Is the Bible logical?

The Question:

I have had several conversations with people lately who were basically asking that question. Is the Bible logical? Can it be understood by human reasoning? What about supposed contradictions in the accounts? And questions such as these.

The Answer:

I’ve been thinking about this and want to share what I’ve come up with so far:

First of all, it seems to me that when we are trying to decide if the Bible is logical, we must define what we mean by "logical". Everybody thinks that they are logical, but they often come to very different conclusions when reasoning out the same thing. Why?

Well, there are obviously different kinds of logic. While I might not think of them all, it seems to me that normal human logic roughly falls into these categories:

1. Common Sense Logic

Common sense logic is what most people use when they reason things out. It is based on their mental capacity and previous training. Since we all have slightly to radically different abilities and training, common sense logic is based on a widely divergent set of "givens" which naturally will produce mildly to totally different results. This is why so many people can read the same verse of scripture and come up with such different interpretations of it. This is also a major cause of disunity in the Body of Christ, because if we don’t start from the same premises, how can we ever reach the same conclusions?

2. Empirical logic

Empirical logic is a more defined and static way of viewing things based on the scientific method. Here a hypothesis is formulated based on observations, then the hypothesis is tested experimentally, and the hypothesis is either confirmed or re-formulated based on experimental results. Although this method is better than Common Sense logic in that the premises on which it is based are defined, it still can yield different results due to the bias of the experimenter, unknown variables, and the like. Plus it is only capable of "proving" empirical truths - that is those things which can be felt, touched, tasted, heard or otherwise measured. So in the context of Biblical logic, we use empirical logic when evaluating data such as archaeological finds, or when evaluating texts that concern observable natural phenomena, but for most of the Bible that is concerned with non-empirical truths, empirical logic is useless in evaluating it.

3. Modern Philosophical Logic

Modern Philosophical Logic is the strict rules of logic used in modern times in the study of philosophy. They involve such things as the Law of Identity (A=A), and the Law of Non-Contradiction (A thing cannot be itself and the opposite thing at the same time in the same place in the same way). Although at first glance this may seem to be the ultimate way of obtaining truth, it is only a method for evaluating what we can know by the senses, or what someone else states that they know. It cannot evaluate supernatural events, and it cannot prove a negative. We are also limited here by intellectual capacity and experiential knowledge.

4. Evidentiary Logic

Evidentiary Logic is the form of reasoning used in the justice system to obtain truth based on the rules of evidence, eyewitness testimony, the credibility of witnesses, and so on. Surprisingly, this type of logic is more helpful than the other methods previously listed in understanding the Bible, because our system of justice is based on English Common Law, which is also based to a large extent on Biblical Law. The Bible is a legal book, and a great deal of understanding can be derived from looking at it from an Evidentiary Logical viewpoint. After all it is divided into the Old Testament (Covenant or Contract) and the New Testament (Covenant or Contract). A testament or a covenant is a legal agreement with blessings if it is followed and penalties if it is not. However, Evidentiary Logic also is not helpful in determining the validity of supernatural or spiritual truth.

5. Spiritual Logic

As you might imagine already, although Spiritual logic can and does include some components of the other types listed here, it goes WAY BEYOND anything man can do or think. This is why it is so frustrating when human beings try to make the truth as revealed by the Bible fit into a human mold- it won’t. And if you really want to understand Spiritual Logic you must be willing to try to understand that God’s way of thinking is higher than ours. One reason for this is that God has all the facts, He is all-knowing. Where we only have pieces of the puzzle, God knows the grand design. Another reason that God’s logic is different is He is not limited by time or space. God is also all-powerful, and has the ability to call things that do not now exist into existence. God’s character is truth and love, and He neither deceives nor is subject to deception.

Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah the Prophet tells us the God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. They are of a different magnitude, quality and quantity than we can possibly aspire to. When we try to limit God to our way of thinking, we are denying ourselves a whole new realm of understanding.

Also when we oppose God’s Word and His thoughts, it is the lesser trying to contain the greater. We are saying that in the confines of our human reasoning, which at best is extremely limited, that God is wrong and we are right. What presumption, ignorance and pride!

Isaiah 55:10-11 "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

God is our Creator and that alone should be cause for us to yield to His wisdom. After all, who knows better how to repair and maintain and operate something than the one who created it?

God didn’t stop being the Creator after the sixth day in Genesis. He still is creating. As in the beginning, when He spoke and it was done, His word is still powerful and full of creative force. None of His words return to Him void or empty, but produce results, accomplishing His desires and achieving His purposes.

What human being can brag that his words are always fruitful, productive, accomplishing results and fulfilling all his desires? No one can. Our words are more often in vain than not!

So when we speak of Spiritual Logic we must first of all acknowledge the source of it and understand that it is God’s character and nature that molds Biblical truth and governs the logic of it. The basic premise of the Bible is "In the beginning God..." And if you read the Book with any other bias, you will not begin to comprehend it.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

This is why the Bible is a faith book, and we must have faith to understand it. The Author’s logic is beyond human logic, and we cannot possibly comprehend all there is to know about Him. So there is a degree of humility that comes with yielding to the higher thoughts of God. And faith is required because it is beyond human understanding.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

This doesn’t mean that you have to "park your brain at the door", and not use your God-given mental abilities. It DOES mean that you need to renew your mind to receive the higher logic from God. The world’s ways of thinking and feeling are NON-transformational.

The Greek word for renewing here is anakainosis {an-ak-ah'-ee-no-sis} meaning a renewal, renovation, and a complete change for the better. God’s thoughts do not fit into our old patterns of thinking based on the world’s mold. We must be transformed to think the way that God does.

Transformed in the Greek is metamorphoo {met-am-or-fo'-o} meaning to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure, as when Christ appearance was changed and was resplendent with divine brightness on the Mount of Transfiguration. This is the root word for metamorphosis, as when a butterfly is transformed from a lowly worm into a beautiful flying thing.

Now a lot of new agers talk about transformation, but they only have human means, molds and methods to try to effect a change. Biblical transformation comes as we renew our minds by God’s thoughts, and change from a human mold of thinking to a spiritual one.

1 Corinthians 2:11-13 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words [or interpreting spiritual truths to spiritual men]

So if Spiritual Logic revolves around God’s thoughts, how can man know them? The Word says that the Spirit of God knows His thoughts and will reveal them to us. Notice that Paul says "that we may understand what God has freely given us". The whole Bible is about God revealing Himself, not concealing Himself. He wants us to understand, and has given us the means by which we can understand Him and His logic.

Now the expression of God’s logic, since it is spiritual, is given in spiritual words and is understood by spiritual people. And our transformation into spiritual people comes first of all when we are born again of the Spirit. And continues as we renew our minds with God’s Word. This is not a function or product of human wisdom but is taught to us by the Spirit.

I Corinthians 2:14-16 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

This is why the "natural man" using human methods of logic does not accept spiritual things. They seem foolishness to him and he cannot understand them, because their source is not intellectual but spiritual. The spiritual man is able to discern or make judgements about spiritual things, but himself is not subject to human logic or discernment.

Paul makes an awesome statement here. WE have the mind of Christ. Together we compose Christ’s body and as His Body we have access to His intellect and reasoning ability which is far superior to and also not subject to man’s logic. The limits are off! We have access to the Spiritual Logic that undergirds the Bible in two ways then: God has given us the Holy Spirit to teach us and we have access through the Spirit to the mind of Christ.

As far as God is concerned, then, we are without excuse when we claim that we cannot know God or understand Him. If we rely on human logic only, of whatever type, we will not be able to understand God. But if we are born again of the Spirit, and yield to God’s wisdom, we can know God, understand Him, and in some sense, be like Him.

So what are some characteristics of Spiritual Logic or Biblical Reasoning that I’ve observed that are different from human logic?

A. Biblical Reasoning isn’t linear

Normal human logic goes from point A to point B to point C and so on. If you are at all familiar with logic, you are familiar with IF, THEN, ELSE statements. IF something is true, THEN this happens, ELSE something else happens. But in the kingdom of God, reasoning is much more complex than that, and lack of understanding can arise when events don’t flow as we expect them to.

Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. "Work together" is sunergeo {soon-erg-eh'-o} meaning 1) to work together, help in work, be partner in labor 2) to put forth power together with and thereby to assist.

Therefore our knowledge includes the realization that ALL things are working together in partnership and in power to assist in bringing forth our good, even when that working together is nonlinear.

My daughter recently got braces. I didn’t think her teeth were that crooked, but she did, so she contracted to pay for them herself. Well, I expected to go, get her wired up and that was it. I knew the wires had to be tightened ever so
often, but didn’t realize how complicated it all would be.

The first visit was an exam, and then they filled her mouth full of yucky stuff to make an impression of how the teeth were placed naturally. Then we met with the dentist to discuss what needed to be done.

For one thing, it turned out that her upper palate is too narrow in the back and they had to put an expander in for a while. Then they had to put stretchers between her back teeth to be able to put the braces in.

Then metal thingeys were glued on some of her teeth and wired together, but others weren’t in alignment yet and she has several springs in her mouth that are guiding other teeth into place, which will be removed after a while, and have metal thingeys pasted on them.

And every time she goes, she gets different colored bands that do this and that. Anyway, it isn’t a simple thing, somewhat like Biblical Reasoning. We think it’s just a matter of slipping into some "spiritual braces" and getting all the crooked parts straight all at once, but sometimes God has to do a certain work at a certain time before He can do something else later.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he
might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

As we yield to His superior knowledge, we make the work of conforming us to the image of His Son a lot easier. But when we rebel against His plans, and try to tell Him how it should be done, it’s like trying to tell the orthodontist his business. If the dentist did it your way, not only would your teeth not be straight and in alignment, but you could permanently damage your mouth.

B. Biblical Reasoning isn’t circular

A circular argument is one that uses its premises to prove its conclusions. Anything that does not fit the mold is discarded. As we’ve seen above, no human form of reasoning is infallible and complete, so any human argument is based to a greater or lesser degree on false premises. When something comes into discussion that doesn’t agree with these false premises, it is either thrown out or twisted to fit the false premises, which includes most Biblical knowledge.

2 Corinthians 10:12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

An example of human circular reasoning is involved in the theory of evolution. An important "proof" of evolution is the fossil evidence, which is evaluated by its perceived place in the Geologic Column. Now the Geologic Column is basically a time line that tells which fossil comes from which period: Pre-Cambrian, Cambrian, Mesozoic, Jurassic, etc. When I first heart of the Geologic Column I was all excited and set to visit the Geologic Column State Park, where I could see this wondrous piece of evolutionary history.

Imagine my disappointment and chagrin to discover that the Geologic Column DOES NOT EXIST IN NATURE. It is a theoretical construct that is the guide or rule by which the position of fossils in time are determined. How are the characteristics of each geologic period determined? By the fossils found in them. How do you determine which period the fossils are in? By the geologic period that produced them. Sounds circular to me.

Since God is truth the premises of Biblical Reasoning are true, and when you base reasoning on true premises, then the conclusions will be true. And since God is all-knowing, there are no facts that are excluded from consideration to HIM. And since He cannot be deceived, there is no falsity.

C. Biblical Reasoning is based on some things we know, some things we don’t know, and some things that we are not able to know.

I Corinthians 2:6-7 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

There is some wisdom that is hidden from the average person. And God hid it before time began! So the average person using normal human reasoning will never find it. When God hides something, you AIN’T gonna find it! LOL

And nobody else in this age, not even the rulers can find it either. But God didn’t hide it from those who are born of the Spirit and have come into maturity. No, before time even began, God planned that we would receive this wisdom and that it would bring us glory!

I Corinthians 2:8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Biblical reasoning is based on God’s secret wisdom, which the world cannot know. If the rulers of this age could have found it out or understood it, they would not have crucified Jesus, the Lord of glory.

I Corinthians 2:9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

Through human reasoning we simply cannot figure God out, we cannot begin to imagine who He is, and what He has planned for those who love Him. He paves His streets with gold! What a lavish waste and how impractical to our way of thinking!

I Corinthians 2:10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

So there are some things involved in Biblical Reasoning that we don’t know and some that we are not able to know as humans. BUT - aren’t you glad that there are but’s in the Bible? But God HAS REVEALED it to US by His Spirit!

Matthew 16:17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

Biblical Reasoning is typically called "revelation knowledge". When Peter declared that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus applauded him for receiving that revelation, not from human reasoning, but from the heavenly Father. Of course Peter was chastised in the same chapter from receiving a revelation from the devil as well! So we’ve got to be careful WHO we hear!

D. Faith is basically trusting God for what we are not able to know.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of  what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Well, what is faith, where does faith come from, why is it important, and how can you develop it? I’m glad you asked those questions! First of all, what is faith? How would you define it?

Very simply put, faith is basically trusting God for those things we are not able to know, based on His promises in the Word and our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

In a natural sense we use faith everyday. We wake up every morning and expect the sun to be in the sky. Why? Because based on past experience, the sun has come up every morning, and we expect it to continue to do so. [Although technically speaking the sun does not "come up", it just seems to do that as the earth revolves on its axis.]

We also wake up each day expecting the law of gravity to still hold true. We expect to plant our feet on the floor, stand up and walk (assuming we don’t have a disability). This is a natural use of faith; you might call it "common sense" faith. If you think about it, most of our daily living is based on this kind of faith.

How is Biblical faith different from "common sense" faith? The difference lies only in the object of our faith, which is Jesus.

So we can start with what we already know about faith - expecting something to happen based on what has happened in the past - and learn how this relates to believing in Jesus.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith in Greek is pistis {pis'-tis} meaning: a conviction of the truth of anything, a belief. In the New Covenant it is a conviction or belief about man's relationship to God and divine things, along with trust and holy enthusiasm born of faith and
joined with it.

Faith in God is the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and giver of eternal salvation through Christ.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a strong and cherished conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah who brings us eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.

Faith is also used in the sense of the body of religious beliefs of Christians, the record in the Bible of our trust (or confidence) in God and in Christ. Faith is also fidelity, faithfulness, and the character of one who can be relied on. [From
Strong’s Concordance]

Vine’s says that the main elements of our faith are:

1) a firm conviction, persuasion and certainty which produces a full acceptance of God’s revelation or truth. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

2) Which leads to a personal surrender to Him - John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

3) And involves a conduct inspired by such a surrender - 2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

It is NOT just mental agreement with the Bible. It is also not an opinion or scriptural proof. Faith in Christ is a conviction of WHO He is as well as what He did and does for us, and implies active obedience to Him.

My granddaddy used to say "Faith has feet", expressing his conviction that if you truly believe, it will lead to action. When we say we have faith in or believe in Jesus Christ, it also means that we are ready to serve as He directs.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Substance in the Greek is hupostasis {hoop-os'-tas-is} meaning: a setting or placing under; the thing put under, substructure, foundation; that which has foundation, is firm, has actual existence, a substance, real being, the substantial quality, nature, of a person or thing, the steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage, resolution, confidence, firm trust, assurance.

So faith is not a "blind leap into the dark" as some have said. It is based on a solid foundation, has actual existence and real being. It is steadfast, firm, courageous, confidence and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Faith has a substance or a foundation. That foundation is Jesus. Because of His life, death and resurrection for us, we have a foundation for trusting God.

God showed us His love by sending Jesus to die for us. And Jesus showed his love for us by willingly becoming the sacrifice for our sins WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS! And the substance or foundation of our faith brings HOPE.

I Peter 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into A LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

This foundation of what Jesus has done for us in the New Covenant gives us something to hope for. When we are born again, we enter a hope that is alive because it is based on our living Savior.

This hope is not only for this life, but the life to come where we have an eternal inheritance being kept for us. Faith, which is the substance or foundation of this living hope, also shields us or protects us by God’s power until Jesus comes again.

Hope in Greek is elpis {el-pece'} from a primary elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); meaning primarily an expectation of good, hope; in the Christian sense a joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation. Hope is happily waiting on Jesus to fulfill what He says He’ll do.

Hope also refers to the author or foundation of our hope, which is Jesus, and the thing hoped for, eternal salvation and all that it implies.

Now in English, hope sometimes is used in a negative way. Like, "Do you think you’ll get that job?" You say, "I hope so!" meaning you’re not at all sure, and probably doubt that it will happen. But hope in a New Covenant sense is living hope.

The word translated lively or living here is zao {dzah'-o} meaning 1) to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead); to enjoy real life; to have true life and worthy of the name; active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God; to live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living and acting; of mortals or character; living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul; metaphorically to be in full vigor, to be fresh, strong, efficient, as an adjective, active, powerful, efficacious.

So this hope is not a maybe so, probably NOT, eh, what difference does it make? kind of thing. It is alive, not dead, a blessed, endless, powerful, vigorous, fresh, strong, efficient hope that is founded on Jesus and what He did for us.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

The substance or foundation of the things we are hoping for is our faith in Jesus, and He is faithful to keep His promises to us. This foundation is more firm and more dependable than the law of gravity or any other thing that we have "common sense" faith in. So just as we expect the sun to rise each day, and for gravity to work each time we wake up, we can expect Jesus to do as He has promised us.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

To be justified is to be declared in right standing with God, righteous, "not guilty" of the consequences of our sins through faith in Jesus.

And we are now at peace WITH God, so we have the peace OF God. We do not fear God’s wrath because Jesus has already suffered wrath for us.

And we did not gain this standing with God through works of the law, or good deeds, or anything that we have done, but through faith by grace - the unmerited, unearned favor and mercy of God.

And we have the hope of the glory of God. Glory is doxa {dox'-ah} in Greek, in this context referring to God’s splendor, brightness, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace, majesty, and His absolute perfection. And our hope
is that when we are resurrected, we will enter into the glorious condition of blessedness that has been appointed and promised for us.

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

So we have a hope for the future, which is to enter the glory of God. And this hope is a lively hope that we received when we received Jesus.

But we also have another type of hope that comes from suffering, because suffering produces perseverance, endurance and long-suffering as we continue in faith.

And perseverance under suffering produces God’s character in us as we yield to Him. And as God’s character is produced in us, that strengthens our hope, that indeed one day we shall enter His glory and be with Him forever.

Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

And during all this process of suffering, endurance, being conformed or molded to the image of God’s Son, we rejoice in hope and God pours out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

This isn’t a picture of a "gloomy doomy" Christian, is it? But one who rejoices IN SPITE OF the circumstances that may seem to be against us.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

So we’ve talked about the substance or foundation for our faith, based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which causes a living hope to spring up within us. What does the word "evidence" mean? And how can you have "evidence" of   things you can’t see?

Evidence is elegchos {el'-eng-khos} meaning 1) a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested 2) conviction. This has the connotation of proving a truth by witnesses in a court of law, and bringing a conclusion or verdict.

Jesus said in John 14:10-11 (Weymouth) "Do you not believe that I am in my Father and my Father is in me? The things that I say, I speak not from my own mind. But my Father lives in me and he does the work. I tell you that I am in my Father and my Father is in me. But you do not believe me. So then let the work that I do prove it to you."

John 14:11 (NIV) Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

Jesus pointed to the miracles He preformed as evidence or proof that the Father is in him. He was asking His disciples to test the truthfulness of His calling by examining the evidence of His miracles.

Jesus did not expect them or us to trust Him blindly, but to examine His works and see what sort of things He did, and what their source was. So what are the evidences on which our faith is based? There are three evidences that God has given whereby we can know Him:

Romans 1:19-20 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Faith Evidence #1) Creation implies a Creator

And the magnificence and complexity of what has been made speaks of the awesome knowledge and wisdom of our Creator. And although the creation has been corrupted by sin, it still bears enough of the stamp of its Creator to speak of His provision and care.

And the Word tells us that what is seen or visible is evidence of God’s invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - are clearly seen. A wise man could look at that evidence alone and understand the nature of God our Creator, because it has been made plain.

Psalm 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

The Psalmist also speaks of this evidence of God’s glory in the heavens and in the skies. It’s like they daily speak to us, and nightly give a glorious display of   knowledge about God. And this daily testimony is heard all over the world. The Creation itself is enough to give "eye witness" evidence for our faith in God. But God chose to reveal Himself more fully to us in Evidence for faith #2 - the Word.

Faith Evidence #2)  The Word

Titus 1:1-3 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of  God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-- a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season HE BROUGHT HIS WORD TO LIGHT THROUGH THE PREACHING entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior

The Bible is God’s love letter to us and through the humble pages of ink and print He speaks to us of His affection and regard for us. The Bible is like no other book in the Word, because it is the only Book that comes with the Author as also our personal interpreter of it.

Hebrews 4:12 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.

The Word of God is also alive. It cuts deeply and keenly into the heart of man, and judges the thoughts and intents of the heart. It is active, and as you read it and meditate upon it, it has the power to transform you into the image of Christ.

The Bible is awesome in the fact that 40 people from all walks of life over about a 1600 year period speak with the same voice about God’s character and might. It is a revelation of who God is as He walks with man through man’s greatest sin and brings man through Jesus into His greatest triumph.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

The Bible is also different from any other book in that it is specifically written that you may know Him who is calling you with love. It is evidence that speaks directly to the heart, and has the power to deliver you from all destruction. It brings light and new lift to the spirit.

Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."

Faith Evidence #3) The inner witness of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

The inner witness of the Holy Spirit is the third evidence of  God’s love for us. His Spirit testifies with our spirits that we are Sons of God. The love of God is poured forth in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

And the Holy Spirit is the teacher of our new nature - our reborn spirits - that we receive when we believe in Jesus as Savior, confess our sins, and ask to be added to the New Covenant of grace.

We are not saved by our works or merits, but by God’s unearned love and gracious favor which is available freely for all. Now this third witness is not activated in our lives until we are born again, because we are spiritually dead and can’t communicate with God because sin - wrong living and thought patterns - blocks His voice.

So faith has substance - it is based on our firm foundation in Christ and what He did for us on the cross and by the resurrection. And faith is based on evidence - given to us by creation, the Word of God and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. Now, where do you get faith?

Three Measures of  Faith

Faith is measured out or apportioned to us in three ways: the initial measure, our developed faith, and the Gift of Faith.

Measure of Faith #1 - Initial Portion - Given to all men.

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

A measure of faith is given to each one by God. We spoke before of "common sense" faith that we use in our every day lives, probably without realizing it. God has given all of us "the  measure" of faith, enough to believe in Jesus and begin our walk of faith.

Measure is metron {met'-ron} meaning 1) measure, an instrument for measuring 1a) a vessel for receiving and determining the quantity of things, whether dry or liquid 1b) a graduated staff for measuring, a measuring rod 1c) proverbially, the rule or standard of judgment 2) determined extent, portion measured off, measure or limit 2a) the required measure, the due, fit, measure

Has given is merizo {mer-id'-zo} meaning 1) to divide 1a) to separate into parts, cut into pieces 1a1) to divide into parties, i.e. be split into factions 1b) to distribute 1b1) a thing among people 1b2) bestow, impart.

This word comes from meros {mer'-os} from meiromai (to get as a section or allotment); meaning 1) a part 1a) a part due or assigned to one 1b) lot, destiny 2) one of the constituent parts of a whole 2a) in part, partly, in a measure, to some degree, as respects a part, severally, individually 2b) any particular, in regard to this, in this respect.

So God has given, bestowed, destined each one of us a part or measure of faith. We each start out with THE measure of faith, and what we do with it is up to us. What have you done with YOUR measure of faith? Have you applied it to believing in the Lord Jesus Christ? Or squandered it in doubt, fear, and unbelief?

Measure of Faith #2 - Developed Faith - by the believer.

After using our God-alloted initial measure of faith to believe in Jesus Christ, then it is up to us to develop or increase our faith.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Faith COMES by hearing the Word of God. You don’t have to work for it, or sweat over it, and cry out for it - it COMES when you hear the Word of God.

Hearing implies more than just casual reading or even mental assent to the words on a page. It implies receiving, understanding, accepting and practicing what the Holy Spirit has inspired godly men to record for us.

If you lack faith IN God, how much time do you spend with the Word OF God? If  your faith is weak, are you spending time whining and complaining and blaming God because things aren’t going well for you? What a waste! Silence yourself  and hear what God is saying in His Word, for then faith WILL COME to you.

Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

You can build your faith by reading and meditating on the Word and through prayer, especially praying in the Spirit. And since faith to a large extent determines what we receive from God, the more you build your faith, the more victorious a Christian life you will have.

Measure of Faith #3 - The Gift of Faith - Given by the Holy Spirit as He wills.

I Corinthians 12:8-10 To one there is given through the Spirit the message [word] of wisdom, to another the message [word] of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

The third measure or allotment of faith is the Gift of Faith, given by the Holy Spirit to different members of the Body of Christ as He wills and sees necessary to get something specific done. This is one of the "Spiritual Gifts" that Paul specifically refers to in I Corinthians 12:8-10, and is resident in the Church, not in a specific believer. The person that the Holy Spirit allots the Gift of Faith to in a specific situation may not even normally have much faith, but is yielded to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and is willing to receive it if it's God's will.

The Gift of Faith is a measure of faith granted to us by the Holy Spirit above and beyond what we can develop normally. It may linger for a moment or an extended period of time.

The Gift of Faith is an absolute assurance, a unwavering trust, an uncompromising confidence and a supernatural knowledge that what God says that He is going to do in a certain situation WILL happen PERIOD, no doubts, no confusion, no question, no fear. The Gift of Faith is certainty is beyond how faith usually works, with its trials and struggles and doubts. And this is a gift that the Holy Spirit gives that supercedes even the best faith of the most spiritual Christians. And it can be given to someone who usually doesn’t have that much faith.

In conclusion, we have covered several types of logic that man uses to try to know and understand reality. We looked at Common Sense Logic, Empirical logic, Modern Philosophical Logic, Evidentiary Logic and Spiritual Logic.

Is the Bible Logical? Yes, but the primary type of logic used in the Bible is Spiritual Logic, based on God’s way of thinking, not man’s. It is nonlinear, noncircular, creative and transformational. It is based on things we do know, things we don’t know, and things as finite human beings we cannot know. It is faith-based, not sense-based. And it draws on the living hope in Christ Jesus.

We learned that faith has a foundation, and that is the birth, life, death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We also learned that faith has three evidences: the Creation, the Word of God, and the inner witness of the Holy
Spirit. Faith also has three measures - the initial measure given to ALL men, the developing process by the believer, and the Gift of Faith given by the Holy Spirit.

Above all, you do not receive the full ability to comprehend Spiritual Logic until you enter the New Covenant of grace by way of the blood of Jesus, and receive Him as your Savior. So all the mental reasoning and argument that you can entertain with strictly human logic will fall short in bringing you to a complete understanding of who God is and what the Bible is all about.

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