Reasons to Believe in the Christian Faith

1. The Integrity of its Founder
2. Its Book is Reliable
3. Its Claim
4. Its Impact on the World
5. Its Offer of Grace

1. The Integrity of its Founder

Christ said He came from heaven to fulfill prophecy, to die for our sins, and to bring to His Father all who believe in Him. His first-century followers drew their own conclusions. They said they saw Him walk on water, still a storm, heal crippled limbs, feed 5,000 with a few pieces of bread and fish, live a blameless life, die a terrible death, and alive again.

During His ministry, when some of Jesus' followers took issue with His teachings and left, He asked those closest to Him if they too wanted to leave. Peter spoke for the others when he said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (John 6:68-69).

One of the most powerful evidences that Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead is the changed lives of His disciples, from those of the first century to those in the present time.

To know Jesus from history is to know Him from afar. It is only to know "about" Him rather than to actually "know" Him. Do you know Jesus? Would you like to learn how you can know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

2. Its Book is Reliable

The Bible was written in three different languages over a period of about 1,500 years by 40 different authors from every walk of life - kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen scholars, and tax collectors. The book on which the Christian faith rests tells one single story that begins with creation and concludes on the threshold of eternity. The integrity of its historical and geographical record is supported by archeology. The accuracy with which it has been copied and handed down to us has been confirmed by the Dead Sea Scrolls of Qumran, which brought the world manuscripts 1000 years older than any others previously in existence.

The subject matter of the Bible includes many topics, some that are controversial, and others that are not. Yet, the biblical authors spoke with continuity and harmony from Genesis to Revelation, telling one unfolding story: "God's redemption of man."

3. Its Claim

The first Christians were not driven by political motivations or religious dissent, they spoke of Jesus life, death, burial, and resurrections because they were witnesses. They risked their lives to tell the world that with their own eyes they had seen an innocent man die and then miraculously walk among them 3 days later (Acts 5:17-42). Their argument was very concrete. Jesus was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. His body was buried and sealed in a borrowed tomb. Guards were posted to prevent grave tampering. Yet after 3 days the tomb was empty, and witnesses were risking their lives to declare that He was alive.

These Christ-followers went even further in their effort to make it clear, that their faith is not based on myth or legend. The Apostle Peter speaks of them, "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 Peter 1:16).

4. Its Impact on the World

A carpenter rabbi from Nazareth changed the world. Calendars and dated documents bear silent witness to His birth. From rooftops, necklaces, and earrings, the sign of the cross bears visual witness to His death. The Western world-view, which provided a basis for social morality, scientific methodology, and a work ethic that fueled industry, had roots in basic Christian values. Social relief agencies, whether in the West or East, are not fueled by the values of Hinduism, Buddhism, atheism, or secular agnosticism, but by the direct or residual values of the Bible and the Christian faith..

5. Its Offer of Grace

No other religious system offers everlasting life as a gift to those who trust One who has overcome death for them. The salvation Christ offers does not depend on what we have done for Him, but on our acceptance of what He has done for us. Instead of moral and religious effort, this salvation requires a helpless admission of our sins. Instead of personal accomplishments of faith, it requires confession of failure. Unlike all other options of faith, Christ asks us to follow Him -- not to merit salvation but as an expression of gratitude, love, and confidence in the One who has saved us (Ephesians 2:8-10).

So What Do You Think?

You have mixed feelings when you think about the evidence regarding the Christian faith. You may feel compelled to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but you're not sure of your relationship to Him. If that's the case, be assured of this: If you accept Him, He will accept you. I you seek forgiveness, he will give it. If you will receive His offer of forgiveness, everlasting life, and adoption into the family of God, He will become your Savior, Teacher, and Lord.

Here's Some Good News

If you've never received Jesus in this way, we encourage you to carefully read just a few verses from one book of the New Testament. These verses clearly present some very good news. Romans 3:23 (which says that all have sinned), Romans 6:23 (which says that the wages of sin is spiritual death, separation from God), and Romans 10:13 (which assures us that all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus will be saved). To accept God's gift, you can pray something like this: "God, I know I'm a sinner. I know I can't save myself. I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I believe He rose from the dead to live His life through all who believe in Him. I now receive Him as my Savior. I accept your offer of forgiveness and everlasting life. Thank You, Father. In Jesus name I pray. Amen."

Did you pray that prayer? If so, you have accepted the greatest gift of all. The gift bought by God Himself—for you.

Please contact us for more information about how to grow in your new life as a child of God. Also, we would welcome you to join us as we grow in our faith together. Washington Heights Baptist Church is a body that faithfully teaches the bible in a spirit of love and continued support.