Articles
WHY DO YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE?
Have you ever given serious thought to a question which has crossed my mind: WHY DO YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE? As Christians, we should be able to readily give the answer -- we believe in God and His Word. But, I think, many folks (possibly even those who call themselves "Christians") may not give this subject much thought. So, let me direct you to something that may cause you to think more deeply about the subject.
Many folks (some in my own family) place their belief on one or more of three reasons: CULTURE TRADITIONS OR EMOTIONS
First, I think many, believe and follow something just because its "popular" or what my "friends" believe. Just look around in our country. Many religions are based and founded on cultural teachings. We even find some "cults" follow this path. If one goes back and examines history in many cases this will be the reason this religion exists today. History tells us some of those who developed through the years did so because of one or more men and their ideas. And some must want to be "comfortable" in their "church".
Second, many times is "tradition". My folks, grandparents, or other close relatives did it this way, so I will too. They don't really think seriously about why or see the need to find evidence. It was ok for them, it has to be for me. Not much of a reason, right? But, I am afraid, many, many people think and believe this way. Some may be too lazy to look for a good reason.
Third, we come to "emotions". "I feel or think it has to be this way". A good example of this, I believe, are those who believe the Holy Spirit will act on folks today in mysterious ways -- telling them something miraculous or only for them personally. "I feel that God would accept me for being a good person."
I have talked to folks who believe there is a heaven but no hell. Just because they "feel" God would never send anyone to hell, but most to heaven.
It seems they never consider the justice of God -- reward for the righteous and punishment for the wicked. Why would Jesus have ever come and sacrificed Himself on the cross for a "BETTER FELT THAN TOLD" belief..
"Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been 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)
"He who has BELIEVED AND HAS BEEN BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE WHO HAS DISBELIEVED SHALL BE CONDEMNED." (Mark 16:;16)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the POWER OF GOD FOR SALVATION TO EVERY ONE WHO BELIEVES, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
We could quote many Scriptures that warn about believing false teachers and those who would deceive. (2 Peter 2; 1 John 4:1; Matthew 15:1-3)
God reveals to us one way, one Savior, and one hope for us to get to heaven. (Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life") John 14:6. Notice it also says, "no one comes to the Father except through Me." To be "in " Jesus, is to obey His Gospel, and be baptized into Him. (Galatians 3:27)
Please consider the reason you "BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE" and place your hope and faith on the evidence God has provided -- the Bible, His Word.
We are able to see outside evidence worthy of our belief as we live in His creation day by day. I place my trust and faith in what God has provided, not what men have begun through the years. His Son, His church, His Gospel, and His Salvation -- all we can read about in the divine Scriptures
"For He who was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are BELIEVERS IN GOD, WHO RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD AND GAVE HIM GLORY, SO THAT YOUR FAITH AND HOPE ARE IN GOD." (1 Peter 1:20,21) .
What about you?
Ross
