|
Q. What evidence is there that the New Testament account of Jesus is reliable?
A. The New Testament is the most critically scrutinized book in history, yet its reliability has been substantiated by its early dating, number of copies, internal credibility, and extra-biblical evidence. Even if all its ancient copies were lost, virtually its entire message could still be reproduced by other letters and historical documents. (See article 4) Q. Did Jesus fulfill ancient prophecies that predated his appearance? A. Nearly 300 references to 61 specific prophecies from the Hebrew Old Testament were fulfilled by Jesus. These prophecies were written over 500 years before Jesus, and spell out such details as his divinity, lineage, birthplace, betrayal, crucifixion, and his mission. The odds against one person fulfilling all of these prophecies are prohibitive. (See article 5) Q. What evidence is there for Jesus' resurrection? A. The empty tomb, the sudden rise of Christianity and the transformed behavior of Jesus' followers are unexplainable without the resurrection having been a reality. Even skeptical scholars can't explain why all of his disciples would be willing to undergo torture and martyrdom for a lie. Without the resurrection, Christianity would have been squelched by Jesus' enemies and the massive power of Rome.(See article 6) Q. If Jesus is God, why did he suffer and die on the cross? A. Jesus told his followers that it is because of God's great love for us. Jesus' death was the only sacrifice acceptable to God as judgment for our sins. His death paid for everyone's sins, past, present, and future. Yet this free gift must be personally received by faith, or we remain unforgiven. (See article 7) Q. How do we know Jesus Christ is the only way to God? A. • Jesus said he was the only way. (See article 2) • His resurrection substantiates his divinity, and thus his claims.(See article 6) • His fulfillment of prophecy proves that he speaks for God. (See article 5) • The eyewitness reports bear record that his claims are true. (See article 4) • Jesus alone brings meaning, purpose, and hope to life. (See article 7) |