Why do YOU believe the Bible? - Page 2

nathan_slatter · #11 03-21-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michi

Sadly I don't know. I have been asking myself this question (and many others) lately.

I do know that there was a point of faith. At one time the Bible was just a spiritual book, and eventually I saw some truth in it. Eventually I came to a crossroads, and needed to determine if I was going to relegate it to absolute truth or dismiss it as error. I chose to have faith that it was Truth.

The problem came, when rather than having all the answers, it seems to simply lead to more questions.

And I'm in that same boat. Except for the absolute truth thing or dismissing it for error. Your last sentence, though, that is saying a mouthful -- something I implicitly agree with. The question is: Is that such a bad thing?

ReformedDave · #12 03-21-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

RD........

Ever hear of T&P? Stands for "Tested and Proved". This is one of the reasons I believe the Bible and believe it to be authentic.

How have you done that?

ReformedDave · #13 03-21-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathan_slatter

And I'm in that same boat. Except for the absolute truth thing or dismissing it for error. Your last sentence, though, that is saying a mouthful -- something I implicitly agree with. The question is: Is that such a bad thing?

I'm glad you both are honest.....and thinking about it.

nathan_slatter · #14 03-21-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

I'm glad you both are honest.....and thinking about it.

It is an obsession of mine, really.

ReformedDave · #15 03-21-2007, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathan_slatter

It is an obsession of mine, really.

'Truth' has to be something outside of us.

nathan_slatter · #16 03-21-2007, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

'Truth' has to be something outside of us.

I don't disagree... that's why I'm obsessed.

Felicity · #17 03-21-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

RD........

Ever hear of T&P? Stands for "Tested and Proved". This is one of the reasons I believe the Bible and believe it to be authentic.

Also because its authenticity can be confirmed by historical record.
Also because many of the prophecies written there can be verified as actually having taken place.
Because lives are spiritually transformed simply as a result of reading Scripture.
Because Rhema agrees with Logos.
Because the Spirit of God in me bears witness with the authors' words.
Because it has withstood the test of time and all the attempts to annihilate it.
It's also a matter of FAITH. You can't believe in God without it and you can't accept the written Word of God without it either. All the proof in the world won't convince a person if they don't want to be convinced.
But the fact is every Christian should have a good answer to give to this questions. There are apologists who give a much better answer than I have. This has given me the initiative to review some of their work which I will do on my break today seein's how there are books on the shelves that I can reference for that info!

mizpeh · #18 03-21-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

Why should I believe the Bible when others have equal if not greater experiences? If I came to you and said that I've found perfect peace as a Zen Buddhist and I don't need Christianity. And BTW, many have found peace through Buddhism. You experience is of no greater authority than mine.

What if I told you I bought a car because I had some 'experience' when thinking about it. You would say I was a real flake.

The thing is my experience with the God of the Bible is enough for me to believe the Bible is true. He has answered my prayers. He has confirmed his word to me when I obeyed Him. Because of the relationship I have developed with Him, I have no doubt who God is and that the Bible is His word for me.

I'm convinced. I can only say to you to try Jesus Christ and see for yourself.

OGIA · #19 03-21-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathan_slatter

The question is: Is that such a bad thing?

IMO, this is one of the most beautiful thing that's ever happened to me!!

Sure, there are days when some answers would be nice, but the vast majority of time I'm content because I know the questions that arise are generated by God, not me. He WANTS ME to ask and seek and search. He also knows I'll get frustrated and doubt. That's not Him, that's me. I can choose to let that drive me to seek Him more or I can let it generate even more doubt. So far I have chosen the former, and it's only because of Him! I thank Him almost everytime I get on my knees that HIS GRACE, not MY efforts, led me back there. Same with studying. I pray the day never comes that I don't have that grace to drive me.

crakjak · #20 03-21-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

Why should I believe the Bible when others have equal if not greater experiences? If I came to you and said that I've found perfect peace as a Zen Buddhist and I don't need Christianity. And BTW, many have found peace through Buddhism. You experience is of no greater authority than mine.

What if I told you I bought a car because I had some 'experience' when thinking about it. You would say I was a real flake.

These are very good questions, faith and experience require investigation to find evidence that our belief is based in fact and in truth. My faith that the Bible contains a revelation of the true God comes from a life time of experience as well as study.

Since I believe Jesus is the Savior of the whole world I believe all will come face to face with the true God with equal opportunity to embrace Him as Savior. I do not take on the responsibility of the Savior so I can talk to those of other faiths and if the Father is calling them at that time maybe I can be an instrument in His hands. All must come to willingly accept by faith the Savior to enter into His life.