version®. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are from The New American Standard Bible® .Copyright © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

PDF ISBN: 978-1-4335-0470-9

Mobipocket ISBN: 978-1-4335-0471-6

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Busenitz, Nathan.

Reasons we believe : 50 lines of evidence that confirm the Christian faith / Nathan Busenitz.

p.  cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-4335-0146-3 (tpb)

1. Apologetics. I. Title.

BT1103.B87     2008

239—dc22

2008001187

VP    17  16  15  14  13  12  11  10  09  08

15  14  13  12  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  3  2  1

To my four wonderful children:

ASHLEY, ISAAC, AUSTIN, and ABIGAIL

May you grow in the love and knowledgeof our Savior, Jesus Christ

CONTENTS

Foreword by John MacArthur

Preface

Section 1:

A Reasonable Faith

The Christian Faith Is Unseen, but It Is Not Blind

Introduction

Section 2:

Reasons We Believe in God

He Exists and We Can Know Him

Introduction

We Believe in God:

1 Because He Has Revealed Himself to Us

2 Because the Existence of Our Universe Points to a Creator

3 Because the Order and Design of Life Point to a Designer

4 Because the Continuation of the Universe Points to a Sustainer

5 Because the Human Sense of Morality Points to a Lawgiver

6 Because Eternity Is Written on the Hearts of People

7 Because Life Without God Is Ultimately Meaningless

8 Because the Flow of Human History Conforms to a Divine Plan

9 Because Miraculous Events Confirm the Supernatural

10 Because Other Belief Systems Are Inadequate Alternatives

Section 3:

Reasons We Believe in the Bible (Part 1)

The Bible Is the Word of God

Introduction

We Believe the Bible Is the Word of God:

1 Because the Holy Spirit Confirms It to Be the Word of God

2 Because It Explains Life in a Way That Corresponds to Reality

3 Because It Has Been Tested and Found Trustworthy

4 Because It Has Been Validated by Hundreds of Fulfilled Prophecies

5 Because It Is Marked by a Clear and Consistent Message

6 Because It Is Unsurpassed in Its Moral Ethic and Social Impact

7 Because It Possesses an Inexhaustible and Supernatural Richness

8 Because It Changes the Lives of People through the Power of the Spirit

9 Because It Stands Alone among Books That Claim to Come from God

10 Because Jesus Affirmed the Bible as the Word of God

Section 4:

Reasons We Believe in the Bible (Part 2)

The New Testament Gospels Are Historically Reliable

Introduction

We Believe the New Testament Gospels Are Reliable:

1 Because They Are Consistent with Previous Revelation from God

2 Because They Were Written by Those Close to the Events of Jesus’ Life

3 Because They Were Intended to Be Historical

4 Because They Contain Details That Can Be Tested and Verified

5 Because the Early Christian Community Would Have Demanded an Accurate Record

6 Because Their Picture of Jesus Is Consistent within the Four Gospels

7 Because Their Picture of Jesus Is Consistent with the Rest of the New Testament

8 Because the Main Points of Jesus’ Life Are Found in Non-biblical Sources

9 Because They Are Superior to Other Supposed Gospels

10 Because They Have Been Faithfully Preserved Throughout Church History

Section 5:

Reasons We Believe in Jesus (Part 1)

He Is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the World

Introduction

We Believe in Jesus Christ:

1 Because We, as Christians, Have Come to Know Him

2 Because His Coming Met the Biblical Requirements

3 Because the Old Testament Predicted the Nature of His Life and Death

4 Because He Was Visibly Authenticated by God the Father

5 Because He Exhibited Divine Authority

6 Because He Lived a Life of Sinless Perfection

7 Because of the Testimony of His Friends and Followers

8 Because of the Testimony of Non-Christian Sources

9 Because of the Church He Promised to Build

10 Because He Died and Rose Again According to the Scriptures

Section 6:

Reasons We Believe in Jesus (Part 2)

He Died and Rose Again

We Believe in the Resurrection:

1 Because Jesus’ Resurrection Is Implied in the Old Testament

2 Because Jesus Predicted That He Would Rise Again

3 Because He Really Died

4 Because His Tomb Was Empty

5 Because He Appeared to Many after His Resurrection

6 Because His Resurrection Radically Changed the Lives of His Followers

7 Because of the Testimony of Non-Followers (Including His Enemies)

8 Because Alternative Explanations Are Inadequate

9 Because the Existence of the Church Cannot Otherwise Be Explained

10 Because Christians Encounter the Resurrected Christ When They Come to Faith in Him

FOREWORD

If there is one word that best describes the Christian worldview, it is truth. In an age of changing opinions, multiple perspectives, and varying viewpoints, biblical Christianity stands by itself as objective, absolute, and abiding truth. Scripture alone teaches us how to perceive the world in a way that accurately corresponds to reality. As such, its message of salvation is as timely as it is timeless. And its truth is as reliable as it is unchanging.

In contrast to the enduring character of the gospel, the theories and philosophies of men are constantly in flux. Worldviews that dominate popular thinking, whether for decades or for centuries, are eventually discarded as outmoded and passé. New discoveries, developments, or insights render previous frameworks of thought no longer tenable. In a very real sense, when it comes to human wisdom the only constant is change.

But not so with God.

Unlike men, God is not in flux. He never changes but is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Unlike men, God is neither finite nor fallible. He has never been mistaken about anything because He knows all and controls all. God is always consistent with Himself. He cannot contradict Himself, and He cannot lie. He is not the author of confusion. Moreover, His Word is true not simply because it accords with reality but because it comes from the very One who established reality—and who did so by the word of His power.

As God’s written Word, the Bible reflects the perfection and consistency of its Author. The facts it sets forth are reliable because God is reliable. The assertions it makes—whether in areas of faith and practice or in areas of science and history—can be trusted because God is inherently trustworthy. In the same way that God is eternally true, His written Word is also true. As the psalmist exclaimed, speaking to God, “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting” (Psalm 119:160, NASB).

Because the Bible is perfect and free from error, having been revealed by God Himself, it follows that it is the most authoritative document in the world—the final word on truth. It is the place from which our understanding of truth must start; and it is the final test by which we are to measure every other truth claim. Confronting the errors of the unbelieving world with biblical truth, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is what evangelism and apologetics are all about. After all, it is the truth that sets men free. The lost cannot be saved unless they hear and, by God’s grace, embrace the truth of the gospel.

When Christians share the good news with others, giving a defense for the hope that is in them, they are right to anchor that defense firmly in the Bible. As the supreme standard of truth, it is the believer’s most powerful weapon against doubt and falsehood. As the sword of the Spirit, its message is accompanied by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. As the Word of God, it is able to penetrate to the deepest parts of the human soul. No other evangelistic approach—from philosophy, science, or human reason—is more effective than starting with (and staying with) the Bible, because no other approach is supernaturally empowered.

That kind of Scripture-saturated approach is what makes Reasons We Believe such an outstanding resource. Instead of starting elsewhere, Nathan Busenitz begins with the Bible, showing how God’s Word convincingly defends its own truth claims and then subsequently demonstrating how those claims are also confirmed by extra-biblical sources. Thoroughly biblical and meticulously researched, yet readily accessible and straightforward, Reasons We Believe belongs on every Christian’s bookshelf, whether you are looking to be equipped for evangelism or simply encouraged in the faith.

In a doubting age, believers must not buy into the postmodern tolerance so rampant in our society. God has given us the truth. He has given us His Word. We therefore have an unassailable defense, because we have the only defense that is absolutely true. Having been armed with that truth, and accompanied by the power of the Spirit, we are ready to do battle against the false speculations, ideologies, and philosophies of the present age.

If you are a Christian, you must be ready to make a defense for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)—and the best way to do that is to go to the Spirit-empowered Word of God. The pages that follow will show you where to begin.

John MacArthur

PREFACE

Reasons We Believe is a survey of fifty lines of evidence that support the biblical understanding of God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. Though many excellent books have been written on the subject of Christian apologetics, this book is unique in several respects.

First, its format is intended to allow readers the option of either reading the book from start to finish or skipping around from place to place depending on their own questions or interests. Though many readers will only use the material for personal study, it is also hoped that the structure of each section will prove useful for small-group discussions or larger teaching venues.

Second, the book deliberately includes a substantial number of Scripture references—the aim being to bring the full force of God’s Word to bear on the discussion. Our conviction is that any defense of biblical Christianity must begin with the Bible, and we have attempted to model that approach here. These references are intended to equip readers both in their own study of these issues and as they explain the truth to others.

Finally, in making the case for biblical Christianity, Reasons We Believe cites several hundred other works, which is admittedly more than most popular books of its size. This too is purposeful, stemming from a desire on our part to present a credible argument—one that is not only well-documented but is also generally representative of evangelical Christianity. We trust that those wanting to do further research will find the footnotes helpful, though they should be aware that a number of the works we reference are non-evangelical. Thus, just because a work is cited does not necessarily imply that we endorse its full contents.

SECTION 1

A REASONABLE FAITH

The Christian Faith Is Unseen, but It Is Not Blind

Truth is Christianity’s most enduring asset.

CARL F. H. HENRY1

INTRODUCTION

Faith, no matter how sincere, is only a fantasy if it is based on bad information.

Consider the misguided ventures of Juan Ponce de León, a sixteenth-century Spanish explorer. Ponce de León was appointed governor of Puerto Rico (then called Boriquien) in 1509. Having been a crew member on the second voyage of Christopher Columbus, he had decided to stay in the New World when Columbus returned to Spain. While serving as governor, Ponce de León began hearing rumors about an alleged “fountain of youth,” a spring that reversed the effects of aging and gave eternal life. His imagination was immediately captivated, and he became determined to find the magical source of immortality.2

On March 3, 1513, Ponce de León set out from Puerto Rico with several ships to locate the island of Bimini, where the fountain of youth was supposedly situated. He was convinced that the island existed, and he planned on doing everything in his power to find it. But, although he did discover Florida, he never found the legendary Bimini or its life-giving spring. His search ended in 1521 when he was fatally wounded during one of his exploits.

Despite good intentions and repeated attempts, this treasure-hunter was doomed to fail from the outset because he was chasing something that didn’t exist. He believed that it existed, but his faith was ultimately disappointed because it was based on faulty data. The unverifiable reports he had received about the fountain of youth were false, meaning that Ponce de León was trusting in sources that had given him bad information. Though his faith was surely sincere, it was ultimately worthless because it was founded on error.

Ponce de León’s negative example can be contrasted with one of his contemporaries, another Spanish explorer named Hernán Cortés. While Ponce de León was searching for the mythical fountain, Cortés was learning about a city so magnificent, it too sounded legendary. But there was something different about the information Cortés received. Unlike Ponce de León, Cortés had good reason to believe that the city actually existed. He had received specific details about the city’s king, Montezuma. He had also been met by one of the city’s ambassadors, Teudile. He had even been given precious stones and featherware from the city as a token of Montezuma’s goodwill. Although he had not yet visited the city, Cortés found the evidence for its existence impossible to ignore.3

The name of the city was Tenochtitlán; it was the capital of the Aztec Empire and one of the largest cities in the world at that time. The city was known as “the Venice of the New World,” and Cortés and his men thought they were dreaming when they finally saw it for the first time (on November 8, 1519). But Cortés was not dreaming. His quest for Tenochtitlán had not been in vain, because it had been based on credible information. His faith in the city’s existence was not founded on legends or myth; it was founded on trustworthy evidence. His faith was vindicated because his sources were reliable.

So how do the exploits of Juan Ponce de León and Hernán Cortés compare? Both men were Spanish explorers and conquerors. Both made expeditions for the purpose of discovery in the New World. Both believed that what they were searching for truly existed. Both had faith in their respective pursuits. But only one of the two men was right about what he believed. Only Cortés believed in something that actually corresponded to reality.

IS CHRISTIANITY BASED ON GOOD INFORMATION?

When it comes to contemporary religious beliefs, people exercise faith in many different belief systems. Certainly every religion can boast of ardent followers—morally good people, humanly speaking, who strongly believe that their respective religion is correct. Like Ponce de León they spend their lives pursuing what they believe to be true. But unless their faith is based on an accurate source of information (a correct authority), they are pursuing nothing more than a fantasy.

In this book, we will survey the case for the reliability of the twofold authority on which Christianity rests—namely, the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ (cf. Hebrews 1:1–2). In order to do this we will go to the Bible itself, which is “the word of Christ” (Colossians 3:16), to see what reasons it gives for why we should accept its claims about God, about itself, and about Jesus. Rather than starting with philosophy, history, science, or even human reason, it is only right that an examination and defense of biblical Christianity begin with the Bible. The renowned evangelist D. L. Moody reportedly noted, “There’s no better book with which to defend the Bible than the Bible itself.” He was absolutely right. As we will see in the upcoming pages, Scripture not only invites scrutiny, it also consistently demonstrates itself to be a trustworthy source of information.4

Once we have developed each reason from Scripture, we can then show how extra-biblical evidence corresponds with, and thereby attests to, what the Bible claims. To be clear, this external evidence does not establish the truthfulness of the Christian faith. If Christianity is true, it is because there really is a God, and He has revealed Himself to us through His Son and in His Word. Nonetheless, external evidence does corroborate the claims of Christianity. Because the God of the Bible is also the God of creation, time, and truth (cf. Psalm 19:1–6; Acts 17:26–28; John 17:17), the facts of science, history, and logic will necessarily correspond to what the Bible reveals.5 Such evidence therefore provides wonderful confirmation for believers, because it bears witness to both the reliability of Scripture and the authenticity of Jesus Christ.

The empirical, forensic, and philosophical evidence that backs up Christianity sets it apart from other worldviews and belief systems. In the words of Christian author Morris Inch, “There is a case to be made for Christianity. It passes the philosophic criteria with highest honors; it focuses on the incomparable figure of Jesus; it draws credibility from accumulative evidence; and it satisfies the conditions of trust. We need not, and ought not, settle for less.”6 In fact, the Christian faith is unique in the amount of evidence that supports it. As Christian apologist and scientist Henry Morris observes:

The entire subject of evidences is almost exclusively the domain of Christian evidences. Other religions depend on subjective experience and blind faith, tradition and opinion. Christianity stands or falls upon the objective reality of gigantic supernatural events in history and the evidences therefore. This fact in itself is an evidence of its truth.7

Other scholars agree, noting that “only Christianity stakes its claim to truthfulness on historical events open to critical investigation.”8 Irwin H. Linton, in his book A Lawyer Examines the Bible, contends that the evidence for Christianity confirms it to be true beyond any reasonable doubt. After all, it “rests on definite, historical facts and events” that, due to the overwhelming evidence that supports them, must “be regarded as proved under the strictest rules of evidence used in the highest American and English courts.”9

But what about other religious beliefs? How do they fare? Like Christianity, they too have “authorities” on which they base their beliefs.10 For the Muslim, authority is found in the Qur’an, the Hadith (Muslim traditions), and the Sunnah (customs of Muslim life). For the Hindu, the authority is the Scruti (the revealed canon, which includes the Bhagavad Gita) and the Smitri (semi-canonical literature). Buddhist teachings center on “four basic truths” and the “eightfold path.” Atheists too are people of faith. Though they cannot disprove that God exists, they choose to believe it nonetheless. For them, the naturalistic theories of evolution or the musings of contemporary philosophers are often appealed to as sources of authority. But what happens when these supposed authorities are put to the test?11

Christian apologists John Ankerberg and John Weldon give us the answer: “Other religions . . . can also be tested by examining their claims and looking critically at the facts—but again, one finds that they are invalidated by such a procedure.” In fact, “no genuinely historical or objective evidence exists for the foundational claims of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, or any other world religion [besides Christianity].”12 Author Robert Morey concurs, noting that “the faith of the non-Christian is externally and internally groundless.” On the other hand, “there is more than enough evidence on every hand from every department of human experience and knowledge to demonstrate that Christianity is true.”13

Though a thorough examination of other religions is outside the scope of this book, we will consider them briefly at the end of Section 2 (in considering pantheistic and polytheistic religions) and also in Section 3 (where we will specifically address the Qur’an). Many excellent books have been written that compare Christianity with other religions.14 Our purpose here is to show that Christianity does not shy away from critical investigation and that its twofold authority stands when put to the test.

EVIDENCE MADE CERTAIN

As we will see in the upcoming pages, there are many excellent reasons to believe in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. These reasons and the corresponding pieces of evidence that confirm them do much to bolster the confidence of Christians in the veracity of their faith. They also serve as powerful tools in witnessing to non-Christians.15

Nonetheless, it is the Holy Spirit who ultimately makes the truth of Christianity certain in the hearts of believers (1 Corinthians 2:12–13). He gives us absolute confidence in both God’s Word and God’s Son, assuring us of our salvation and our heavenly hope (Romans 8:14–17). As Josh McDowell and Don Stewart explain, “To those outside the Christian faith, Christianity can be shown to rest on strong evidence and have a high degree of probability for its truth claims. But when a person becomes a Christian, the ‘assurance’ or ‘certainty’ becomes a reality. Christianity from a ‘morally certain’ standpoint becomes as undeniable as one’s own existence.”16 For Christians, then, the reasons surveyed in this book only confirm what they already know to be true.

By the same token, it is the Holy Spirit who finally convinces the non-Christian of his need for a Savior (cf. John 16:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:5). Evidence alone is not enough; only God can bring spiritual life where there was no life (Ephesians 2:1–10). To be sure, the case for Christianity is a substantial one. But without the Holy Spirit’s power, the most that the evidence can do is win a debate. True belief is only possible through the Spirit’s working.

If you are already a believer in Jesus Christ, I trust you will be strengthened and encouraged by the reasons given in this book—to know that, although our faith is unseen (Hebrews 11:1), it is not blind. And if you are not yet a believer in Jesus Christ, my prayer for you is that the Holy Spirit would open your eyes to see the truth as you honestly consider the case presented here. I sincerely hope that, by His grace, God will use the reasons included in this book to draw you to Himself.

WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY ALL ABOUT?

Before we survey the many evidences for Christianity, we must first take a brief look at what it teaches. After all, what are we defending? What is the message that all of the reasons support?

The essence of the Christian message is called the gospel, which means “good news.” It is the message of how men and women can have peace with God. The gospel explains how we can be forgiven of sin and how we can have eternal life in heaven. It tells us about God’s righteous expectations, man’s hopeless condition, Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, and our necessary response.

God’s Righteous Expectations

The Bible begins by telling us that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe (Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24–27). He is therefore the rightful ruler of all things (1 Timothy 6:15), meaning that He alone deserves the heartfelt worship and obedience of every person (Exodus 20:3). In fact, the reason God created human beings was so they would lovingly serve Him and bring Him glory as the caretakers of this earth (Genesis 1:28; Isaiah 43:7), and so that as a result they might find perfect fulfillment and joy in their loving fellowship with Him (cf. Revelation 21:2–3; 22:3–4).

The Scriptures go on to teach that God is completely righteous and holy (Deuteronomy 32:4). Both His character and His Word are absolutely perfect (Psalm 19:7–11). As the just Judge of the universe, He knows and evaluates the thoughts and actions of every person (Psalm 139:1–4; Proverbs 15:3). Each man and woman will one day stand before Him to give an account for how he or she lived (Ecclesiastes 11:9).

Man’s Hopeless Condition

The universe was originally created perfect, until Adam and Eve (the first man and woman) directly disobeyed their Creator (Genesis 1:1–3:6). Their disobedience or “sin” introduced evil, suffering, and death into the world (Genesis 3:7–19). It also permanently stained the moral fiber of mankind, not only for Adam and Eve but also for their descendants (Romans 5:12). As a result, every person who has ever lived (with the exception of Jesus Christ) is a sinner—both by nature and by choice (Romans 3:23). Because no one perfectly worships God or follows His commands (Mark 12:30; James 2:10), we are all sinners who deserve to be punished.

The Bible teaches that the consequence for our sin is twofold: physical death in this life and spiritual death in the next (Romans 6:23). Spiritual death is described in Scripture as eternal separation from God in a place called hell (Revelation 20:11–15). The Bible also explains that, like convicted criminals on death row, there is nothing we can do in our own efforts to erase our guilt (Romans 3:10–18). Though we might consider ourselves to be “good” people, God’s standard is perfection—and there are no perfect people. We all therefore stand hopelessly condemned before the divine Judge, God Himself.

Jesus’ Perfect Sacrifice

Thankfully, in His infinite mercy and love, God has offered us a pardon for our sin. He knew that we could not save ourselves, so He sent us His Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Jesus, who as God took on human flesh (John 1:1, 14), was born in Israel some two thousand years ago. He lived a perfect life and then paid the penalty for sin by dying on a cross (Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 3:18). He did not deserve to die because He never sinned. Yet He chose to die so that He could take the place of those He came to save. He endured the penalty that they rightfully deserved, meaning that He was their substitute (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 4:9–10).

Jesus was buried after the Roman soldiers confirmed that He was dead. But, miraculously, He didn’t stay in the tomb. Three days later He conquered death and rose from the grave, demonstrating that His sacrifice had satisfied God’s justice (Romans 1:4). He then ascended into heaven, where He remains to this day (Acts 1:9–11).

As the Savior of the world, Jesus offers forgiveness from sin and salvation to all those who place their faith in Him (John 6:40; Romans 5:8–10). The Bible makes it clear that He is the only way to be made right with God (John 14:6). Pardon for sin comes by no other means. Acts 4:12 clearly says, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Jesus Christ alone is God’s solution for our sin.

Our Necessary Response

Since salvation is found only in Christ, it cannot be found in our own righteous efforts (Ephesians 2:8–10). It is based on His work, not ours. The Bible is very clear that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s saving grace (Titus 3:5–7). Nonetheless, Jesus’ free offer of salvation demands a response on our part.

Recognizing that we are sinners in desperate need of a Savior, we must cry out to God for mercy and wholly embrace in faith the pardon He has provided for us through His Son (cf. Luke 18:13–14; Acts 16:30–31). We must believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be (see Section 5 of this book) and trust in His death as the payment for our sin (John 11:25–26; Colossians 2:13–14). As Romans 10:9 promises, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

In turning to God, we must also repent and turn away from our sin (Luke 24:47; Acts 17:30; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). With our hearts regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5), our greatest aim will be to follow and serve the Lord wholeheartedly (John 10:27; 12:26). After all, those who are genuine children of God will embrace His Son in love (John 8:42) and demonstrate that love through a life of obedience (John 14:15; cf. Romans 6:17–18).

Those who truly believe in Christ are given the promise of heaven, where they will spend eternity worshiping their Lord and Savior (Revelation 21–22). But those who do not trust in Christ will one day stand before God and face the devastating consequences of their sin (Hebrews 9:27). Because they have no substitute, they will pay for their sins themselves.

Coming Full Circle

The message that wicked people can find everlasting peace with God through Jesus Christ is what Christianity is all about. The Bible even says that God freely extends His forgiveness and salvation to any and all who are willing to receive it (John 6:37; Matthew 11:28). The promise of heaven, the freedom of forgiveness, a saving relationship with God Himself—that is what the Bible offers.

But is it reasonable to believe this message? In the pages that follow, we will look to the Bible itself for the answer to that question.

1Carl F. H. Henry, Carl Henry at His Best (Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 1989), 203.

2Some historians assert that the fountain of youth was only a secondary motivation behind Ponce de León’s exploits (cf. Robert H. Fuson, Juan Ponce de Leon and the Spanish Discovery of Puerto Rico and Florida [Blacksburg, VA: McDonald & Woodward, 2001], 118). However, most sources suggest it was primary in his thinking (cf. Laurence Bergreen, Over the Edge of the World [New York: Harper-Collins, 2004], 75–76; Beatrize Pastor Bodmer, The Armature of Conquest: Spanish Accounts of the Discovery of America [Palo Alto, CA: Stanford University Press, 1992], 105; Peter O. Koch, To the Ends of the Earth: The Age of European Explorers [Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2003], 222; and Diane Sansevere-Dreher, Explorers Who Got Lost [New York: Macmillan, 1992], 78). Our recounting of Ponce de León’s story follows this majority perspective.

3For more on Cortés, see Michael Wood, Conquistadors (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2001), 15–78.

4We would add that, for Christians, there can be no higher court of authority than the book we believe to be from God Himself. Insofar as our reasons are derived from Scripture, we believe they come with God’s inherent authority.

5This is not to say that science, history, or human reason should be considered of greater or equal authority to the Scriptures. Rather, we are noting that when the Bible is rightly interpreted, and when the facts of science, history, or logic are fully known, the two will not be in contradiction to each other. Rather, the general revelation of the world around us testifies to the truthfulness of the special revelation found in Scripture (cf. Psalm 19:1–11).

6Morris Inch, A Case for Christianity (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1997), 132.

7Henry Morris, Many Infallible Proofs (San Diego: Creation-Life Publishers, 1974), 1.

8John Ankerberg and John Weldon, Fast Facts on Defending Your Faith (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2002), 41.

9Irwin H. Linton: A Lawyer Examines the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1943; reprint, San Diego: Creation-Life Publishers, 1978), 16.

10The information here on comparative religions is taken from Robert P. Lightner, The God of the Bible and Other Gods (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 1998), 171–195.

11According to the law of non-contradiction, opposing truth claims cannot both be simultaneously correct. Thus, in spite of the pluralistic attitude of our postmodern society, the claims of Christianity cannot be construed as compatible with any other religious perspective (cf. John 14:6). If Christianity is true, all other religions are necessarily false. For a lay-level discussion of the law of non-contradiction see Norman Geisler and Peter Bocchino, Unshakable Foundations (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2001), 22–24.

12John Ankerberg and John Weldon, Fast Facts, 44.

13Robert A. Morey, Introduction to Defending the Faith (Southbridge, MA: Crowne Publications, 1989), 38.

14Readers are encouraged to visit their local Christian bookstore for helpful resources on comparative religions. A few suggested titles would include: So What’s the Difference? How World Faiths Compare to Christianity by Fritz Ridenour (Ventura, CA: Gospel Light, 2001); Handbook of Today’s Religions by Josh McDowell and Don Stewart (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1993); The Compact Guide to World Religions by Dean C. Halverson (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1996); But Don’t All Religions Lead to God? by Michael Green (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2002); and Answering Islam by Norman L. Geisler (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2002).

15As James W. Sire, “On Being a Fool for Christ and an Idiot for Nobody,” Christian Apologetics in the Postmodern World, 101–127, ed. Timothy R. Phillips and Dennis L. Okholm (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995), 110–111 notes: “The task of apologetics is to demonstrate that Christianity is reasonable and thus (a) to assure Christians that their faith is not idiotic and (b) to clear away the obstacles and objections that keep nonbelievers from considering the arguments and evidence for the truth of Christianity.”

16Josh McDowell and Don Stewart, Answers to Tough Questions (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1993), 154.

SECTION 2

REASONS WE BELIEVE IN GOD

He Exists and We Can Know Him

I want to know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts; the rest are details.

ALBERT EINSTEIN1

If there were not God, there would be no atheists.

G. K. CHESTERTON2

INTRODUCTION

The story is told of a raving madman who on a bright morning lit a lantern and ran to the marketplace calling out unceasingly, “I seek God! I seek God!” As there were many people standing nearby who did not believe in God, he caused a great deal of amusement. “Why? Is God lost?” said one. “Has he strayed away like a child?” said another. “Or does he keep himself hidden? Is he afraid of us? Has he taken a sea voyage? Has he emigrated?” the people cried out laughingly, making a great commotion.

The insane man jumped into their midst and transfixed them with his glances. “Where has God gone?” he called out. “I mean to tell you! We have killed him, you and I! We are all his murderers! But how have we done it? How were we able to drink up the sea? Who gave us the sponge to wipe away the whole horizon? Is there still an above and below? Do we not wander through infinite nothingness? Has it not become colder? Does not night come on continually, darker and darker? Do we not hear the noise of the gravediggers who are burying God? God is dead! God remains dead! And we have killed him!”3

IS GOD DEAD?

This shocking scenario was conceived in 1882 by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Although the whole story is not often remembered, the phrase “God is dead” has left an indelible impression on Western society since Nietzsche’s time. In fact, it is probably Nietzsche’s most famous quote, even if through the words of one of his characters. But what did Nietzsche, through the mouth of the madman, mean by the phrase “God is dead”?

Several years later, Nietzsche himself explained his point. In 1887 he wrote, “The greatest recent event—that God is dead [means] that the belief in the Christian God has become unbelievable.”4 His point was not that God had literally died, but rather that, due to advances in science and philosophy, the Christian concept of God (which had undergirded European thinking for centuries) had become logically untenable. It could no longer be honestly believed by intelligent individuals. Therefore, the very idea of God was dead.

Nietzsche, of course, saw the Christian understanding of God as inherently distasteful. He rejected the possibility of a personal, all-powerful deity who demanded repentance and worship from sinful human beings. In 1888 he wrote, “The Christian conception of God . . . is one of the most corrupt conceptions of God arrived at on earth.”5 And Nietzsche was not alone in his conclusions. Along with him, many of Europe’s cultural and intellectual elite also rejected the biblical notion of God because they considered it indefensible.

TEN REASONS WE BELIEVE IN GOD

So, is God dead? Is belief in Him unreasonable? Or does the Bible offer us credible reasons to put our faith in His existence? Thankfully, the answer to that final question is yes. Nietzsche and his contemporaries may have rejected God. They may have denied His existence and even discounted His influence within society. Yet, in so doing, they rejected the clear evidence that God Himself provides. As the Bible says, “Claiming to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22). “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1).

With that as a backdrop, let’s consider some of the many reasons we as Christians believe that God exists and we can know Him.

Reason 1:

We Believe in God

Because He Has Revealed Himself to Us

At the most foundational level, we believe in God because He has made Himself known to us, both through His creation (cf. Psalm 19:1–6) and through His Word (cf. Psalm 19:7–11). “Whatever we know about God has been revealed to us by God Himself,” explains Christian author William Brown. “Christians do not claim to have found God; rather we claim that God found us. . . . If God had not revealed Himself, we would have no hope of ever truly knowing Him.”6

On the one hand, God has revealed certain things about Himself through the natural world (that He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe—Acts 14:15–17; Romans 1:20) and through the human conscience (that He is the ultimate Lawgiver and Judge—Romans 1:19; 2:14–15). Such revelation is called general revelation because it is inescapably available to everyone (being all around us and even inside of us) and because the truths it reveals about God are quite general or basic.

On the other hand, God has also revealed truths about Himself that are much more specific. This special revelation comes from two sources of information—the Bible (which is the written Word of God) and Jesus Christ (who is the incarnate Word of God—John 1:1).7 Both in the Scriptures and through His Son, God has revealed Himself to us in a detailed and personal way. If He had not done so, we would have no way of knowing who He is or what He expects.

It would be no help to us at all in our human predicament if God were silent, but happily this is not the case. God not only exists, but also He has communicated that fact to us. He has told us all about who He is, what He is like, and what His plan is for planet earth. He has revealed these things to mankind through the Bible.8