By Shane Kastler
Opponents of Christianity sometimes claim that Christians are merely duped into believing a lie. Such fundamental Christian teachings as the resurrection, the divinity of Jesus, and the trustworthiness of the Bible are attacked as mythical. So, is Christianity based on fact or fiction?
Simon Peter would have been one of the best people to answer this question. Not only was he one of the twelve disciples, but was also part of a select group within the twelve (along with James and John); who frequently witnessed aspects of Jesus's life that others didn't see. Did Peter believe Christianity was based on a lie? Certainly not. He wrote, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” (2 Peter 1:16-18)
Peter is referring to the transfiguration of Jesus (Matt. 17:1-8). An event when the Lord began to gloriously shine, as Moses and Elijah appeared with him; while Peter, James, and John looked on. From the three disciples perspective, this put an end to any speculation as to who Jesus was. He was the Son of God; and they witnessed His glory with their own eyes. But did Peter merely make this story up to promote Christianity?
One major argument against this would be the fact that Peter (along with most of the disciples) was eventually killed for his faith. While someone might argue that Peter and others faked events in order to spearhead a movement; it would be highly unlikely for a person to continue the ruse unto death. Peter was crucified for his Christian faith. Would he have taken the lie to his grave? Very, very unlikely.
Furthermore, what about the other apostles? They too would have to be in on the lie; yet they too died martyr's deaths in a stubborn and unyielding allegiance to Jesus Christ and the truth of the Christian faith. If Christianity were fake, someone would have cracked. Someone would have come forth and outed the scam in order to save their own neck. But no one ever did. The only logical conclusion to come to..... is that Christianity is exactly what Jesus and the apostles claimed it was. Our faith in Christ is well-founded; and our belief in Him will be rewarded.
In a world full of “fake news” you can rest assured that the gospel is the real deal. Trust in Christ today, and let the naysayers howl as they will. Christianity isn't based on mythology. It's based on historical fact. The gospel is not “fake news” but rather “good news.” In fact, it is the best you will ever hear.
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