No Easy Answers

Trying to guide people toward a right understanding of “the truth” can be intimidating—even frightening. Even in a narrow field where some of us might consider ourselves experts, one thing we probably know best is the limits of our knowledge! Push us, and it doesn’t take long to expose the edges of our understanding.

So who would be so presumptuous as to offer short answers to other people’s most troubling “ultimate questions”?

This magazine issue dares to address the basic question—can you prove the Bible is true—in three pages. Whole books are written on the subject, so aren’t we being a bit presumptuous or foolhardy?

This magazine issue dares to address one of those basic questions—can you prove the Bible is true—in three pages. Whole books are written on the subject, so aren’t we being a bit presumptuous or foolhardy?

Let me assure you that this is not our goal! Popular magazines aren’t the place to find the complete, definitive answer to life’s biggest questions. That’s not our role.

This magazine sees itself in another role. We strongly assert that God made essential truths open to the understanding of all who trust in Him for salvation. Our goal is to explain those truths in a clear way that equips His people.

In every field, the details can get very complex. But that doesn’t mean non-experts (99.99% of us) are helpless.

In fact, through the Bible and the Holy Spirit we have all the basic resources we need to be thoroughly equipped to help others (2 Timothy 3:16–17; John 16:13). What we need most is to know the content of the Bible itself because the Spirit uses the Bible to convince and convict people (see John 16:8; Hebrews 4:12).

I remember my own experience. As a college freshman, I had no direct exposure to Bible-believing Christianity. When a fellow student began to share his belief in the Bible (Genesis, actually), my heart was stirred regarding the God that I saw in Scripture. I repented of my sins shortly afterward.

In the following months I realized my need to know for certain whether the Bible was 100% trustworthy. I found a couple of books, and after reading only small portions, especially the ones that showed how Scripture is its own best proof text, I was convinced. I felt no need—or burden—to read more.

As I matured, I realized why it was so easy for me to accept the Bible’s truth. The Holy Spirit, using God’s own Word, convinces sinners like me about the One He reveals in its pages. God created all humans in His image with the capacity to recognize Him, whether in His creation and in His Word. While external evidences confirmed and enriched my understanding of Scripture’s truth, the most critical “witness” was the internal witness of the Holy Spirit opening my eyes and warming my heart to the One I “knew” was in there.

Other evidences have a place, but they’re useless without the Holy Spirit enlightening us through the power of His Word.