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NASB | James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror--they have seen His wrath]! [Deut 6:4; 11:13-21; Mark 12:29] |
Bible Question: What does it take to believe that there is a God? How does one know that there is a God? Other than philosophical arguments what is the evidence that there is God? How does a person born in the most remote wilderness know that there is a God to be sought after? Does it ultimately come down to faith? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Sniper, Jesus said to some unregenerate souls, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; - Jn 5:39 Jesus appealed to Scripture. He pointed people to Scripture. To the young man who wanted eternal life, Jesus didn't say it was a mysterious thing to be saved. He said, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." - Lk 18:22 Jesus didn't say, don't sweat it, if you are one of the elect it will come to you; otherwise, don't sweat it, you don't stand a chance. Jesus gave simple instructions to turn from his idol and serve only God. God left evidence of himself in the Creation: "and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." - Acts 14:17 If we bought the concept that the entire world is depraved from conception --since this is the view of many on this forum--what kind of witness did God leave? A witness gives testimony of something, this witness gives testament to the existence and glory of God. If you believe the other side, this witness is an inept as a nerf ball attempting to penetrate bullet-proof glass. If you believe men are depraved, then you have to believe that the Cross of Jesus Christ and the Glory of Creation are ineffectual at changing anyone. The only change possible, according to such types, is with a miraculous intervention at an elected time in the person's life. That is if you believe the other side. However, I think all of the folks who work in Christian Apologetics are doing a wonderful work at exposing the very evidences of God in his Creation. Most people believe that the starting place for teaching the Gospel to someone is with the existence of God. Show a lost soul the evidence and it will make him think, "maybe there is something bigger than me." It is these things that make men marvel and say, "surely there is a God." A person who reaches this point is ready to hear more. So I say, go preach the Gospel to them because when they hear it they will believe and obey it. God has left a wonderful testimony of himself in the Creation and in the Cross of His Beloved Son. Good day Sniper. God bless, Disciplerami |