Following God Series
Delivered at Harlem Reformed Church, 2013

  • The O.T. tells us that Messiah would be a prophet like Moses, a king like David and Solomon, a Judge, and God Incarnate.  As Moses’ words and actions were written down as Scripture, and the words and actions of the other major prophets were written as scripture, and David’s words and actions, as well as the other kings, were written as Scripture, and the Judges’ words and actions were written down as Scripture, and ultimately all of God’s major words and actions were written down as Scripture, it is strongly implied that the O.T. intended the words and actions of Jesus (who is the fulfillment of all these things) to be recorded as Scripture.
  • Matthew, Mark, Luke, John give a 4-fold view of who Jesus was.
    • These–no more, no less–have always been received by the church.
    • God has said that a matter is established by 2-3 witnesses, and that a 3-stranded cord is trustworthy.  The gospels provide 4 witnesses–all independent of each other–giving trustworthy confirmation of who Jesus is.
  • Gospel stories are confirmed throughout Scriptures, before being written:
    • 1,500-450 BC — The O.T. records in amazing detail all of the major events of Messiah’s life, just as they were fulfilled in Jesus.
    • 50-70 AD – Paul largely wrote before the gospels were written, yet confirms the major events of Jesus’ life, as well as specific words and details later writtenin the gospels.
  • Precedents and Principles of God applied to the gospels:
    • God is truthful (Heb. 6:18), so it would be impossible for Him to leave a record of Himself that is less than truthful.
    • God is sovereign and all-powerful, so He is capable of preserving a truthful record of Himself.
    • God places value on the written word (as evidenced in the O.T.), and therefore it is consistent that He would leave a record of His Son in written form
    • God hates false images and loves His Son, so it is unthinkable that He would leave misleading information about His Son for generations of faithful people to follow.