She doesn't believe everything she hears. She's quick to dismiss the emotional in favor of the intellectual. She knows to second-guess what she sees on TV and reads on the Internet. She's wary of hidden agendas and propaganda. She's calm, critical, and calculated — she's a skeptic.
Being a skeptic isn't always a bad thing. It's good to practice discernment, or you can be taken in by shallow arguments. The problem comes when being a skeptic blinds you to the actual truth. Sometimes you can insulate yourself behind a wall of reason, never realizing that you've blocked out truth.
The Whole Truth
Truth isn't a philosophy, an argument, or a puzzle to solve. Truth is a Person. In John 14:6, Jesus teaches, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Jesus is the only way to God and the only way to freedom. Any worldview or philosophy that teaches something different is a lie. Romans 3:23 affirms, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." You're born separated from God by your sin. Romans 5:8 declares, "God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!" Jesus took your punishment for sin on Himself when He was crucified on the cross. He rose again on the third day and became the only way for your salvation.
For the skeptic, the gospel is often hard to accept. Born into sin? Jesus rising from the dead? Only one way to God? It seems like a dismissible construct — except it's true. Although reason will validate every claim of Christ and prove the gospel true, reason itself won't lead to salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, "By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift — not from works, so that no one can boast." You're saved by His grace alone — His work in your life and the faith He gives you to believe.
Moment of Truth
Maybe you've tried to find salvation through logic and reason. Maybe you've been skeptical about Christ's claims. Make no mistake: Your own wisdom and intellect will always fall short of God's. Lay down your pride and the barriers you've formed in the name of skepticism. Allow God to replace your mind for His. Jesus is who He says He is, and He loves you.
Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." If you choose to believe Jesus died for your sins and to receive new life through Him, pray a prayer similar to this one: Dear God, I know I'm a sinner. I believe Jesus died to forgive me of my sins. I now accept Your offer of eternal life. Thank You for forgiving me. From this day forward, I will choose to follow You.
Thankfully, you aren't meant to follow Christ in isolation. Part of His plan includes uniting you with other believers to grow and serve together. To learn more about salvation, baptism, and growing in the Lord, visit your local church and join a community of believers.
If you'd like to speak with someone about how to have new life in Christ, call toll free (888) 537-8720.