Editorial -- By: Ron J. Bigalke, Jr.

Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 19:57 (Summer 2015)
Article: Editorial
Author: Ron J. Bigalke, Jr.


Editorial

Ron J. Bigalke

The historicity of a document is based upon the closeness in time of the writers to the accounts that they are recording. Either by eyewitnesses or by those who received what they wrote from eyewitnesses were the New Testament accounts of the life of Christ recorded (Luke 1:1–3; 3:1; John 19:35; 2 Pet 1:16; 1 John 1:3; etc.). The early church not only preached their testimony concerning Jesus Christ among friendly witnesses, but also among those who confronted them using aggressive and violent tactics concerning the fundamental precepts of the Christian faith. The disciples could not risk inaccuracy or manipulation of such vital propositions since those less than enthusiastic individuals – who regarded the Lord’s person and work as scandalous – could refute those precepts. The foundational element of the apostolic preaching was the bold and confident appeal to the experience and knowledge of their listeners. Not only could they proclaim witness of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, but also could say, “just as you yourselves know” (Acts 2:22, 32).

Konrad Adenauer (1876–1967) had an interesting relationship with the United States. When the Nazis rose to power, he was replaced as mayor of Cologne, and imprisoned for a brief time in 1934. The United States liberated Cologne, and reappointed Adenauer as mayor. Eventually, he formed the Christian Democratic Union as a new political party. Adenauer experienced an interesting life as statesman, with many challenges. Nevertheless, his answer to the question of the most important thing in the world was the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He said, “If Jesus Christ is alive, then there is hope for the world. If not, I don’t see the slightest glimmer of hope on the horizon.” Adenauer confessed, “I believe Christ’s resurrection to be one of the best- attested facts of history.”

When Socrates faced death, he was asked, “Shall we live again?” The philosopher replied, “I hope so.” Conversely, on the night prior to his beheading, Sir Walter Raleigh recorded the following words in his Bible: “When we have wander’d all our ways, shuts up the story of our days; but from this earth, this grave, this dust, my God shall raise me up, I trust.” How would you respond to the question, “If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:14). Job answered his question by stating, “As for me, I know that my R...

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