In a time of global
biblical illiteracy, it is vital to what the Bible says. However, this
knowledge only comes about through intentionally reading and studying the Bible.
So, if that is true, do you take the time to read and study the Bible
purposefully? Do you know what you believe regarding the biblical truths? That
is, do you know
“The bottom-line truths, the
non-negotiables of our shared faith as Christ-followers?”[1]
These may be the fundamental beliefs
of our faith like God, the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, the
Church, sin, and salvation. There can be quite a bit of difference regarding
these beliefs from the cults, fringe Christian groups and other religions. That
is why it is essential to know what we believe on a matter like these.
However, it
is one thing to know what we believe, but it is quite another to know why? The
Bible points out that we need to,
“Work hard so you can present yourself
to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be
ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15 NLT).
As
Christ-followers, we are not called to a blind leap of faith regarding what we
believe. Instead, we need to understand why we believe these things, which are
part of our faith. Now do not get me wrong here, as it has been rightly said,
“Believing something doesn’t make it
true; refusing to believe doesn’t make it false.”[2]
However, we
need to we still need to know why we hold to these beliefs. If we took one
example that is, we might say that we believe in the resurrection, could we
state why? How does this truth affect the way we live our lives? Why do we
believe in the resurrection and not reincarnation? Are they different if so,
why? If someone told you that they are the same thing, would that matter or not,
and why? We cannot blame anyone else if we do not know what we believe and why.
It is up to us to diligently read and study the Word of God, by ourselves and
together.
Pause in His
presence for a moment and think this over…
[1] Little,
Paul E. Know What You Believe.
(Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2003), 12.
[2] Little,
Paul E. Know Why You Believe.
(Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2008), 12.
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