Evidence

<<proof, verification>>

It is the confirmation or proof a thing is real, it is what it says. Our Christian faith is based on evidence – definite facts, not just wishful thinking or human ideas. Numerous OT Bible prophecies spoke about Christ coming to die for humanity hundreds of years before this happened. When these events took place Luke the doctor, who, it is understood never met Jesus, investigated the facts and wrote concerning the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ (Lk 1:1-4).

Although we can’t prove God exists, there are overwhelming facts and evidence that He does. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Ps 19:1). Can any sceptic confidently assume this complex world came into being – either through the big bang theory or ‘just

Evidence points to the truth

happened’ through evolution without a master designer? Can we see gravity? No, but we know it exists when something falls on our foot! “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Rom 1:20). Throughout history, in all cultures, people have been convinced there is a God. (Regretably, many have settled for a god of their imagination, and not the real true God).

Similarly, while we can’t prove the resurrection happened the various evidences combine to conclusively indicate it did. These include the many people who testified they were witnesses to the resurrected Christ (Mk 15:44, 16:9-11; Jn 19:32-35, 20:26-31; Act 1:3; 1 Cor 15:6). The disciples were so convinced – transformed after the resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit – they were prepared to die for His cause, as have countless other martyrs throughout history. Secular historical accounts as well as Christian writings testify to the facts concerning Jesus.

The certainty is God loves me and wants all to be saved (Jn 3:16; 1 Tim 2:4). He died to prove it.

The truth will stand up under scrutiny or examination of the facts. “I have seen Him and touched Him” – a personal witness (1 Jn 1:1,3). The Holy Spirit witnesses to our hearts – our conscience bears witness (Rom 2:5, 9:1). “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom 8:16; Heb 10:15; 1 Jn 5:6,10). Do I have this confirmation within?

Surprisingly, many people wouldn’t believe in Jesus despite the miracles they saw Him do (Jn 12:37). By acknowledging Him, the greater requirement to obey Him is recognised and this dethrones self. Jesus said, when it was requested that someone be sent back from the dead to warn those still alive about the torment of hell, even this evidence would be ignored by unbelievers (Lk 16:27-31).

Conversely, Jesus predicted at the end of the age there would be numerous people claiming to be Christ, as well as earthquakes, wars, famines and other disasters, with an increase of wickedness (Mt 24:4-14). These events are happening with increased frequency and severity, giving further credibility to the authority and reliability of the Bible – evidence that what was recorded almost 20 centuries ago is true.

Who can discredit the evidence of a changed life? The basis of a person’s testimony is “I once was blind, now I see” (Mk 5:15,19,20; Jn 9:25). ‘I may not know all the answers, but I am different now”.

Although he is often called ‘doubting Thomas’ this disciples wanted the verification of tangible personal experience rather than just the testimony of others that Jesus had risen (Jn 20:24-29).

Unless we see evidence of the life of Christ in a person who professes salvation, we have a right to question if they are truly born again, for proof of the ‘root is seen in the fruit’. There will be a distinction between those “who have been with Jesus” resulting in a transformation from within, compared to those who live by the sinful nature and who may

As fruit is an evidence of life; is there indication of divine life within me?

have even by self-effort, turned over a new leaf in a short-lived effort (Mal 3:18; Act 4:13; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 5:19-24).

Before acting on the claims of someone get a ‘feel’ for their character and gauge their track record; do their words ring true in your spirit, are they exalting themselves or the Lord, are they in right standing with other mature believers? We should not gullibly accept the exaggerated or false statements of those out to deceive by their plausible smooth talking (Col 2:4; 1 Tim 1:7).