Almost Twenty Centuries
The shortest and surest road to assurance in the resurrection is to accept the Bible as God's Word by faith.
Vance Havner emphasizes the importance of faith in accepting the resurrection of Christ, arguing that after nearly twenty centuries, debates among church leaders still persist. He asserts that the Bible should be accepted as God's Word by faith, which leads to assurance and spiritual strength. Havner encourages believers to trust in the authenticity of Scripture rather than waiting for scholarly consensus, highlighting that God's Word proves itself to those who dare to believe. He concludes that the reliability of the Bible is evident to anyone willing to affirm and assert it.
Text
Almost twenty centuries after it happened, churchmen are still sitting in panel discussions arguing over whether or not the resurrection really took place. If we have not arrived at head-certainty by now, we had better explore some other avenue. The shortest and surest road to assurance in this matter is to accept the Bible as God's Word by faith and see what happens. It proves itself, and men who have dared to say, "Let God be true but every man a liar," have found themselves in possession of a weapon before which the devil himself gives way.
I have a life with Christ to live;
But 'ere I live it, must I wait
Till learning can clear answer give
To this and that book's date?
Absolutely not! God's Word is its own best argument. Its authenticity and reliability are built in and beyond the shadow of a doubt to any who will accept it, affirm it, and assert it.
Sermon Outline
- 'The Resurrection: A Matter of Faith'
- The Bible as God's Word
- Accepting the Bible by Faith
- The Assurance of the Resurrection
Key Quotes
“God's Word is its own best argument.” — Vance Havner
“Men who have dared to say, 'Let God be true but every man a liar,' have found themselves in possession of a weapon before which the devil himself gives way.” — Vance Havner
Application Points
- You don't have to wait for scientific proof to accept the resurrection; God's Word is its own best argument.
- Accepting the Bible as God's Word by faith can bring you assurance and certainty in the resurrection.