Credible
April 20, 2025
Dr. Paul Cannings
Many people believe that they are saved because they go to church. Salvation should always be the major focus of our lives. Salvation does not just deliver us to heaven (2 Corinthians 5:6-10) it delivers us from the effects of sin on this earth (Philippians 2:12-13). The ministry of the Holy Spirit that is poured into us at the point of salvation (Titus 3:4-8) can empower us with a peace that “surpasses understanding and guards our hearts in Christ Jesus….” (Philippians 4:7). The fruit of the Spirit strengthens us no matter what we go through (Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 3:16-17) and blesses us with eternal rewards.
Jesus our Savior made salvation believable. On a witness stand material evidence, an eyewitness account overrides all speculation. Eyewitnesses include Roman soldiers, not just the disciples, or those who faithfully remained at the crucifixion. On the day Christ died, many people saw those who got up from the grave and darkness cover the earth. Lazarus’ resurrection was days before Christ’s resurrection and there were many witnesses, including those who refuse to believe in Christ (John 12:1-19). After three days, Christ resurrected and revealed Himself to 500 people, who then lived many years after the resurrection. To reject Christ is not to reject a religion it is a rejection of a person who vividly displayed He is life (John 3:16-21). All of this was discussed 600 years before Christ ever walked on earth by well-respected prophets including Daniel. This is why Paul would say “…..How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things.” (Romans 10:15)
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also…………” (1 Cor 15:3-10; NASU)
John Stott suggests, “Perhaps the transformation of the disciples of Jesus is the greatest evidence of all for the resurrection. It was the resurrection which transformed Peter’s fear into courage and James’ doubt into faith (His brothers who once did not believe in Christ; Matthew 12:46; John 7:5). It was the resurrection which changed the Sabbath into Sunday and the Jewish remnant into the Christian Church. It was the resurrection which changed Saul the Pharisee into Paul the apostle and turned his persecution into preaching.”
So if you have not confessed this prayer please do so today; “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom 10:9; NASU)