I’m a Believer
The Bible encompasses all of life, but there may be a great many points to which the Bible does not speak. That is not to say that there might not be an applicable principle to a situation in question- only to admit that not every question is specifically addressed in Scripture. For some, this is disheartening. It is disheartening that every point is not crystal clear, and it is disheartening for someone like me to recognize and validate the perceived problem. It may even be disheartening to them that I don’t think there’s a problem at all. I’m a believer.
I believe everything the Bible says. While I do not consider myself a grand scholar or expositor, I believe I have a good working knowledge of the Scripture. In fact, I even understand why some people get torn out of the frame over what I consider inconsequential matters and have, personally, spent sleepless nights over things that won’t make a hill of beans in eternity (if there are hills of beans in eternity). Problems are what we make of them, and some folks become obsessed with “proving” the improvable. I don’t feel I need to do that- I’m a believer.
The Bible has many critics. Mix them in with the know-it-alls, and we’re ready to blow at any time. People who criticize the Bible do so because they don’t wish to live with the alternative. The fact that science changes all the time does not deter them from declaring that God’s Word is incompatible with real learning. I agree that something is wrong somewhere- I just don’t believe it’s the Scripture. Understanding the Bible, history, science and human error all require faith. The question then becomes, “Where will that faith be placed?” I’m a believer.
In the end, God’s Word will stand. It is settled. Science cannot fill in all the blanks, but enough verifiable evidence exists for us to understand that what is written and taught is only what is presently known, and we don’t know everything- yet. The secular view of Scripture today is different than it was one hundred years ago because of archeological discoveries alone. And criticism is not new. It’s just that what happens in our time is the most relevant to us. Thank God for Christian apologetics, but the Bible’s like a tiger- it’ll fight for itself. I’m a believer.
I’ve not done much to defend the Bible, but the Bible sure has defended me. I look at it differently from some because I know the Author. Some things He gave us are not completely clear in my mind, but I don’t want to criticize from my inattention. I’ve not been able to persuade many, but I’ve seen Him do it. When Jesus show up and the wind starts to blow, the critics buckle and unbelief fades though the questions remain. Our relationship drives our reality. I can’t explain it, but I can experience it. I’ve seen His face. I’m a believer.
Sterl
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