Following our discussion of the mystery involved in “the problem of evil,” we turn to a brief examination of the doctrine of the Trinity, and a Christian response to those who would appeal to mystery involved with the doctrine to deny the existence of God. Let’s turn again to the friendly banter of Mr. A […]
In previous articles, we have seen that denials of God’s existence and biblical miracles rest on unreasonable, blind-faith assumptions or presuppositions. But, what about claims of contradictions in Scripture, the foundation of our faith? Do they rest on the same unjustified assumptions? Let’s see as we listen to Mr. A and Mr. C discuss “the
Presuppositions of Faith (5 of 6): The Problem of Evil Read More »
Along with the denial of God’s existence goes the denial of the reality of the miracles and extraordinary events in Scripture. Such “stories” are little better than fairy tales to many. But how are we to view these accounts? Can the modern Christian reasonably hold these events to be historical in the face of harsh
Presuppositions of Faith (4 of 6): Are Miracles Reasonable? Read More »
The simple question, “How do you know what you claim to know?” easily reveals unreasonable, blind-faith assumptions behind sophisticated arguments of atheism. Gracious use of this question provides the surest way to expose atheism as unreasonable and unscientific. Consider the following dialogue between Mr. C (Christian) and Mr. A (Atheist) [1] and notice how atheists
Presuppositions of Faith (3 of 6): The Presumption of Omniscience Read More »
At first glance, the atheist’s claim that “God does not exist” appears to be little more than a simple statement about the reality of God. But, it is much more. To deny God’s existence makes significant claims about every aspect of reality. Concerning God, Man, and Everything in the Universe First, to say God does
Presuppositions of Faith (2 of 6): The Sweeping Claims of the Atheist Read More »
“The floodwaters of secular thought and liberal theology overwhelmed the Church because the leaders did not understand the importance of combating a false set of presuppositions.” —Francis Schaeffer, The God Who Is There Faithful Christians face opposition from some of the greatest minds in history, from experts in their field of study with advanced degrees
Presuppositions of Faith (1 of 6): Faith as the Basis of Reason Read More »
In Part One we observed that unbelievers cannot see the beauty of God’s holiness—that which forms the beauty of His every attribute—and therefore seek to deny His existence or redefine His nature. We turn now to Jonathan Edwards for some examples of how spiritual sight of the beauty of holiness in God and divine things
Spiritual Sight and Blindness (Part 2): Holiness as the Beauty of God and His Works Read More »
“I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.” With these beautiful words, John Newton speaks of the marvelous change in his soul, a change purchased by Christ and produced by the Holy Spirit when he turned to Christ for salvation. United to Christ by faith, Mr. Newton owned justification
Spiritual Sight and Blindness (Part 1): Blind to What? Read More »
Apart from God we can know nothing. He created mankind in His image, in personal relationship with Him, with the ability to know and understand Him through His personal presence and spoken, intelligible words. Boundless in power, God can make Himself known to His people any way He sees fit, and He chose to use
The closer you get to anything or anyone, the more you see their defects. Everything looks better from a distance. The divine blindness given to women to take the hand of us men at the altar eventually wears off and they behold, in unadorned living color, an abundance of unflattering detail. And so it is
