REASONS TO BELIEVE

The Bible definition of faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). God never calls us to blind faith, meaning faith without reason. In fact, God expects us to be prepared to give the reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15). I am thankful that God gives us many reasons to be sure and certain of him, his Son, and his Word. The Bible is full of evidences to support our belief in a personal Creator who made us, loves us, and has a purpose for us (Hebrews 1:1– 3; 1 Peter 1:3 – 9).

As a non-scientist and non-academic, I am thankful the Bible was written for the common person. Even though I do not have a PhD, I can understand the simple message of God’s love for mankind and his involvement in our lives. I understand that he wants us to know him, love him, and have a relationship with him through his Son Jesus. This consistent message has been revealed by many different writers over 1,600 years with such clarity, brevity, beauty, wisdom and accuracy that even I can see divine inspiration in the writing. The Bible was written by men who were directed (inspired) by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:12). Second Timothy 3:16 says that “all scripture is God breathed.” Galatians 1:11 says it is “not something man made up,” and 1 Thessalonians 2:13 says “you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God.”

The Bible was written to bring us to faith in God and Jesus (Romans 10:17). John 20:30 – 31 says “Jesus did many miraculous signs … but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” The Bible writers talk about evidence as “proofs” (Acts 1:3). Jesus did many miracles to prove that he was the Son of God (John 10:38; Acts 2:22). The ultimate “proof” was his resurrection (Acts 17:31). The apostles did miraculous signs and wonders to confirm that their message was God-given (Acts 14:3; Hebrews 2:3 – 4). Throughout the Bible God has confirmed his message by miracles (Deuteronomy 34:10 –11), by the fulfillment of his prophecies (Matthew 26:56), and by eye-witness accounts (1 John 1:1– 3).

As a person not trained in apologetics, I may not understand all the scientific evidences which support what I read in God’s word; but I can understand from God’s word who he is, who Jesus is, and his purpose for me. My faith is not blind, and evidences are helpful to me; but, ultimately, my faith rests on God’s word and in my personal relationship to the One who died for me on the cross.

— Cynthia Clayton

Picture credits:
©Patty Gibson