Even though Christian Theism passes the tests outlined earlier in this chapter, many people have a difficult time accepting some of the implications of this worldview. It is not that the presuppositions of Christian Theism are inconsistent with each other, reality, or cannot explain the universe, it is simply that it is against human nature to accept them. The Bible says in Romans 1:28 that men “… did not like to retain God in their knowledge….” It is for this reason that evidence verifying Christian Theism has been included within this chapter. The purpose of this section is to provide evidence for three of the main presuppositions of Christian Theism. First this section will present evidence for the existence of God. Secondly we will present evidence for the authority of the Bible. Finally we will present evidence supporting the deity of Christ.

It is recognized that the evidence presented will only take an individual so far, while complete acceptance of Christian Theism requires divinely provided faith. The unbeliever stands on the opposite side of a deep chasm separating him from belief. Evidence will bring the unbeliever to the edge of the chasm, but faith is required to bridge the chasm to belief. YHVH is the source of the faith that lets us believe in Him and the Christian Theistic worldview. Acceptance of Christian Theism is an essential ingredient if one wishes to study and understand the earth in a scientific manner.

The existence of YHVH

First is the existence of the God of the Bible YHVH. The existence of YHVH is not accomplished in the same manner as proving the existence of material things, for He is immaterial. He is not subject to scientific investigation. The evidences for the existences of YHVH do not independently prove that he exists, but rather they support our convictions that He exists. The spirit nature of YHVH means that we should not insists upon the sort of evidence one would expect to see to prove the existence of a physical object. Finally the evidence for YHVH is cumulative in nature.

The infinite nature of YHVH makes proving His existence by a single argument impossible. With this in mind, one may now examine the evidences and arguments that prove the existence of YHVH (Thiessen 27).

The primary evidence to suggesting that YHVH exists is the universe. Recall that both Mechanistic Humanism and New Age Pantheism require a universe to come out of nothing by natural causes, unless it existed forever.

The first law of thermodynamics proves that the universe cannot have arisen from nothing by natural causes. The second law of thermodynamics proves that the universe cannot have existed forever. Only theism, or the acknowledgment of a supernatural creator, offers probable cause for the existence of the universe. The primary argument for the existence of God is that the universe exists. This line of reasoning is stated in Hebrews 3:4, “For every house is built by some man, but he that built all things is God.” Along with the existence of the universe, one may note that it is designed. The design of the universe becomes very clear in study of the sciences. This simple observation has far reaching implications. The fine machinery of a watch shows not only that it had a maker, but also that it was intelligently designed. Design becomes evident from the structure of an object. The structure of a watch shows that it was made by a thoughtful mind. Compared to the workings of the universe, a watch simple contrivance. Thus this argument is even more applicable to the world in which we live (Evans 17). The universe clearly shows design and thus must have a designer. This fact is supported by all that science has discovered. On a social level, people interact with each other based upon a well-designed moral code.

Society as a whole finds some things morally wrong. Even the most sadistic dictator would consider it morally wrong if he were to be killed. All organisms are designed with a tendency for self-preservation. The same is true of societies and cultures at large. Most people will even show some sort of moral respect for others (Thiessen 31). The moral nature of man, is in fact an evidence for the existence of YHVH. An observation of human behavior indicates that the moral law we see is not self-imposed. Additionally people do not fear judgement for wrong doing on their own. Apparently a holy will imposes moral law upon mankind. That same moral will instills in people a fear of judgement. The moral law observed my mankind must come from a divine source (Thiessen 62). This “holy will” is none other than YHVH, and the fact that we have a moral tendency, although it is influenced by our fallen nature, points to the existence of YHVH. the existence of YHVH describes best what we know about mankind and the universe (Evans 18). The Bible does not attempt to explain or prove YHVH. Rather it just assumes His existence. “In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) are the first words of the Bible. Looking at the evidence we have outlined above one must concur that the Bible is correct in declaring that YHVH exists.

The Authority of the Bible

This brings us to the second important point of Christian Theism, the acceptance of the authority of the Bible as the authoritative word of YHVH. Throughout this book the authority of the Bible will be called upon to interpret observations of the physical world.

One of the best proofs for the validity of scripture comes from history. Time and time again the Bible has been shown to be a historically reliable and accurate source. Historical accounts recorded in the Bible are accurate. If one chooses to disregard the Bible as a historical source, then one would also have to disregard a majority of the historical writings of antiquity (McDowell 1972, 76). This point is well demonstrated when one considers the copies on hand of Biblical texts compared to the number of copies of other ancient texts that are considered to be reliable. Scholars of Greek and Roman history are more than satisfied that they have accurate copies of texts written by historians from these cultures. The authenticity of these writings is based on just a handful of manuscripts. In contrast, hundreds, and even thousands of manuscripts authenticate the New Testament (Kenyon 23). It can as well be said, that the Old Testament has been well preserved in the way it has been passed down to this present generation. For example, one may consider a comparison of the Septuagint (A Greek copy of the Old Testament) with the Dead Sea Scrolls written over 1000 years earlier. Looking specifically at the 166 words of Isaiah 53, only seventeen letters are different between the two texts. The difference in ten of those letters results from differences in spelling, which has no affect on the meaning of the text. An additional four letters are the result of a minor change in style, such as using conjunctions. The remaining three letters result from adding the word light to verse 11. This addition also makes no change to the meaning of the text (Geisler 236).

The historical events recorded in the Bible have on numerous occasions been confirmed by archeology. For example, a large number of archeological findings confirm the historical events of the Old Testament (Albright 176). Of some of the events and places, recorded in the Bible, there for some time, existed no evidence, save their being mentioned in the Bible. Then all at once, archeology finds the event, nation or place to be real as it was described in the Bible. For example, for a considerable amount of time archeologist had no evidence for Gabbatha or the Pavement, the court where Jesus was tried by Pilate. Evidence appears to now indicate that the court was the Tower of Antonia, the Roman military headquarters in Jerusalem. The siege of Jerusalem in A.D. 66 – 70 destroyed the court. The court remained buried during the reconstruction of Jerusalem under Hadrian. Archeological work in Jerusalem has finally uncovered the court as a verifiable fact (McDowell 1972, 75).

Some of the writers of the Bible are considered to be excellent historians. One such writer is Luke. In his writing, Luke focuses in on the over-all theme that is driving the events he is recording. He records only the most significant events, and then goes on to detail their importance. Luke may easily be regarded as one of the world’s greatest historians (Ramsay 222). Without question, the Bible provides us with a very accurate historical record. When one looks at a historical event recorded in the Bible, one may have full faith that it is accurately recorded and totally reliable (McDowell 1972, 76). As we proceed through our study of the earth sciences, we will constantly depend upon the historical accuracy of the Bible. In relation to understanding the earth, the important historical events are the creation, the fall of man, and the great flood of Noah. To fully understand the earth, one must accept these as accurate historical events.

Not only is the Bible historically accurate, but it is also scientifically accurate. Many critics of the Bible claim that it contains scientific errors, but all of these supposed errors are without any merit (Morris 1985, 147). A common rebuttal to the scientific accuracy of the Bible is that “The Bible is not a textbook of science.” Apparently this statement originated with Augustine, and is commonly used without much consideration of its validity. Critics use the statement when they encounter an apparent conflict between science and the Bible (Bouw 5). The fact is, that the scientific statements contained in the Bible are accurate. For example the Bible gives an explanation of the water cycle” “All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not fill; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return” (Ecclesiastes 1:7). The Bible states how important blood is to sustaining life: “Only be sure that thou not eat the blood: for the blood is life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh” (Deuteronomy 13:23). The Bible tells us that the earth hangs on nothing: “He stertcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing” (Job 26:7). This is just a small sampling of the many passages from the Bible that present scientific truth. Others will be presented in subsequent chapters. We may conclude that not only is the Bible a book of science, but it is in fact the book of science. Often when the writers of the Bible made a scientific statement, the proceeded scientists by several thousands of years (Morris 1985, 147). It is safe to conclude that when the Bible speaks on any matter, including science and historical events, it speaks the truth (Thiessen 69).

Since the Bible is absolutely trustworthy in all matters it addresses, the Bible must then also be accepted as the word of YHVH given to men. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:13). In this passage, the Bible claims that it is from YHVH, and this in turn implies that the Bible must be absolutely true and accurate. “God is not a man that He should lie; neither the son of man that he should repent: hath He said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good” (Numbers 23:19). All of this evidence gives us only one choice, the Bible is the true and authoritative word of YHVH on every subject it addresses.

The Nature of Christ

Primarily, the evidence presented this far has supported the broad theistic worldview. Many people and nations cling to some form or another of the theistic worldview. Which of the theistic worldviews is actually best suited for interpreting observations from nature and use in every day life? Christian Theism actually provides the best worldview. Like theism in general, Christianity and its Christian Theistic worldview may be verified by looking at some supportive evidence.

The verification of Christian Theism requires examining several points. The first of these is the actual nature of Christ. Was Christ actually a physical incarnation of YHVH? Christ made the claim that he was YHVH. “I and my father are one” (John 10:31). Because of the historical perception of Christ as a good man, we must accept his claim as YHVH to be true (McDowell 1988, 25). Regarding the claims by Christ that he was YHVH, one only has a few choices. If Christ knew that his claim of being YHVH was false then he was lying and deceiving his followers. When one says that Christ was lying, then one must also say that he was a hypocrite, for he told others to always be honest. Liars and hypocrites are not by any stretch of the imagination considered to be good men. Historical evidence recorded in the Bible about the life of Christ shows that he was a good man and not a liar. A second alternative is that Christ thought he was YHVH but was mistaken. Many people are both sincere and wrong. In the historical context in which Christ lived such a mistake would have never been tolerated. The Hebrews were an extremely monotheistic culture. Anyone who would have claimed to be YHVH and preached that everyone’s future depended upon him would have surely been labeled as a lunatic. Once more the historical record of Christ’s life contradicts the notion that he was a lunatic. Insane people are rarely considered to be good. In order for us to acknowledge the historical record that Christ was a good man, we must conclude that he was YHVH in the flesh (McDowell 1988, 27 – 31).

The divine nature of Christ is demonstrated by his entire life. Let us briefly focus upon two of the major events in His life, His death and subsequent resurrection. Both of these are actual historical events appear in the works of the Hebrew historian Josephus. Josephus collaborates the historical events of the New Testament in great detail. He recounts that it was Pilate, at the suggestions of the Hebrew leaders that had Christ put to death on the cross. Josephus further acknowledges that Christ appeared to his followers again alive three days after his death. This all was in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Josephus 480).

The same account is also recorded in Matthew 26:47 – 28:15, Mark 14:43 – 16:14, Luke 22:47 – 24:43, and John 18:2 – 20:23. The death and resurrection of Christ form the next essential presupposition of Christian theism. Proof of these events further proves that He is YHVH and man’s redeemer.

Before we can prove that Christ rose from the dead, it must be demonstrated that He was in fact dead. The conditions under which Christ was put to death indicate that he was, without any doubt, dead. According to Hebrew traditions the body of an executed man was to be buried on the same day as the execution. Orthodox Jews still require burial within 24-hours of death. In an effort o maintain peace, the Romans whenever possible complied with local customs. For this reason the Romans developed a Hebrew version of crucifixion, in which the victims legs were broken to speed up the dying process. With broken legs, a criminal could not raise himself to breath and eventually died by asphyxiation. In the Biblical account of the crucifixion, the Roman soldiers only broke the legs of the two thieves, not Christ’s (John 19:31 – 33). Since the soldiers were professional executioners only one explanation exists for their actions on that day. Christ must have already been dead when the soldiers came to break his legs. The soldiers knew a dead man when they saw one, and a dead man was exactly what they saw when they looked at Christ hanging lifeless on the cross before them (Young 8.2 – 8.3). One may say with certainty, that the death of Christ is a well-established historical fact. It is as well established as the death of any other historical figure.

Even the basic fact that Christ died by crucifixion is proof that He was who he claimed to be because this event was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The Bible had prophesized that Christ would be crucified with sinners. “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sins of many, and made intercession with many (Isaiah 53:12). The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in Matthew 27:38, “Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.” The Bible also foretold that Christ would have His hands and feet pierced, as he would be put to death. “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16). This prophecy was fulfilled when Christ was crucified and confirmed after he had risen from the dead. “Then said he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27).

The ultimate proof that Jesus Christ was YHVH comes in the fact of his resurrection from the dead. This is also a well-established historical fact. Christ appeared alive again the third day (Josephus 480). Josephus is easily regarded as one of the best historian of his day. Their are numerous evidences which could be discussed for Christ’s resurrection, but the most compelling evidence is the empty tomb. For many, Christ’s empty tomb presents one of the greatest mysteries of history. When the empty tomb is accepted as a historical fact, it proves that Christianity is true. Only one explanation can plausibly explain why the tomb is empty. The only possible explanation is that Christ arose from the dead right through the linen wrapping and the rocky tomb (Young 8.10). This makes Christ YHVH and the one and only true redeemer of mankind. The Bible presents Christ as both our creator and redeemer, and indeed each of these important roles is dependent upon the other.

Conclusion

The evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of both theism and Christianity. Only a small portion of the evidence has been presented in this chapter. Many of the books that were referenced in this chapter contain more extensive discussion of the topics just presented. All of this means very little compared to what Christianity accomplishes in the life of believers. To be adequate a worldview must be livable. The bottom line is what Christianity does for people who trust in Christ as savior and embrace Christian Theism as their own worldview and live daily by it. Christian Theism uniquely meets the daily needs of humanity (Ramm 223). As such it provides the only viable perspective from which one can understand the universe and live life. Since Christian Theism is based on the teachings of the Bible, all endeavors pursued using Christian Theism as a worldview must be based on the literal teachings of the Bible. Science and history based on Christian Theism must by its nature depend upon the Bible as the final authority, and YHVH’s holy infallible word.