Our generation has seen science and technology take quantum leaps in their advancements. We now have access to information that was heretofore inaccessible. When the Bible stated in Daniel 12: 4, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” we could hardly have imagined how far science and education have come.
Our daily fare of television includes investigative reporting, “tell-all” news scoops and the proliferation of crime dramas such as CSI (Las Vegas, Miami, and New York), NCIS, Cold Case, Bones, and Without a Trace. These all rely on the latest forensic methods of DNA comparisons, exhumations, ballistics, autopsies, handwriting specialists and many other sources in order to reach their most accurate conclusions based on their science.
Professional, expert witnesses are paid thousands of dollars to help decide court cases. Their expertise is based on the facts they have gathered, or been given, along with their evaluation of these facts. Juries are expected to render the verdict on the basis of which side has the most conclusive evidence to support their claim. Eyewitness testimony is one of the least convincing aspects the jury will consider because two eyewitnesses will usually contradict each other in some aspect of their testimony. The most convincing expert testimony is not usually an eyewitness to the event but the first-hand testimony of the medical examiner who performed the tests.
Forensics has been defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as, “Pertaining to, connected with, or used in courts of law or public discussion and debate; the art or study of argumentation and formal debate relating to the use of science or technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence in a court of law.” Forensics is now able to settle questions or guilt or innocence, accuracy or inaccuracy, or genuine or counterfeit with reliability never before attainable. Forensic science can settle the question forever.
For most of us, forensics and faith are never used in the same building, much less the same conversation. Society tends to see them as mutually exclusive. When it comes to our Christianity, it has seemed that the scientists scoffed at our faith and the people of faith were intimidated by science. There is, however, a place in the Bible where God joined them as only He could. Let’s go the Scriptures and see what Greek nuggets we can find.
Luke 1:1-3 says, “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were ‘eyewitnesses’ (Greek, autoptes Strong’s 845, “self-seeing, to see for oneself, eye witness”), and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus (Lit. ‘Lover of God’), That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”
Luke was a physician by education. He was a man of science in his day yet, he became a follower of Christ and an assistant to Paul in his missionary ministry. Dr. Luke uses the word “autopsy” in his writing to Theophilus to describe the detail with which he undertook the responsibility for certifying the reliability of the narratives that had been written about Christ’s ministry on earth. Luke would approach this task the way many forensic specialists approach their responsibilities. Truth was his goal and he would not compromise the integrity of his intelligence by issuing a false report.
The first four verses of Luke’s gospel give such unparalleled assurance to the faith of Theophilus and consequently to us. Luke states in the literal Greek language in verse 1 that, after closely examining and verifying the “autopsy” (eyewitnesses), I am writing to confirm the reliability of your instruction.
In verse 2, Luke states that these witnesses were also made custodians of the Word. They were given responsibility for the narratives (“declaration”) and they did not break the chain of evidence whereby the reports could have been compromised.
Verses 3 and 4 quote Luke saying to Theophilus that he had thoroughly and accurately investigated the sources for the details being taught about Christ’s life. Therefore, he was ready to write Theophilus a systematic, forensic testimony, suitable for a court of law, to assure him that, what he had been taught was absolutely and completely reliable.
Remember, this Gospel by Luke was written circa 60 AD so approximately 30 years had passed since Christ’s ascension. It was imperative that the teachings about Christ be verified before any more time elapsed. Believers had to be assured that their faith was based on indisputable facts, not fiction.
We also have the eyewitness testimony of John who said we have seen Him, heard Him and we have touched Him. Therefore, we know He is the Christ. Paul saw Christ and spoke with Him on the Damascus Road. Peter was an eyewitness to Christ’s complete earthly ministry. These are just a few of the many incontrovertible witnesses who could come to the witness stand and declare the validity of our faith in God. The Bible record is, and always has been, “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
Luke’s letter to Theophilus gives us great assurance for our faith today. We are not walking in “blind” faith. Our walk with Christ is not a hope so, maybe so religion. We can rest assured that not only was the autopsy done, but Luke meticulously checked the autopsy to authenticate its accuracy. This man of science and faith said the record of Jesus Christ’s birth, ministry, miracles, suffering, crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension are all completely without error.
Our faith in Jesus Christ is a forensic faith. It has stood the test of time and can be declared openly and confidently in a public forum. It has withstood the attacks of the adversaries and it has retained its veracity under the scrutiny of the skeptics. Whether in the court of public opinion or in the closet of prayer, our faith has been fortified by Dr. Luke’s autopsy. He placed it under the microscope of intense examination and could then concur with the words spoken by John: “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
Believe God’s Word today: you can’t go wrong by believing what’s right! There is more you can explore in this rich vein.
****A Personal Word to Our Readers from Dr. Frazier****
There are great insights to be derived from the study of the Greek New Testament. Each month I will endeavor to share a nugget of truth from the Book of Truth, God’s Eternal Word. These will be concise and should not intrude into your time or opportunity to explore the richness of the vein from which they were extracted. That is for you and the Holy Spirit to excavate together. These nuggets are just to let you know where to begin the digging, if you so desire. They are NOT designed to be an exhaustive commentary providing all the answers on the subject. The Spirit will guide you in how deep to dig. Please feel free to share your questions, observations or insights with our readers and me.
Website: http://www.donfrazier.com
Author: Donald Frazier
| Author's Website: http://donfrazier.com
Written: 06/01/2008
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Category: Golden Nuggets
Comments: 5
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Dr. Frazier, I would never have thought of connecting "autopsy" with Luke's writings, but I really enjoyed the comparison. You are absolutely right:
Never heard that before but WOW!
The scripture, The Grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall live forever" comes to mind when I read your excellent article. God's Word will never be defeated, and believers don't have to be shaken by this world's attempts to destroy it.
Tremendous writing. So thankful SouthernGospelNews has you as a featured writer and hope they will continue to print your writings! Always a great read!
This is great stuff. Great writing! Thank you.
Cliff Cerce
The Cerces, PO Box 8525, Springfield, MO 65801
417-863-8440
http://www.thecerces.com
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