I have been watching with great interest as Oklahoman Brian Biggs (of the Biggs Picture) is defending our Christian faith on the Voices of Tulsa forum. Brian is doing an excellent job–much better that I could have done at his age (maybe better than I could do now). As I was reading the thread again tonight, what really stands out is the qualifier “to me.” It is stated or implied in many person’s posts. Poster’s will talk about what “makes sense to me” rather than just “what makes sense.”

The whole art and science of Bible study and interpretation is predicated on basic rules of logic and reason. Whereas people used to debate by presenting counter arguments based in reason and/or logic, the modern response is usually based in the notion that it doesn’t matter how much sense one makes, how reasonable one’s statements and arguments are, if another chooses not to believe them, they must all of a sudden cease to be true.

I was thinking tonight of something I read (I think in Sproul) about the old saying that many well-meaning individuals will sometimes espouse:

“God says it. I believe it. That settles it.”

It’s a nice sentiment, but the middle statement is totally unnecessary and of no effect. God says it. That settles it–regardless of whether I, you, or anyone else choose to believe it. It is settled when God says it, never contingent upon humans’ choice to believe it or reject it. We are not a part of the equation of what is true. We can either choose to believe the truth or reject it, but it remains pure folly to believe that truth exists or not based upon whether it is believed. A lie, even if everyone believes it, is still untrue. The truth, even if no one believes it, remains true.

As the counter arguments are presented, I could not help remember 2 Tim. 3:7, which describes people in the last days as:

always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

Brian originally posted to the Voices of Tulsa forum offering to start a Bible study if anyone was interested. The thread has progressed from that into a discussion of several issues. In all, most of the questions, objections, and arguments Brian has encountered are the basic introductory philosophy of religion stuff. He’s showing that he has studied himself approved and he is is rightly dividing the Word of truth. I am watching with the realization that the teachings of our churches do matter. Brian is obvioulsy the product of both good churches and a personal dedication to study.

But it is not hopless that people will never come to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim. 2:24-26 (ESV) makes it clear that it is possible, when God’s servant proceeds properly:

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Here’s wishing Brian godspeed as this debate continues. He makes perfect sense–to me.