Bible Question: Statement observed on this forum: "We do not have to prove the existence of Jesus. We are called to be witnesses." The question is, How can one effectively witness about that of which he has absolutely no proof, can offer nothing substantive upon which he bases his faith, and dismisses as superfluous and immaterial the need to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good [1 Thess.5:21]? What was John's purpose in writing the fourth Gospel, if not that his words were "written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name" [John 20:31]? --Hank |
Bible Answer: "and dismisses as superfluous and immaterial the need to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good [1 Thess.5:21]" Test all things? What TESTS prove the resurrection? The scriptures verified by the Holy Spirit. We have verified authentic documents...but the documents reality does not prove the words written in the documents... From the heart to all on this forum: I have been reading through this thread and found, as with so many, that the basis of the debate is avoided while the superficial is debated. Let me explain.... Scripture says that by faith are we saved... Who here is a historian and has handled the 'historical artifacts'? Who here has placed their hands in the nail pierced hand of Jesus Christ? Who here has seen or read a report concluding DNA testing positive the nails that pierced our Lord? Though we may read the historical data and even see it for ourselves, except we BELIEVE with our hearts Jesus is the Christ, raised from the dead and seated on the right hand of the Father as scripture SAYS...we are still dead in our sins. Historical proof can be argued as we all know. Many 'great minds' argue it today. Belief in Christ Jesus that produces the New birth is the heart belief that He is what God's Word says He is. History rejects anything that requires 'faith' and belief in the resurrection requires faith, faith in the documents that state it is true, verified by the Holy Spirit within. Christians know, and knew long before historical data was found. It only verifies what we already know from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. No doubt a few have come to accept Christ from historical research, but most came simply through the preaching of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit... We can witness of the historical facts of Jesus, but I believe the lost are looking for a living saviour who can set them free from the bondage of sin and fear. For this we must have the ANNOINTING, not history. God bless |