Skilled in the word of righteousness (Hebrews 5:13) Part 11
Written by: Yeow Chin Kiong
The first ten parts of our discussion on why Christians believe the Bible is trustworthy as God’s communication of truth to mankind has merely presented a PRIMA FACIE case for our believe that…
(a) truth and reality exists in man’s experience and may be ascertained by him through the application of sound reasoning to discernable evidence around, and in, him and (b) the most important truth or reality that can be thereby ascertained is the existence of an all-kmowing, all-powerful and all-benevolent God, the Creator and Sustainer of all that has ever existed, does exist or will ever exist.
Again, we have so far only made a PRIMA FACIE case for the two basic points. A prima facie (from Latin, meaning “at first sight” or “based on first impression”) case is one that has been made with sufficient or adequate evidence to support a claim. In a court of law, such an argument is only a beginning step (i.e. not yet a final verdict) and clears the way, or invites, a rebuttal which challenges the truthfulness or reality of that claim, if any. Only if no such rebuttal is forthcoming, or if all rebuttals are successfully refuted, can a final verdict be given in favour of the claim. The scriptures accept the concept of a prima facie case needing a response to its possible rebuttal, if any, before a final verdict can be delivered upon the truthfulness of any claim. Proverbs 18:17 says, “The first one who pleads his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.”
To be sure, there are various attempts at challenging the prima facie case for the two basic points of our developing argument that the Bible is God’s communication to mankind but these supposed rebuttals to the two claims will be taken up after the ENTIRE prima facie case for the Bible being God’s word has been presented. Meanwhile, we continue with the claims the scriptures make for themselves. Throughout the sixty-six separate books of the Bible are contained many claims that they deliver God’s words through people who were Divinely “inspired” (or moved to carry messages). More important. certain key scriptures assert that they are trustworthy reports of eyewitnesses, bearing the testimony of what actually happened. They are like AFFIDAVITS (written statements, confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence of truth in a law court). Such statements in scripture at least declare that what they affirm is NOT FICTIONAL but expressions of reality or truth. More importantly, by so affirming, these scriptures allow themselves to be tested for authenticity and trustworthiness using tests and standards of truth applied to documents used generally by law courts.
The language of the following passages of scripture insists that what they describe about the life, words, works, death and burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ actually happened and their writers were eyewitnesses,- or reported eyewitnesses’ testimony,- to some or all aspects of what happened.
1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which [a]have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having [b]had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. LUKE 1:1-4
1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. ACTS 1:1-3
This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. ACTS 2:32
and killed the [a]Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. ACTS 3:15
30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. JOHN 20:30-31
16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 2 PETER 1:16-18
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that [a]your joy may be full. 1 JOHN 1:1-4