To be a Christian, one must believe in certain historical events—that Jesus existed, died, and was resurrected. As we have seen previously, this requires an element of faith because we do not have absolute proof these events actually occurred. They occurred over 2,000 years ago, in a different culture, and involve a very extraordinary event—the resurrection of a man from the dead.
However, there is more to Christianity than just these historical events; there is a meaning to these events. Christianity teaches the purpose of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection was to pay the penalty for our sins and to restore us to a right relationship with God. How do we this is true? The Bible tells us the meaning of these events but we have no proof for it; we must take this on faith.
It is obvious that in all aspects of Christianity, faith is essential. “. . . without faith it is impossible to please him . . .” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV) The Bible defines faith as “. . .the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV). To be a Christian, we must believe in things we cannot know or see. Why did God construct our existence in this manner? If God is who he says he is, he could have given us certainty but he did not. God must have a reason for doing. So why do I see so few Christians trying to determine what that reason is? Does the Bible tell us why?
