Recently I was asked the rhetorical question below and I now share my own thoughts as a response.
If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
I've heard this question many times and its strength remains the same each time.
I want to begin the thought with this, "It has everything to do with where you begin as it pertains to where you leave off and then end up".
I once thought in terms of the whole judicial process as to how "Evidence" hopes to satisfy the accusation or supportive claim made.
Consider the jury pool.
Once evidence gets presented (begins) within an orchestrated context and then gets placed into the hands of those being tasked with determining what that same evidence proves, what in fact does it prove?
Especially while considering its supportive nature as having been based upon its surrounding context which in turn hopes to somehow seduce what you're being asked to believe?
Maybe the word should be reshaped as the word Pro-text meaning "For" the benefit of?
Enough that is, that context now plays a role along side that same lie attempting to be "Pro-moted" to the position of "Truth"?
In my thinking, the devil doesn't need anymore advocates in this world to argue on his behalf. Wouldn't you agree?
It's often thought humerous when moving lips are considered to be lying lips that are attached to an attroney.
That is until the eternal context is drawn into the picture which represents the finality as to who the "Father" of all lies really is as well who his children really are?
Now consider a spiritual jury pool selection and then ask, who would recognise (righteous) evidence being presented for its absolute value as it was originally intended to prove?
What perspective could possibly be derived from truth that is capable (more than able) to give it strength as contrast?
Wouldn't one have to know of and be able to accept the truth of a matter in order to recognize the evidence that proves it?
The righteous answer to this should strengthen the question presented in scripture.
1 Peter 4:17-18
For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
NIV
It's as if the basest of men are supposed to be able to see through to the other side of the evidence as if an exactness of all that needs to be considered.
1 Cor 6:3-4
Do you not know that we will judge angels ? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church.
NIV
As I continued to meditate through this, the thought invaded my thinking that maybe the question needs to be rebuilt.
Could it be for the sake of the "Who" that causes Christianity to be considered ALL that was originally intended to be or become?
Just how broad is the claim made within Christianty as to the purety of everything that's presently being considered acceptable?
Maybe the question should be, "Was Jesus the Christ Lord over the Jury selection process that will Truthfully examine the evidence being presented?
Maybe it should be a two part question whose second part reads, "Where's the evidence of "Christ Alive and Active within"?
Heb 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
NIV
Somehow it leaves little wiggle room as to the one and only commonality of the faith?
Could it be all about the event as the result of what it is that we are examining as the Truth?
As an opinion, I think what gets vacated when considering "Is there evidence of Christ within", is that it's often forgotten as to the why Jesus said He did come, which was to "Destroy the works of Devil".
I also might add as if foundational, is that "If there be anything un-Holy, its the inability to often see those works within ourselves AND whom they represent.
Could it be the standard of Holy that's being missed or better yet mis-used?
What could possibly be strong enough evidence that points to THE divine standard of Holiness?
When worshipped in Spirit and in Truth, only Christ who is the "Word" and who was without sin is capable of being the accepted "Evidence" in the eyes of the Lord.
In light of "Be Holy for I am Holy", how could anyone have any hope without believing it's possible having followed instruction?
Should it not also be for those that have any real desire of being transformed through the renewal of their minds?
If scripture says, "We have the mind of Christ", where's the evidence?
If part of possessing the mind of Christ were to include at minimum the "capability" to be obedient, what would that say about what we then do otherwise?
Somehow the image of the mother lioness that knows the smell of her own gets conjured, even more the Lord when He considers the words He sent forth to accomplish as something we declare is "Alive and Active" within in us as believers.
2 Tim 2:19
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
NIV
Isa 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void , but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
KJV
He (Christ as the evidence of Gods word) has a "Zero" failure rate when "Truthfully" applied.
My closing thoughts in the form of a question, "Then why do men consistantly lean upon the results of his own decisions while justifying such limited imperfection by saying, I'm not perfect each time"?
If it's not about limitations and instead about transformation, what has following ones self produced in truth?
The evidence of what we've followed?
Just food for thought!
The soul that truly loves the Lord will do more for the the Lord as a first nature, rather than one who feels as though he is being forced to.
Consider the spouse that truly loves their own if this presents tough questions that are hard to get a handle on!
Eph 5:31-33
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church .
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
NIV
Praise the Lord for the full works wrought through forgiveness as we truthfully consider our failures in not having followed His instructions.
Even more while claiming to strain forward in the harness of obedience.
Being fully persuaded, the following of Christ works for the victory of having overcome the world and inheriting a true and eternal life in Him as His kingdom!
Without the foundation of a kingdom being built upon the faith of a believer, could Christ do many works among us today?
Acts 19:8-9
Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way.
NIV
Matt 16:15
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
NIV
SW
Ps 50
The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.
He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:
"Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice." And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah
"Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you
I am God, your God.
I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.
If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
But to the wicked, God says:
"What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips ?
You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.
When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.
You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.
You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother's son.
These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you.
But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face.
"Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue: He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."
NIV
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