You Alone

Lately, I seem to be on the fringes of many discussions, debates and sermons concerning the authenticity of the Bible.  I haven't listened very carefully, except to recognize the repeated hot button words about church councils, translations and the canon of books. These are all things I learned very early in my academics; I have since forgotten the particular dates, synods and heresies that have occurred and reoccurred throughout history.  Today I was invited in with the question, "Why do you believe the Bible is the Word of God?"  At first I had to face the truth about myself that I haven't particularly wanted to enter into the fray.  And then I had to articulate an answer, because there seemed to be no legitimate reason for a sidestep.

I audibly reviewed the instances in which Scripture validates itself, the early church acceptance and affirmation of particular portions and rejection of others, the archeological evidence...and then I had to break off.  Basically, I believe the Bible to be the Word of God because of an internal spiritual assent when I read and hear it.  In its light all the issues of this world make sense.  Like Peter I can affirm, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life."  It is a matter of faith -- what I believe.  And faith in this instance does not mean I am closing my eyes to all anthropological, geological and archeological evidence, rather that I am viewing history from the perspective of truth.

But I am not willing to enter into a debate; I am not adequate to the task.  Instead, I attempt to live "...always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."  The bottom line is that I was not convinced by any evidence, or discovery or brilliant argument.  It is simply that I believe in my innermost self.  "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God..."  

Perhaps I hadn't realized the magnitude of the gift of faith given to me before I heard these quests for proof repeatedly and urgently described.  Still, while I am tempted to feel overwhelmed at the spiritual gulf these demands reveal, I think of Thomas who lived with and was taught by Jesus Himself -- the dwelling of God with man.  Thomas (companion, friend and student of the Lord) did not believe the testimony of his fellow disciples when they claimed to have seen Jesus, risen from the dead.  He laid down his challenge to faith:
"Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."  

And Jesus came to him and held out His hands to be touched and tested.
That is what the Bible says.

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.