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“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  Matthew 1:23

RECOMMENDED READING:  JOHN 1:1-14   “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. ⁸ He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. ⁹ That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. ¹¹ He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

COMMENTS: Who is Jesus?  Was He a great man?  Was He a great Prophet?  Was He God?  Most world religions, including Islam, recognized He existed and lived.   Some even recognize He was a great prophet or even the greatest prophet but NOT BEING GOD OR EQUAL TO GOD.   Even Jewish faith does not recognize Him as God nor as the Messiah they have been waiting for.   Sure, many Jews have accepted Him as God and as their Messiah.   They are identified as Messianic Jews. 

So, who is right and what evidence is there as proof?  I will attempt to begin the journey of discovery of that evidence but is a journey everyone must take to discover the answers to the questions raised above.   The Bible holds all the answers but the validity of the Bible is a valid endeavor along that journey.   

Well, let’s begin by asking ourselves what is different about Christianity and why should we believe Christianity is any better than any other world religion or faith or are they all equally valid or meaningful or “meaningless”?  Those who follow each believe their religion is true and all others are not or less valid.   That is one trait they have in common.  They all worship a god or deity.   Some believe in many gods and some believe any human can become a god or deity by earning their passage while on earth.  Some believe in reincarnation as an animal or another person depending on how well they lived their previous life.

Christianity appears to have one huge flaw or contradiction.   How can Christians believe in one God while believing in God the Father and God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit?  They say God is Triune but One.   Then why could and did Jesus pray to the Father and give prayers as though He was subordinate to the Father instead of equal to the Father?

Some well-educated atheists who took this journey expecting to prove Christianity to a false religion or at least have some major errors in doctrine or theology are:

1. C.S. Lewis – was a Christian as a child influences greatly by his mother’s faith but later was atheist due to bitterness to God for the death of his mother. He could not understand how Good and all-powerful God would allow evil and suffering to thrive in His creation.  His journey back to faith resulted by attempting to prove the Bible false but logic and evidence he discovered to be true resulted in overwhelming proof that the Bible is true.  He then wrote many great works.  He discovered the only way to judge evil or suffering as such was by having a realization of what is good and just.  He discovered “A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line to compare to”.  He eventually discovered God does not will nor create suffering and evil but permits such within certain limits in order to fulfill a greater purpose that is Good.   An example in scripture is Genesis 50:20. God used the evil acts of Joseph’s brothers to empower and give opportunity for greater Good.  Lewis discovered God allows free will to choose good or evil but over time uses good and even evil choices to bring about a good conclusion.  His writings after his conversion positively impacted millions during his life and countless millions since.  The Chronicles of Narnia have touched children and adults and continue to do so.
2. Lee Strobel is a more recent atheist converted to Christianity because of a journey designed to prove the Bible false. Lee did not become an atheist due to bitterness but simply because of neglect or lack of effort or time to consider any other world view.  When his wife converted to Christianity, he felt betrayed and was motivated to prove her wrong and attempted to gather evidence to convince her to abandon her new faith.   Instead, he discovered the evidence proved to him she was right and Christianity to the one and only truth world view or religion.   He also discovered all evidence pointed to the Bible to be the one and only true source of that world view and only source not disputable by the evidence he uncovered.

Lee wrote a book “The Case for Christ” providing details of his journey and evidence he uncovered.  A journey that convinced him to accept Christ’s death and forgiveness for his sins too. 

There is a long list of others who made the same journey and came to the same conclusion.  There is also a longer list of those who quit upon discovering incomplete information or false information that supported their atheistic world view.   Fact is, those who are seeking proof honestly allowing the evidence to speak for itself and desiring to reach the correct or factual conclusion, then they need to continue the journey until all available evidence and proof is evaluated.

If we use take advantage of the research of those who took this journey exhaustively and openly, then we can trust their conclusion and come to a valid conclusion too.

Well, I think we should also consider the obvious result of either conclusion.  If atheism is true and there is no good or evil or valid way of judging either.   If there is no God to influence or limit either.  If there is no life after death to motivate making one choice over another.  If as an atheist we choose what we consider good, then how can we criticize or discourage a different definition of good, that we judge evil?  The doctrine of atheism is that there is no good or evil and no valid way of judging each.  The conclusion of that thinking is Hitler or Nero did no evil or good and their acts of death and destruction were neither good or evil.  The conclusion can also be that those murdered would die eventually anyway with no resulting existence of there being life after death.  

One argument may be then living an enjoyable and exciting and comfortable life is the only benefit of doing what you want without regard to anyone else so that is only motivation.

Ok, then what does each generation and history reveal?   Every generation experienced unspeakable evil and suffering.  Some even administered that evil in the name of each religion including Christianity.   But truth is those who did were following their own ambition or distorted world view as a way of justifying the evil they did.   

But let’s also consider those who’s lives represented the Christ they believed in and followed:   Paul after his conversion vs. the life of Saul he lived before.  The life of Joseph vs. the evil his brothers did. How about how early Christians faced and endured brutal persecution and suffering at the hands of their Roman captors?  How about how modern Christians remain faithful and show love and compassion towards their captors and persecutors in Muslim and Communist countries today?  How about old testament time before Christ? The faithfulness of Noah in the midst of evil and ridicule.  The way Joseph and Daniel responded to evil and injustice done to them.  

The life that Jesus lived and compassion He demonstrated to the sick and defenseless and poor and especially to children is an example we all aspired to and admire.  When we see some of Christ qualities demonstrated in others, we commend them.  But Christ also said in John 14 ““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;^[a] believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?^{[b] 3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.”^{[c] 5} Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.^[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”⁸ Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” ⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. ¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.¹² “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me^[e] anything in my name, I will do it.¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,^[f] to be with you forever, ¹⁷ even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be^[g] in you.¹⁸ “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. ²¹ Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” ²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” ²³ Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴ Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.²⁵ “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. ²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do, I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. ³⁰ I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, ³¹ but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here. “

The above scripture from John 14 gives conclusive evidence that Jesus believed Himself to be equal to and of like character to God the Father.  He also said He would send a divine comforter to comfort but also to guide and help them – to be a proper substitute for Him after He leaves.  Granted, they didn’t know nor understand He was talking about His death and resurrection and ascension and Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came, but we now know so.

Likewise, we have proof of transformation accepting Christ had on Paul and rest of the disciples after they received the Holy Spirit’s abiding help and comfort.  We have examples of that same transformation in the lives of countless Christians during Roman tyranny that eventually resulted in conversion of the Caesar and acceptance of Christianity.

Proof of validity of Christianity doesn’t lie in example of those claiming to be Christian and do evil because what they say may be a lie. Paul even said in his New Testament letters that the validity of teachers lies in their conduct and in how their lives and teaching compares with Christ’s teachings and life example.   So false teachers were revealed even in early times when Christ’s disciples were still alive.   But then again Jesus acknowledge and had harsh words toward the Jewish leaders that knew the truth and didn’t practice that truth.

The proof of validity is sacrifice Christians endure for their beliefs and stay true to those beliefs and conduct themselves in the midst of that persecution.   Fact is that Christianity grew in strength and numbers faster during times of great persecution than during times of comfort and prosperity.  Why?  Well during desperate times people need hope and something true to hold on to get them through.  During good times, people tend to forget God and rely on their own abilities and resources and wisdom, which then comes up short when bad times return.   Old Testament is full of the repeated cycle of this.  Turning back to God and following Him during desperate times and rebelling against God in good times.

The Bible also explains why God allows evil.  He desires fellowship with and man’s obedience for man’s good, but permits free choice to do evil instead.  Satan was the first of His creation to choose to reject God.   Lack of God’s influence defaulted to evil, which has been satan’s focus exclusively since – impacting 1/3 of angels who chose to follow satan and humans starting with Adam and Eve.  

God provided a method of animal sacrifice for redemption until Christ’s sacrifice on the cross ultimately paid for their and our sins.  Judgment for sin is a mandate of the Father satisfied by Jesus, so no one need face God’s judgment.   Scripture also warns the time of God’s judgment is coming and those who refuse to accept Christ’s redemption will face that judgment.

I read a short skit that explains this well.  “A famous doctor died and faced Jesus.  Jesus said it was time to face judgment for his life and requires passing a test requiring 1000-point score to get into heaven.  The man then asked how many points did living a good life and raising a good family got him.  Jesus said 2 points.  He then said he was a doctor that saved many lives.  Jesus said “3 points”.  He then asked about various acts of kindness done and volunteer work done.  Jesus said 2 points.   That gives a total of 7 points but 1000 is needed. The man then asked how anyone could get 1000 points.  Jesus then said, you should have asked me to take the test for you!

If the atheist is right, what does it matter after we die if we follow Christ or not?  What will it matter to us 100 years from now or maybe 20 years from now?

BUT IF THE BIBLE IS TRUE AND CHRIST IS WHO HE SAID HE IS AND HIS MISSION   WAS TO REDEEM US AND IS THE ONLY WAY AVAILABLE, THEN IT W ILL HAVE ETERAL SIGNIFICANCE IF WE FOLLOW HIM OR NOT!

The other side of the argument is what about those God wants us to tell about His Good News?     It just isn’t us who are impacted by our choice.  God may find another to do what He wants us to do, but fact is we have free will and choice and so do others, including our family.  We can’t make their choice for them, but we can invite and share and example a wise choice instead of a foolish choice.

Scripture also describes the torment that will be experience for those who reject Him.  That the opportunity to repent will end when we die.  The freedom to choose is only during our lifetime and will not extend past that time, so is vital to choose wisely while still alive.

Life is not guaranteed either by length or quality.  But a final destination and beauty and joy described in heaven is guaranteed to those who ask Jesus to take their admission test for them and receive His score.  If we do so early, we also allow Him to help us to take opportunities He gives us to help and encourage others to do so too.  Think about faithful Christians and example they gave us in past.  We too need to be that good example to others while we too are alive.  When we are in heaven, won’t we desire our family and friends and neighbor to be there with us?  Jesus desires that too but also desires for even our enemies to become our friends and be there too.

Corrie Ten Boom was a devout Christian during terrible reign of Hitler.  She enduring seeing her own family in Hitler’s concentration camps dying one by one because they aided Jews in their community.  Only Corrie survived and used the experience to share her faith convey validity of the Gospel.   One time one of the ex-Nazi guards responsible for loss of her family and suffering came to the altar seeking forgiveness.  She struggled a few minutes and silently argued with God before finally leading Him to Christ.  She now is in heaven with her family but also with that guard.  But that guard in not like that Nazi soldier but like Jesus and so is she and her family.

So, who do you believe and follow?  Who are you investing your eternal future in?  I made that choice at age 10.  An easy choice because of the example and influence of Christ centered parts and Sunday School teachers and pastors.  But since then I still must work to continue to improve in my Christian example and repent of sins and disobedience I still do and say and think.   BUT CHRIST’S PRICE PAID IS SUFFICIENT FOR MY PAST ANDS PRESENT AND FUTURE SINS.  I still need to admit and repent of those sins as I realize and see harm done by them.  I still need to study His word and seek His help and refuse to repeat those sins.   I do so in order to improve in my quest to grow and become more Christ-like as I age in years and as my influence impacts more people. I do so because the closer I get to Him, the more I love and admire and worship Him.    I do so because I still continue to discover how short of His example I still live and example. 

I know that will be true until I die or He returns because He is God and lived a perfect life and I am not.  But that doesn’t mean I can’t improve and grow on the journey to heaven.  Afterall, the good I can do and the growth I can experience is Joy and fulfillment, not dreadful or futile work.  It isn’t for you either if take the journey hand in His and eyes on Him.   

That is my quest and desire and focus and work I do will be for that goal and purpose – to serve and please and obey my Lord and Savior trusting He has my best in mind and best for those I care about too. 

So, I write this wishing and praying for a Blessed Christmas and Joyous 2020 New Year for you too. 

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