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Most people think of religion as something that is good for the mental well-being of an individual. Thus, religion has been relegated to being little more than a fairy tale that makes people feel good. With arrogant tones, the Christian is told if it makes you feel good to believe then go ahead and do so. The faith of many Christians simply cannot withstand this level of ridicule. Some Christians have given in on questions of the Creation or the deity of Jesus Christ. How do you view your faith? Is your faith merely something you have because it makes you feel good, or does it exist because of your study? Has your faith developed as a result of learning truth that leads to reasonable conclusions? Hopefully it is the latter.
The question is how do we ground ourselves in the faith in such a way that we may never doubt? Paul said, “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom.10:17). It is evident that through thorough study of God’s Word, we can without question know the truth of God and His Son, Jesus. If a person truly desires to know God and strengthen their confidence in Him and His Word, study must be a primary focus in life.
Our world is complete with scientists, historians, and the like, that deny the truth and authenticity of God and His Word. However, the Christian’s assertion should always be that the Bible is true in every field it addresses. Whether it be science, history, hygiene, salvation, worship or any other area in the Bible, without question the Bible has always been proven to be accurate. This should give every Christian the confidence to address any question without fear. The Bible proves that one does not have to have extensive study or college degrees in these areas to discuss them. Neither does the Christian need such an education in these areas to have a properly grounded faith. All Christians must have is a proper knowledge of God’s word and a little research to confound the wise of the world. Christians should never be afraid that the scientific world will refute their faith. When our faith is grounded as it should be, we can approach any subject knowing that the truth is on God’s side and therefore we can know the truth in these areas. While many in the scientific world do not like to affirm it, the evidence in these fields to support God is overpowering.
Christians should never concede that their faith is beyond proof. For centuries Christians knew that the world was a sphere (Isaiah 40:22; Job 26:7-10), despite many in the world which believed in a flat earth. The faith of Christians must be based on evidence. With this being said, our faith can be proved. Christians must be rational people drawing rational conclusions. To the contrary, there are those whose faith is not built on rationality; many do not care about the facts within God’s Word. Their religion is based upon their emotions, it is a faith which says, I don’t care about facts, my faith is in my heart. John said, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31 KJV). When evidence is presented through study and research, rational people will draw proper deductions.
In conclusion, Christians should remember the warning of the apostle Paul. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:14 KJV). Verse 15 of Ephesians four teaches us that we must grow up into God. Those not growing in God through study are not established as Christians should be. We read in Hebrews 11:1 KJV, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Proper faith allows us to discuss the issues of life with confidence, whether we are speaking to a fellow Christian or any other person in the world.
(Tony Hoss is minister at Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton)