How do you know.....?

Question

How do you know that everything Jesus said wasn't a lie? I mean the only people that "saw" him come back from the dead were his followers. And they could have just made it up so they would seem right and get jesus's point across to others. What proof do you have beside's your faith and belief in him. I mean real proof that others can see. The bible was written by his followers so that also could just be one big lie to get you to believe jesus is what he isn't. It's been done before. So why do you think jesus is telling the truth?

Answer 1

Frankly, historians as a group think that there is only a 50/50 chance that he lived in the first place. Most people can't remember what was said five minutes ago: so considering that the none of the books of the NT were written during the time that Jesus supposedly lived, most of the NT is probably fiction. And it is poorly written fiction at that.

Answer 2

We have documents from 50 AD onward (Jesus died abt. 30AD) which contain the words of the New Testament, either by reference from early church fathers (i.e. Jesus said...) or the documents themselves. We have more copies of the Bible and portions of the Bible than we do many other historical documents we take for granted as being true. We also have archeological and other evidence of the early churches that were established.

As to whether or not they just made it up "so they would seem right and get Jesus's point across to others", I really have never understood this argument. Why would they "seem right" and why would they invest their lives (indeed, die) in getting "Jesus's point across to others" if they themselves knew it was a lie. From my point of view, even if you are not a Christian , you at least have to believe that His followers were truly convinced of the message they spread. Also, much of the New Testament is written by Paul, who was writing in the form of letters--these letters were written for specific churches that he had helped establish, and were typically addressing questions they had or problems they were facing. In other words, his letters were not written in order to convert them (or us, for that matter)--these people were already converts--so, what motivation would he have to make stuff up? As for the gospels, which were written after the letters of Paul, I see them as being a written record of a message that was received by those individuals who originally evangelized them several decades after the fact. And if you distrust whether or not an oral record can be kept intact that long, I will say this--I may not remember what I said 5 minutes ago, or two weeks ago, etc., but I sure as heck remember what my boyfriend said to me when he proposed, and what my father-in-law said to me the day my mother-in-law passed away--point being, how well we remember something said is very much tied to its importance to your life--and the gospel, for the believer, is THE most important message in your life.

As for the "real proof", the real proof occurred about 2,000 years ago when Jesus was alive, then was crucified, and resurrected (from the Christian perspective). The question really, is whether or not you believe the explanation which the New Testament offers about the "real proof". And if not, what else explains the facts as we know them? (the historical evidence, the spread of the church, etc.) Here's one perspective on the historical aspects of the Resurrection:
http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Jesus_Resurrection.htm

Also, I belong to an organization called American Scientific Affiliation--its a Christian fellowship for scientists, but their listserve welcomes people of all different backgrounds--I am sure that others on the list could point you to some good additional resources if you're interested. The website is www.asa3.org.

Answer 3

There are many things that are written in the bible that have been proven. However, it is historical that Jesus did live, whether or not you believe he is the Son of God is totally a faith thing. I know that what he did is real and what the bible says about him is real because the moment I chose to pray and accept that as a truth in my life, I felt something. It was an overwhelming peace and comfort that I made a good decision. It's totally personal though. You have to decide for yourself what you think. All anyone else can give you is thier opinion or thier testimony.

Answer 4

I just have faith in what the Bible says is true. I don't question it or God. Jesus died for us end of story. He never sinned and never will. Also I have a relationship with Jesus I talk with him and I can just sense his presence and know that he in fact is real. Jesus is true to every last word he speaks. You can either accept that or keep doubting it's ultimately your own choice.

Answer 5

The bible was not written by his disciples. There's so little actual evidence of Jesus's existence that in a court of law, he wouldn't be considered to have existed.

Answer 6

The Bible was written over an immense amount of time and has been around for an immense amount of time as well. Other than that you have to have faith.

Answer 7

Well, let me ask you this. How was the earth created? The trees didn't come on it's own. And how were we created? By a monkey? Then how was the monkey created? That's all the proof you need that God was here and that he is real.

Answer 8

we dont know of anything jesus said.

there is NOT ONE word in the bible jesus wrote himself.

Answer 9

I know him and he hears me and I hear his voice
the Bible is a living word to all who will believe and receive
the unbelievers don't have a chance
doubt is not of God