Introduction

Introduction

What does “Christian Evidences” mean?

We usually think of “evidence” as things like fingerprints, weapons, stolen articles, or eyewitnesses. Attorneys present evidence in a court of law to convince a judge or jury that their case is true and believable.  Evidence for Christianity is just like that.  It’s evidence that Christians can present to convince others that God, the Bible, and the Christian message are true. It proves that the Christian faith is reasonable, logical, and credible.

When all is said and done, Christianity can’t be proven to the point where no faith is needed (Hebrews 11:6).  Becoming a Christian requires some faith, no matter how much you know about the evidence.  But the Christian faith is not a “blind” faith.   It’s a logical and reasonable step of faith, because it’s based on evidence that is solid and credible. 

The best kind of evidence an attorney can present in court is objective, physical, verifiable evidence: the testimony of witnesses, the testimony of experts on the subject, and exhibits such as photographs, videos, fingerprints, DNA, clothing, weapons, etc.  In proving the case for Christianity, we want to use objective and verifiable evidence as well. God has provided overwhelming evidence that the Christian faith is logical and grounded in truth. We have exhibits, the written testimony of credible eyewitnesses, and the testimony of expert witnesses to back up our case. If we study the evidences and know how to use them,  we can present a good defense every time the case for Christianity is questioned! That’s what this course is all about.

Why study the evidences for Christianity?

1. To show that Christianity is reasonable, logical, and credible 

Christianity is based on historical fact, and historical events are central to Christianity.  Some religions or faiths are based entirely on the teachings of their founders (such as Muhammad and Islam, or Joseph Smith and Mormonism). Christianity, however, relies on both the teachings of Jesus Christ and the historical events of His life.  In fact, Christianity stands or falls based on the truth of the historical events recorded in the Bible, such as the life, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Bible stresses the ability to prove these historical events.  After His death and resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and “presented himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).  Peter says, “we… were eyewitnesses” (2 Peter 1:16).  Paul stated that many people could testify to the accuracy of his message about Jesus, including King Agrippa:  “I… speak the words of truth and reason.  For the king knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing [the death and resurrection of Christ] was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:25-26).

2.  So we can defend Christianity

God asks us to defend and confirm the gospel (Philippians 1:7).  When the apostle Paul wrote, “I am appointed for the defense of the gospel” (Philippians 1:17), he was a prisoner in Rome where most people were hostile to Christianity.  God had placed him in that situation to defend and confirm the gospel in pagan Rome.  Jude urged Christians to “defend the faith” (Jude 3), and Titus was told to refute the arguments of those who opposed his message (Titus 1:9). 

All Christians should have the ability to defend and confirm the message of the Bible.  In fact, God commands us to “be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Colossians 4:5-6 also says, “redeeming the time [make the most of the opportunity]… know how you ought to answer each one.” We should study evidences for our Christian faith so we can give answers.

3.  To follow the example of the apostles

The apostles are tremendous examples of how we’re to live and grow in faith, and also to evangelize and teach others about Christianity. They used evidence in their teaching and evangelism, so we should do the same. 

The apostle Paul stated that creation gives evidence of God's “invisible attributes… eternal power and Godhead [divine nature]" (Romans 1:20).  In his speech to King Agrippa, Paul mentioned fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament as evidence that Jesus is the Messiah (Acts 26:22-27). 

In his sermon on the Day of Pentecost, Peter spoke of “Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs… as you yourself also know” (Acts 2:22).   Many of the people to whom he was speaking had personally seen Jesus perform miracles, and at that very moment they were witnessing the amazing signs of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. Peter used the power of these signs and miracles as evidence for the validity of Jesus as the Christ, and 3,000 people believed!

In 1 Corinthians 15:4-6, Paul stated that more than 500 people had seen Jesus alive after the resurrection.  He went on to say that most of those eyewitnesses were still alive, and that they would confirm the truth of the resurrection of Jesus.

Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice” (Philippians 4:9).  We should follow the pattern that the apostles set for us.

What will I learn in this course?

This course will present basic, logical, objective evidences for the existence of God, the deity of Jesus Christ, and the reliability of the Bible. It will also cover evidence for miracles, Creation, and the worldwide Flood. Additionally, many objections that are raised by critics are addressed and shown to be flawed. As you study this course, your personal faith will be strengthened, and you’ll learn to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).