CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES
The Bible, Adapted for Human Needs!
“Man is a dual being! In the material world there is that which satisfies and fills every physical desire of man; there is not a physical appetite that cannot be gratified by the world of physical things. But there is a constant longing, a hungering for something beyond the merely physical. These are recognized as spiritual or religious needs.
Does Christianity provide for all of man's needs? This becomes our question. It claims to make such a provision, note:
Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”
John 1:16-18 “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”
Colossians 2:9-10 “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
If it does fulfill such desires and longings, then this becomes evidence that both the physical world and the Bible are from a common source; that the author of both had a perfect knowledge of the needs of man physically and spiritually . If the Bible does not meet these spiritual needs, then is it worth defending?”
(Homer Hailey)
• The Bible Solves Problems Otherwise Un-solvable.
An example of this is seen in the problem of man's origin, purpose, and destiny. Evolution has been presented as an explanation of the origin of man, but this theory has been proven to be unscientific. Only the Bible gives an intelligent answer to these problems, in the story of creation ( Genesis 1-2 ).
The myths of history mention something's for which there can be no answer or explanation except that given in the Bible. For example, these myths mention among other things; a flood over the earth, tower and confusion, the origins of nations, etc… These would be mysteries if we did not have the Bible to explain them.
• The Bible Presents a God Who is Worthy of Worship.
Since man worships by nature, as we have already seen in the first lesson of this series, man must have something to worship. Where shall man find a better object of worship than pictured in the Bible? The God of the Bible is perfect in wisdom, power, and holiness, yet, forgiving, and loving. To worship anything else is sheer ignorance. However, the God of the Bible is worthy of man's worship and devotion.
• The Bible Meets the Desire to be Right With One's Maker.
Since man must have an object of worship, when he forsook God in early ages he created gods in his own image or the images of his surroundings. The sacrifices of the ages have been an attempt on man's part to find peace with his Deity.
The fact of sin, regardless of what you think of the Bible, cannot be denied. Sin is on the earth with humanity and where men are found there is sin. Sin separates man from His God.
The Bible presents a way whereby man can be forgiven of sins and be reconciled to God. It teaches that a man can have peace with God, note:
Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:16-20 “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.”
Through this peace with God, man can enjoy fellowship and communion with Him, note:
1 John 1:3-4 “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”
Since man is seeking this peace with God, and since the Bible provides it, we conclude that the Bible satisfies this need of mankind.
• The Bible Affords Comfort in Trial.
Whether in sickness, misfortune, or bereavement, the Bible comforts. The following scriptures are evidence of this, note:
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”
Hebrews 12:11 “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
• The Bible Cancels the Fear of Death.
A Christian may dread death, but the fear is destroyed by the Gospel. A Christian may think of death in light of the following passages, note:
2 Corinthians 5:1 “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
John 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
• The Bible is Adapted to Man's Intellect, Emotions, and Will.
There is much in the Bible on which man can reason; for which he can hope, and which he can be obedient. It is filled with facts to be believed; patterns to follow, promises to receive, and warnings to heed.
The Bible is the best corrective instrument to make the proud humble, the hating to love, and the covetous to sacrifice.
We conclude by asking the following question; is it likely that a book could meet and fill these needs of man unless it came from the God that made man and understood what his needs were? We conclude that such would be impossible, and that the Bible must be a revelation from God.
In these concluding thoughts, I hope you have enjoyed this series. This brings this lesson series to a conclusion. However, from time to time, we will publish additional supplemental lessons with additional historic, scientific, and fact based evidence for your review. In conclusion there is one un-deniable fact that must be entertained by all faith based practitioners, note:
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man's all .
14 For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.”