This is written in case anyone asks about my faith. Somewhere in Scripture mentions being prepared to give an answer to as to the reason for the hope you have. So, here goes: Yes, the source of my faith is the Bible, which is the Word of God. Why? Because it is the most reliable source of truth in this world, as Scripture itself declares:
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
There are so many Christian churches and denominations that speak in the name of God, but very few take seriously the source material. When my eternal destiny is at stake, either going to Heaven or Hell, I have to get it right. What Penn Jillete cites as the most effective way to become an Atheist, I cite as the most effective way to be a true believer. Let me say it again: Eternity is at stake. When you're exposed to the reality of the possibility of going to Hell, the very thing I wish to avoid, I am implored to stick to and follow the very source material that warns of Hell, if I am to have any hope of going to Heaven when I die. Yes, this is fear, literal fear.
I recognize that this kind of fear looks like an abusive relationship on Earth, as if I was part of a cult. In fact, one person said that my attitude towards Christianity is comparative to a cult and that there was no point in convincing me to even question my belief in my God. Understood.
I also recognize that I have little to no stake in this world, which may contribute to my belief in my God. Whether Christianity leads me to divorce myself from this world or whether being of low status leads me to Christianity, I don't know.
Still, I believe. Is it because of Pascal's Wager? Well, it does help, but also the reality of this passage:
Joh 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
I cannot fathom becoming a Muslim, a Buddhist, or anyone else but a Christian. In fact, the Word of God at the very least discourages, if not forbids, the learning of other faiths:
Deu 12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
Jer 10:2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
As a side effect, I have peace knowing that there is truth that is absolute. I may be unstable, but God's Word is not. This gives me peace and joy. He is absolutely trustworthy. I hate lies. God doesn't lie.
Am I wasting my time in sticking with Christ? Absolutely not. What is there to gain by being an atheist? We're all going to die anyway, and along the way, our bodies are wasting away, some slow, some fast, but always wasting away. Some people die quickly. So again, what is there to gain by being an atheist when we're all going to die? If Christianity is a cult, then I am a part of a cult. So what.
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