We live in a society that wants proof of virtually everything. Failing to prove something is seen as a failure unless you can get some others to agree with your theory. Then proof is no longer needed because you have a consensus. If enough people agree about some theory then it must be true. A perfect example is human-influenced global warming. There is not now and never will be proof that humanity causes changes in the climate but there is consensus among some scientists and politicians. Therefore the American public should automatically believe that it is true. The old adage is true. If you can tell the same lie often enough some will believe it. When people come to believe that something is true based, not on proof, but on consensus then it becomes a matter of faith. You must trust those who have reached consensus believing what they say is true. The problem is that they are as human as you and I and therefore prone to errors and mistakes. They can all be right or they can all be wrong. How do you know?
Now proof, consensus and faith all enter into religion yes, even Christianity. There are groups of Christians that want proof of many things God revels to us in His word. None of the things that they want proven can be. Prove the six day creation. Prove the universal flood. Prove the account of Jonah. Prove Jesus bodily resurrection. Failing to have the ability to prove any of these they turn to consensus. If a group of “leading theologians” denies some of the truths of Scripture then they must be held in doubt. Once again, this becomes a matter of faith. Faith that these theologians together know more and receive more than a humble run-of-the-mill Christian.
It is all a matter of faith isn’t it? When you contemplate what you believe especially those doctrines we confess in the creeds, you must come to the conclusion that “I cannot by my own reason and strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him.” We confess these truths together in consensus not because we have come to the same conclusions or deductions, but because we have each and all been called by the gospel and enlightened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In May, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. Thank the triune God with me that by the power of the Holy Spirit we have been united with Christ and with each other and so are all children of the Heavenly Father!
In Christ,
Pastor Brege
Reverend William Brege's Sermon Archive:
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Last updated May 11, 2008
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