Originally posted by Rank outsider
Can you explain why choosing to believe in the absence of evidence/proof is a good thing? What is good about it?
How would Christianity, in any substantive way, be diminished or materially changed if God did provide this proof?
It is our faith that God desires for his reasons. Why that is what God's desires, I can only
guess that in this life if we live it through faith here in the midst of a sinful world we would
do well in a sinless one later. The life here is temporary while the next one isn't, so given
the chance would you take advantage, steal, lie, with hold good to whom it is due? Will
you hold yourself to the same standard you hold others, will you give the same amount of
slack for those you agree with to those you don't? It is all on us to live our lives as we see
fit and that can be done through faith acting on what we believe or acting on what we
want and see in the here and now. We can justify all of our actions here, but with God He
becomes our plumb line of right and wrong not just our own wills and tastes, or what we
think we can get away with, or justify for ourselves now when earlier we condemn another
for the same thing.
Romans 1:17
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Romans 3:26
It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 4:20
No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,
Galatians 3:11
Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Ephesians 3:12
in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
1 Timothy 3:9
They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.