A Biblical Approach to Evidences for God, Jesus, and the Bible
A Study of Christian Apologetics or Proofs: Creation, Fulfilled Prophecy, Miracles, and the Resurrection

What evidence or apologetics does the Christian religion offer as proof or reasons to believe that God exists, the Bible is God's inspired word, and  Jesus Christ is the Divine Son of God? What are the origins of the Universe, earth, plants, animals, and people: Divine creation or evolution? Have Old Testament prophecies of nations, cities, and Christ been fulfilled? What about miracles and the resurrection as proofs for Jesus? What testimony was offered by Jesus Himself, God the Father, and John the Baptist? How does the evidence for Christianity compare to that of other world religions? Please consider this study of apologetics, evidences, and proofs of the Christian faith.

Introduction:

The Bible makes three fundamental claims:

1. The Bible claims that the God of the Bible exists and is the one true God.

Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Hebrews 11:6 - We must believe that God exists.

Deuteronomy 4:35,39; 6:4 - The God who claims to speak through the Bible is the one and only true God.

[See also Isaiah 43:10-13; 44:6-8,24; 45:5,6,14,18,21-23; 52:6; Matthew 4:10; 2 Samuel 7:22; 1 Chronicles 17:20; Exodus 20:3-6; 34:14; Deuteronomy 6:13-15; 32:39; Psalm 86:10; Zech. 14:9; Mark 12:29; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; James 2:19; 1 Timothy 2:5]

2. The Bible claims to be an inspired revelation of God's will.

2 Timothy 3:16,17 - The Scriptures are inspired by God to provide us with instruction in righteousness and every good work.

1 Corinthians 14:37 - Paul claimed that the things he wrote are commandments of the Lord.

[See also 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; Ephesians 3:3-5; John 16:13; Matthew 10:19,20; Galatians 1:8-12; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Luke 10:16.]

3. The Bible claims that Jesus is God's Son.

John 20:26-31 - Jesus allowed Thomas to call him "my Lord and my God." To have eternal life, we must believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God.

John 4:42 - The Samaritans claimed Jesus was indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

Each person is responsible to consider whether or not these claims are true. This requires giving careful consideration to the evidence, such as is presented in this study. Our eternal destiny hangs in the balance.

If we conclude the claims are true, we are then responsible to learn to present the evidence to others - 1 Peter 3:15; Philippians 1:7,17.

It follows that all people, believers and unbelievers, need to carefully study the evidence for the claims of the Bible.

[See also John 1:1-3,14; 8:24; Luke 19:10; Matthew 16:15-18; 10:37; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:2,8,9; Philippians 2:5-8.]

The purpose of this study is to examine the evidence offered in the Bible itself to confirm the validity of these claims. This is often called "Christian apologetics." We will examine closely the following proofs:

Introductory Information

Creation

Testimony of Jesus and the Father

Fulfilled Prophecy

Testimony of John the Baptist

Miracles

Jesus' Resurrection

Note: This is a very thorough study of Christian evidences. For a more basic study, please go to www.gospelway.com/god/why_believe.php 

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Topics for further Bible study

What Claims Did Jesus Make?
The Bible Claims to Inspiration
Deity of Jesus: God in the Flesh
Significance of Jesus' Resurrection
The Preservation and Transmission of the Bible
The Consequences of Evolution
Studies about Creation vs. Evolution
Humanism, Atheism, & Materialism
The Importance of Bible Instruction

(C) Copyright 2006 David E. Pratte
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