Reasonable Doubt or Reasonable Hope

“I consider myself fortunate to [write to] you today as I make my defense [of the hope I have]. What I am saying is true and reasonable. Short time or long—I pray God that…all who are [reading my blogs] may become what I am.” (Acts 26:2, 25, 29 NIV 1984).

My Musings – On a recent post (“When Opportunity Knocks,” May 24, 2021) I was asked, “please give a reason(s) for the hope you personally have. Thank you.” My response follows.

Thank you for asking. I only have one reason for the hope that I have, and that is the saving grace of Jesus Christ. But I have multiple reasons for why He is the only reason.

First and foremost is His own testimony that no one comes to the Father except through Him.

That is a bold claim, but it is backed up by His life and ministry as recorded by eyewitnesses (Matthew and John) or first-hand accounts received from eyewitnesses (Mark and Luke).

Not to mention the countless miracles that He performed, as recorded by these individuals.

The fact that He fulfilled scores of Old Testament prophecies recorded at least 400 years before He was born. Many (most) of which were impossible to orchestrate if He was not who He said He was. One was the manner of His execution that did not exist at the time of the prophecy and another that He would rise from the dead (another bold claim).

His resurrection, validated by over 500 eyewitnesses who saw Him alive after His crucifixion. The impact that His life, death and resurrection has had on the world. Starting with the bold and dramatic transformation of His first disciples who cowardly abandoned Him at His arrest, but ended up dying as martyrs (all but one of them) for their belief in Him. Extremely unlikely for an itinerant teacher from a backwater village having little to no formal education.

Finally, the impact He has had on my life and the life of my family. As a family, we have gone through tragedy, severe illnesses, handicaps and other difficulties (you can read about them in my blogs under “Our Family Album”), each one giving us ample reason to give up hope. But each one actually solidifying our faith in Him.

Thanks again for asking. I hope you found this helpful.

My Advice – To my readers who are believers (many more learned and eloquent than I am), please feel free to comment and add the reason(s) for your hope. To my readers who may not be believers, reasonable doubt or reasonable hope? It’s your call. Feel free to reach out to me.