Divine answers

As we begin to pay attention to God’s answers to our existential search, the reception we give to his answers will depend on our understanding of who Jesus was. We need to be clear: if he was from God, his answers are on a whole different level to anything that human beings can think up.

The reports we have of Jesus’ life refute any suggestion that he was mentally unbalanced or a blatant and deceitful imposter. Such an assessment goes against the evidence of Jesus’ unique identity as a man of exemplary holiness, whose moral teaching was profoundly wise, whose psychology is the best ever conceived, and whose influence on history has been highly beneficial. All this, quite apart from his numerous miracles, his profound love that led him to give his life for our salvation, and his totally unique resurrection from the dead.

If therefore he was a unique manifestation of God himself, then his answers are no mere human philosophical opinions. We are led to believe that he did bring us answers from heaven. That means his answers are actually absolute truth coming from the Highest Authority in the universe. This brings out the seriousness of what we are doing here: if it is true, it is of the utmost importance. Indeed, there are logical consequences if that is the case: we are faced with the supreme authority in the universe telling us how it is. Our Maker had the answers all along; if he has told them to us, we should not ignore them, but receive them gladly.

Having studied all this carefully for many years, this is my position. I take it as given, that we are blessed with God’s revealed truth. This is the only way for authentic hope for answers. 

Now this may be considered my assumption – for I have said that all thinking is based on assumptions. But this assumption – the foundation on which we build – is a conclusion based on the historic incarnation of him whom we have come to believe can be none other than God’s divine messenger. If this sounds like circular reasoning, consider theologian and philosopher Cornelius Van Til’s assertion that “all reasoning is, in the nature of the case, circular reasoning”. That’s why the historic appearance on earth of God’s incarnate Son is so foundational; it is the unique basis on which we can hope to build absolute Truth. God alone knows and can speak absolute Truth.

Remember how God’s voice came from heaven saying, “Listen to Jesus”? (Matthew 17.5) I invite you to take an open-minded stance, just to listen, and see what you think. As you consider in more detail what answers God gave through Jesus to our deep existential questions, it is for you to decide whether or not they have the mark of Truth – whether you will believe in Jesus or not. Knowledge of the facts is indispensable as a foundation of valid faith.

I will seek to show that God’s truth and guidelines for living indicate the true “good life” and human flourishing that our Creator wills for us. As I hope ultimately to show, God is loving and compassionate and his truth will lead us on to consider how he offers us true life, “eternal life” or “abundant life” as Jesus called it (John 10.10, 27-28). Jesus not only brings the truth of God that answers our questions; he also lovingly offers life that truly satisfies the deep hunger of our hearts.

Clive Every-Clayton