“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence”—1 Peter 3:15 NAB
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This website is a place where issues related to the Bible can be openly and sincerely discussed with reason and good attitudes, but is not a place for such things as advertisements, promotions, hostility, bad language or profanity, personal attacks, debate just for the sport of it, etc. read more
The short answer is, yes, we can understand Almighty God and his Word, the Bible! Does that mean that we can fully understand everything? No, we can’t. The Bible makes this very clear.
“How great is our God–beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out”—Job 36:26 NIV
But the Bible does indeed indicate that understanding of what we need to know, how to act, how to be considered “righteous” by God, and be given the gift of eternal life, is entirely attainable.read more
IS THERE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO PROVE GOD’S EXISTENCE?
Is there enough evidence to prove God’s existence? Atheists say, “No!”
“Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse”—Romans 1:20 NIV
BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY REQUIRES LESS FAITH TO BELIEVE IN THAN ATHEISM
While Christians are often derided for their seemingly “blind faith” in the Creator/God’s existence, the facts give powerful evidence the Biblical Creator/God is real. read more
What Sincere Beliefs Must a Person Have To Be a True Christian?
Many people in the world today call themselves “Christian,” but there are so many conflicting beliefs and doctrines taught among these people. So what beliefs must a person hold in order to be a true Christian? In order to answer this question, we need to look to God’s Word. Let’s see what the Bible has to say.
Christians view the Bible as God’s revelation to humanity
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) So the first point is that one must believe that God exists, and becomes the rewarder of those sincerely seeking him.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) The sincere true Christian would believe the Bible (the 66 books from Genesis to Malachi) is the word of God.
Many people professing to be Christians today believe the Bible is useful but incomplete and needs to be supplemented by their own teachings and writings. But is this the case? Is it possible that the Bible completely equips us?
THE BIBLE’S SCRIPTURES GIVE ALL WE NEED
The Bible completely equips Christians because it is the only divinely inspired writing.“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) the Bible is complete in itself, and needs no supplementation. Nothing needs to be read into it.
BIBLICAL SUPPLEMENTATION NOT NEEDED
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6) The Bible is perfect because it is God’s Word and does not need to be supplemented.
“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ” (1 Jn 4:1)
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:18-19) Adding to or subtracting anything from the Bible is condemned by God. Commentaries in harmony with what the Bible actually says are fine, but nothing written by humans is equal to the scriptures.
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17) The Bible is God’s Word.
THE INSPIRED WRITERS
“Remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.” (Jude 17) The word of the apostles was authoritative. The New Testament was written by four apostles directly chosen by Jesus, namely, Matthew, John, Peter and Paul. Four other close associates of the apostles also wrote the New Testament.
1 Corinthians 15:7 – “Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” Jesus appeared to James.
Why do many people not believe in God or his word the Bible? Why are so many people lacking faith? A person with genuine Bible-based faith is referred to as “one who sees Him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27 CSB)
In one special case, Elisha’s servant was given the ability to see otherwise invisible angelic forces, arrayed against the Syrian army: “Elisha prayed: ‘Yahweh,’ he said, ‘open his eyes and make him see.’ Yahweh opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw the mountain covered in fiery horses and chariots surrounding Elisha” (Kings 6:17 NJB). Although miraculous things like this don’t happen today, these events are recorded in the most reliable record in existence, God’s Word, the Bible. God, Jesus, and angels are just as real today, and we can see evidence of this with “the eyes of [our] understanding” (Ephesians 1:18 NKJV) “by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
When “Doubting” Thomas was shown extraordinary proof of Jesus’ in his resurrected state, and then confessed belief (John 20:27-28), Jesus then said to him: “Because you have seen me you have found faith. Happy are they who find faith without seeing me.” (John 20:29 REB)
How can this be?
“For all that can be known of God lies plain before their eyes; indeed God himself has disclosed it to them.” (Romans 1:19 REBread more
Is the New Testament Based on Eyewitness Testimony?
Is the New Testament based on eyewitness testimony? Let’s examine the Bible to find out.
Is the NT based on eyewitness testimony?
“Many writers have undertaken to draw up an account of the events that have taken place among us, following the traditions handed down by the original eyewitnesses and servants of the gospel. So I in my turn, as one who has investigated the whole course of these events in detail have decided to write an orderly account”(Luke 1:1-2 NIV) The Bible writer Luke based his accounts on eyewitness testimony.
“You are eyewitnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48 NIV) Jesus’ disciples were eyewitnesses.
“This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.” (John 19:35 NLT)read more
Is the Bible reliable? Does it contain myths, or are the stories true? Did the writers simply write down stories they had heard from other people, or did they experience the things firsthand that they wrote about?
The Bible is not made up of cleverly devised fables or myths. “We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:16 NAB). Many of the Bible writers were actually eyewitnesses of their written accounts. “But we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16 NAB; see also 1 Peter 5:1) Eyewitnesses also handed down their accounts to others who carefully researched these things. (Luke 1:1-3) Still others studied and pondered. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10) But none came from human will. (2 Peter 1:21)
All scripture was inspired by God:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16,17 NIV). read more
