Most of us have been skeptical at one time about something or maybe even someone. Being skeptical can be beneficial when the skeptic searches honestly for answers and when presented with the evidence arrives at a conclusion not based upon bias or preconceived notions, but upon the evidence alone. Contrarily, some skeptics can be confronted with ample evidence but never come to an honest answer because they draw conclusions based upon distrust, negative experiences, and bias. Sadly, such skepticism is not beneficial for the skeptic or the community to which they belong.
For example, there is plenty of evidence for the existence of an intelligent designer. To admit the validity of such evidence is to acknowledge the possibility of that intelligent designer being the God of the Bible. To recognize such a likelihood, admits the chance that God is real and that He exists. If the skeptic chooses to believe in the God of the Bible, then they must accept the teachings of the Bible, including whatever blessings and punishments are meted out by God.
While an honest skeptic might logically rationalize the probability of an intelligent designer, few make the leap to admit that designer is the God of the Bible. We might speculate as to the reasons why such skeptics aren’t willing to concede their faith in the non-existence of God for the existence of God, but herein lies the problem: faith.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” We must all make the choice to believe or not to believe that God “is” and that God will reward those who actively follow Him. This is faith.
Those who drive have faith on a two-lane undivided highway that the opposing driver will remain on their side of the road. Since we have evidence that not all opposing drivers do remain on their side of the road, we must remain vigilant and drive attentively if we hope to avoid a possible accident. Still, people make the choice to drive or not to drive on a two-lane undivided highway. Some rationalize that to drive on such roads is too unpredictable, and so they make the choice not to drive. Others think through the situation and believe that while it may be unpredictable, there is evidence and testimony from other drivers that in order to get to their desired destination, it is worth the risk to drive on such roads.
The simple choice to believe in God is not enough for most skeptics. They want proof. The Apostle Philip wanted such proof in John 14:7-9. There Jesus tells the gathered Apostles, “7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” Being skeptical, “8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” Jesus told the Apostles to make the choice to have faith in what they see – to believe that Jesus is God in the flesh.
Most historians agree that Jesus of Nazareth in Galilee was a real first-century Jewish preacher who was baptized by John the Baptist and later crucified by the Romans. Other details about His life, as recorded in Biblical and secular history, aren’t always agreed upon by skeptics. They want more evidence. Regardless of the evidence provided to the skeptic, it is up to them to choose to believe or reject Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
During Jesus’ lifetime He miraculously healed many, raised the dead to life, and was resurrected from the dead with hundreds of witnesses who could testify to these facts. Yet, more chose to ignore the proofs offered by God than to believe. If such skeptics made the choice to reject first or second hand evidences, the skeptic today faces an even greater barrier to belief. This is because no further sign will be given other than Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 12:38-40). Fortunately, there is some hope for the skeptic through the witness of the Christian (Matthew 5:16; John 13:35).
