Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
But since we are talking about faith and not logical, verifiable certainty, the true do not prove anything. At best, they are comfort to the one who got the vision, or possibly to a few close to that person. As stories to underpin a gospel message, they almost point to a pseudo-Christian religion that rests on visions and feelings rather than faith in the work of Christ.
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We are not talking about "logical, verifiable certainty." That belongs in a high school chemistry class. The Bible, and also our law courts, always deals with witnesses, and their credible witness or testimony. Is the faith and work of Christ a "logical verifiable certainty?" Can the person and work of Christ be scientifically proven? Hardly.
The bible does require two witnesses. Two credible witnesses. How did Colton Burpo know that he had a sister? That his mother had a miscarriage? Were there credible witnesses? I say there are, his sister and his mother. If Colton says he has a sister, and his mother never has a miscarriage, then we don't believe him. But now we have two reliable witnesses, both providing independent corroboration.
The Malarkey situation is complicated by an unbelieving mother, which does not negate the story. The boy's brother, father, and grandfather have all confirmed events in his testimony. The Malarkey boy is not the first person I have heard of who has denied his testimony of faith. It's sad, but understandable. Of course, all unbelievers love stories like this. The Bible is filled with these stories too.
Our faith comes to us by other witnesses. Faith comes by hearing these witnesses. Some of them have written scripture. Some have given us their teachings, or their testimonies. The Holy Spirit is a witness also to our faith. Nature and creation are witnesses. Faith is simply believing these good reports.
Those who demand "logical verifiable certainty" are those who have rejected God and His ways. God has demanded that we believe Him. Faith is the way of salvation. Those who refuse to believe, generally use science, what Paul calls "falsely named knowledge," as a false god to worship and trust, instead of trusting and worshiping the only true God.