Quote:
Originally Posted by ReformedDave
'Particulars' indicate what has happened in this instance. They don't validate what will happen. One can assume, after seeing 1000 crows, that all crows are black.....until an albino come along.
Nice to see you too! Thanks.
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I would ask, in the instance of this example, does the albino crow indicate the norm or anomaly? Can one prove spirituality (or lack thereof) with a percentage or even with an experience?
I think that one would have to be able to prove that the Bible is inerrant and infallible beyond a shadow of a doubt. And it can't be done -- I have yet to find a way to prove it conclusively. You can prove that it was written but you can't prove that it was inspired by God, doing so with any third reference that is uninfluenced by it's reach. It can only be a history book if seen through eyes that have no desire to see it as anything more than that.
I, personally, believe that one will not believe the scriptures as being "true" without a measure of faith. And any proof that I give does nothing more than prove that it is historically correct. That said, there may be parts of the Bible that can be proven in a certain way but to fully convince many of the people that I come across, you have to also convince them that the different authors weren't influenced by selfish motivations -- even if the interpretations are correct, there is the influence of cultural/societal teachings that must be waded through. Not including the different cultures/societies throughout the different ages that the various books were written. To prove that the Bible is correct, I have to, well, provide more than just historical proofs. For some people, they still need to FEEL the nail prints, so to speak. Seeing is not believing -- feeling, experiencing, is believing.
I believe that the faith begins with my life before others. Not that it is MY life , not MY actions, but Christ in me. It is not MY experience that is proof. It is those outside me who see the glory of God (and you have to know that it is tough for me to do the church-speak thing) through me. I would go as far as to say that my belief in the Bible isn't the first thing I should prove. The first thing I should prove is my life in Christ -- and that is something that, if I lift him up with my life (whether I actively do it or he does it through me) He will draw all men unto HIM.
Yes, I realize that I'm alluding to various scripture, but I don't have to prove why I believe because what is proof to me, won't satisfy anyone who doesn't wish to see Christ in me to begin with. And for the record that has nothing to do with dress codes and man made legislations.
Can I prove anything I say? No. I can't. I can only live my life pleasing to Christ and He will use me to reach those that come into my path. Whether that is to merely plant a seed or water the plant, it matters not to me because, in the end, God gives the increase.