All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
Proverbs 8: 8-9
Why do people not believe the Bible?
Not because it is not “scientific” enough — though it does challenge those who want a humanly measurable answer to everything. Nor because of its moral teachings — though it boldly challenges us on that front, and increasingly does this to a society which is more out of step with its Creator every day. Neither do people reject the Bible because it is not understandable — although there are head-scratching passages in there; hey, it is the Word of God: what else should we expect?
People reject the Bible because they reject God. Unless we are born again, we cannot accept all that the Bible teaches as right. Let me unpack that briefly, and then we’ll pray.
Look at Proverbs 8:9. It refers to the words of wisdom — calling out publicly (8:1–3), uttering trustworthy sayings, teaching what is right, true, and just (v4–8). These are directly applicable to the words of the Bible, the Word of God. In these, Wisdom Incarnate, the Word made flesh speaks to us, revealing God (John 1:14, 18). But who will respond in agreement, saying that these words are “right” without exception, and “upright”? “The discerning”, i.e., “those who have found knowledge”.
Reading Proverbs 1:7, we see that these are those who fear God. Those who fear God believe God: everything he says.
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3) When the Spirit of God gives us life, and opens our eyes, we can discern truth, and we will believe God. He leads us to Christ to be reconciled to God through him (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). And now, in his light we see light (Psalm 36:9).
“Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.” (Psalm 25:12)
Almighty God, please would you open my eyes that I may always see the truth? That I may believe your word, and build my life on solid rock? Please open the eyes of those I love; I cannot make them see, but you, the giver of eyes: you can. Give them light, that they may see, believe in you, and cast themselves on Jesus Christ, your Son, the Messiah. Then, enable them to live in the light of your Word, for your glory. Amen.
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