Christian Foundations - God's Word
Bible Facts Newspaper Article (Ian C. Kurylyk)

 

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (I Thessalonians 2:13)

There is no question that Christianity is in a class by itself for the wonderful promises it makes to those who have the real thing. Where else can a person go to obtain forgiveness of their sins, a home in heaven after death, a new body of perfection, eternal life, and even God’s help and grace in the present world? We need to emphasize the qualification, “real thing”. Many Bible passages were written with a concern that a true relationship of faith in God be distinguished from other spiritual experiences. There have been many look-alikes, imitations, knockoffs, and pretenses to Christianity. But only the real thing carries the rich promises and assurances made by God in the Bible.

In the book of I Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul rejoiced that the people he had shared the gospel with had themselves come to posses the real thing. Before he came preaching the message of Jesus Christ they lived and worshipped to the prevailing religion of that place. But when he related to them the message of salvation from sin through Jesus Christ they became genuine believers. They became Christians in the true Bible sense of the word. They experienced a life changing spiritual transformation that testified of reality. “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (I Thessalonians 1:9-10).

Our opening text (in I Thessalonians 2:13) notes one particular that Paul observed in these people that was foundational to the genuine nature of their Christianity. They received the message Paul was delivering “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” Paul was in effect only like a messenger boy sent by God. They came to the realization that what he preached to them was the Word of God. This is a fundamental characteristic of Christianity. Christians believe that God has spoken to us. Christians believe that this word is written down in a book called the Bible. There is no way to separate between faith in Jesus Christ and belief that the Bible is God’s Word. The faith that believes the offer of salvation through God’s Son cannot then turn and question the Book in which the truth is written.

In fact, the spiritual lives of all men depend upon some kind of revelation that has been delivered to them for their acceptance. Every religion has its holy book or oracles or authoritative prophets. The spiritual life of mankind is beyond natural studies such as the sciences to be able to determine truth. It does no good to deny this. Those who profess to have escaped this necessity and call themselves secular humanists or of some similar school of thought have simply chosen another kind or revelation delivered to them. Evolutionary theory, for example (which is a pillar of humanism), is not based on verifiable facts like it pretends. Close examination shows that its advocates are left dependent on teachings and assertions that nobody can prove by methods of science. The same is true of other supports of humanistic thinking. They ultimately trace back to some authority figure like Charles Darwin or Freud or a “panel of experts” who say you must believe because they say so. This is a system of faith with its own oracles just as much as any religion.

Really, the Bible is the only consistent and honest source for eternal truth. It claims to be a revelation sent from God and calls for man to believe it because of this unique authority. It also is substantiated of course by the facts of history and science and especially by the effect it has in the lives of those who have believed it. It tends to substantiate itself also in a direct sense to the honestly inquiring mind since it is essential truth and rings true. When it is believed it brings a person to the things of God; it is the foundation for genuine Christianity. Paul then goes on in I Thessalonians to give some of the wonderful promises that belong to those who believe. Read the epistle yourself to get them first hand.