The New Testament has stood the test of time. It has brought peace to the hearts of the troubled, hope to those without hope, and salvation to those that will walk in its way. Although unceasingly attacked and undermined by skeptics, infidels, and atheists - it has stood and will stand until the final Judgment Day of the Almighty. It is that Judgment Day, in which we shall give an answer for the deeds done in the flesh (John 5:28-30 and 2 Corinthians 5:10), that makes it necessary for God to reveal His will in the Book of Books.
The Rationalism Movement of the late 1600s and following had an undermining effect on the Bible as God's Word. It contributed to a few of our founding fathers to considering themselves as Deists. Thomas Jefferson, draftsman of our constitution and third president, edited a New Testament with the miracles removed to reveal the essence of Christianity. Some, today, worship the red letter editions of the Bible for the same motivation - not realizing all of the Bible is the Word of the True and Living God.
The consequence is indeed a tragedy for those desiring to build their life ("house") on the solid rock of God's Word as Jesus suggested (Matthew 7:24-28). The unbelievers or infidels claim the New Testament could not have been written by the supposed authors like Peter, James, and Paul; as it was not penned until the third or fourth century. Most if not all, are either intellectually dishonest, or their scholarship is sorrowfully wanting. There is no reason to doubt the Gospels were written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Three of the four were disciples during Christ's personal ministry. Luke, who also wrote the Book of Acts, was a careful historian (Acts 1:1ff) who traced the events of Christ's ministry and was often present when he penned Acts, as indicated by his use of "we."
Jesus refers to the Bible as the "Word of God" and warns against making it of none effect by our traditions (Mark 7:13). He also, during his temptation in the wilderness admonished, "It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God" (Luke 4:4). Almost everyone recognizes that the Bible alone contains the words of God. The Apostle Peter expressed it this way, (2 Peter 1:20-21) "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
The reason miracles are under attack is that the basic purpose of miracles is not understood. In Mark 16:14ff, after upbraiding the eleven for not believing those who had seen Him after His resurrection (a true miracle), He then commanded them to preach the gospel to every creature (verse 15). Jesus then gives a list of signs or miracles that would confirm their preaching efforts. After being received into Heaven the record reads, "they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following" (verse 20). Miracles confirm that the preaching and teaching by theses inspired men were indeed the words of God. In fact, it was the miracle of His resurrections that God declared him to be His Son (Romans 1:4). Without Bible miracles, there is no Christianity.
Dale I. Royal, Elk City OK
