Moment With The Master
“Those Nagging Claims”
Categories: Moment With The Master“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”(Galatians 1:11-12)
The above passage is among many bold claims made by the apostles of Christ – i.e. “our message comes from God and not from man”. Other such claims are found in John’s writings: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place.” (Revelation 1:1) Peter makes a similar claim: “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:19-21) These are bold claims!
However, the apostles, through the power of God, offered evidence to back up those claims. “Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.” (2 Corinthians 12:12) Surely such signs were done in the presence of their enemies. Had they not been convincing, the apostles would have lost all creditability!
In addition to the signs they performed, the apostles readily abandoned long held beliefs and practices of their former religion. These men, before preaching Christ, followed institutions that had been in vogue for more than 1500 years – i.e. animal sacrifices, Sabbath keeping, and many other traditions of Moses’ law. Not only did the New Testament writers abandon such treasured beliefs, but so did thousands of other Jews!
What compelled them to make such a dramatic shift? Instead of animal sacrifices they honored Jesus as the Lamb of God. Instead of Sabbath keeping, they assembled on the First day of the week. And instead of following a physical king, they honored Jesus as the spiritual ruler of their hearts!
Such compelling evidence gives one every reason to believe, and no reason to doubt the validity of the New Testament and its authors! Christ is risen indeed! Christ is Lord!
By George Slover
