As we noted yesterday, some people will accept and believe just about anything while others won’t believe regardless of the evidence. These two extremes have been described in the statement: “Twin fools: one doubts nothing, the other doubts everything.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie] We noted the second extreme yesterday. Today, let us consider the first.
There are many things we can investigate and know for certain. There are truths of paramount significance to be accepted. However, there are also notions in this world that warrant scrutiny. We seem faced with continual attempts to undermine the authority and reliability of the Scriptures. There are those who accept all other claims even when they are based on poor evidence and scholarship while rejecting the concrete evidence (even historical) that supports the Scriptures and events of those times.
Regarding the other side of doubt, John warned. . .
“(1) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (2) By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, (3) and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.” (1 John 4:1-3 ESV)
The Bereans were noble enough to search the Scriptures daily to make sure what they were being taught was true and were able to know the truth with certainty. (Acts 17:11) Though we should guard against developing a skeptical attitude toward all things, it is a safeguard to check out what we are being taught. Praise God He has provided the written Word for that purpose. The truth of God can stand the test of investigation. And to do so with an open heart will ultimately impress us more and more with how it truly does all fit together. No surprise having behind it a common source. (2 Timothy 3:16) May our daily life reveal we do believe!
Have a great day REVEALING HOW RATIONAL BELIEVING IS!
Carl
