Op-ed: Why do I believe?
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I am by no means a biblical scholar or a theologian. In fact, I am a sinner, but aren't we all. However, I have read the New Testament many, many times over the years.
In the New Testament, it has been determined that Jesus fulfilled at least 300 and possibly over 400 prophecies during his three-year ministry. What also amazes me, Jesus never takes credit for anything he did or said, stating that they came from his Father in Heaven. He also once said, "Why do you call me good. No one is good except God alone (Mark 10: 18).
Furthermore, I am intrigued with the many insignificant details that we find in the New Testament. For example, the mention of six jars at the Cana Wedding (John 2: 6-7), the number of fish caught (153) in John 21: 11, the 12 baskets of leftovers after feeding the 5,000 men and their families (Matthew 14: 13-21) as well as the 7 baskets of leftovers after feeding the 4,000 men and their families (Mark 8: 1-10).
Another interesting detail that stands out in my mind came from a devoted enemy of Christ who then became one his most devout advocates - St. Paul. In 2 Timothy 4:13, St. Paul mentions he forgot his coat and some parchment books, and asked if they would bring it to him while imprisoned in Rome. I strongly doubt that such minor facts mentioned above would be found in a work of fiction.
Of the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, the ones that amazed me were during his final agonizing hours as a human brother. They involved his seven quotes on the cross, spoken during extreme physical distress.
"Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
(Luke 23:34)
Even in his agony, Jesus never forgot his mission - Forgiveness. He understands the sinful world we live in and knew what was in the "unknowing" hearts of his torturers. Thus, He implores his Father to forgive them even for this horrid atrocity and injustice. It was a prophecy fulfilled mentioned in Jeremiah 17:10.
"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
(Luke 23:43)
Even during his crucifixion, Jesus shows compassion. Although a criminal first mocks him, the man then realizes Jesus' innocence and divinity and sincerely asks for forgiveness and to enter his kingdom. True to his mission, Jesus offers "forgiveness and salvation" to him, immediately.
"My God, My God! Why have you forsaken me?"
(Mark 15:34 and Matthew 27:46)
This phrase on the cross affected me the most. It was foretold hundreds of years before in Psalms 22, word by word in Hebrew. Another prophecy fulfilled. It's the first time Jesus does not say Father. At this point of the ordeal, God could not stand by his Son. And there was a reason Jesus had to stand alone. Why? Because he was bearing all the sins of world from Adam to the present. God hates sin (Habakkuk 1:13) and could not be with his Son during this point on the cross. Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to be separated from his Father for our transgressions. It was his most painful moment on the cross. (Interpretation by Greg Laurie).
"Woman here is your son...Here is your Mother"
(John 19:26-27)
These words demonstrate Jesus' love in seeing that his mother, Mary, was cared for even as he was suffering on the cross. It demonstrates His selflessness teaching us humans to care for each other.
"I am thirsty."
(John 19:28)
This demonstrates the humanity of Jesus. He had needs just as we did. Thus, his love for his earthly brothers and sisters. With these three words, Jesus also fulfills another prophecy found in Psalms 69:21.
"It is finished."
(John 19:30)
Jesus actually said, "Telelestai," which means it is finished, completed or the bill is paid in full. In Jesus' case, he fully accepted taking the responsibility for all our sins. It is vividly stated in Hebrews 9: 12-26, fulfilling Old Testament prophesies from Isaiah 53: 5,11; Psalms 22; and Daniel 9:24 among others.
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."
(Luke 23:46)
In his final words on the cross, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit", Jesus fulfills the final prophecy found in Psalms 31-5. He has fully completed all that his Father commanded him to say and perform in his earthly form and would return to Heaven in glory. Because of Him, we, too, can experience Paradise. All we have to do is sincerely repent of our human sins and believe in the Son of God. I believe.
Below are my reasons for believing. Feel free to change the wording to fit your intimate reasons for believing.
I BELIEVE
... because I was blessed with wonderful parents and grandparents.
... because I was blessed with a devoted wife – Peggy.
... because I was blessed with healthy children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
... because I was blessed with great friends.
... because Peggy and I were blessed with occupations that were perfect for us.
... because I was blessed with answered prayers and prayers where God's answer was 'No' for my own good.
... because my family was blessed with god's grace.
... because my family was blessed with Jesus' forgiveness on the cross.
... because my family was blessed by the Holy Spirit's protection from our own human nature and the evils of the world.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
(James 1:17)