Dr. Jack L. Arnold

BASIC PROBLEM IS MORAL

Now that we’ve briefly thought through these seven questions, we need to be reminded that ultimately man’s basic problem is not intellectual, it’s moral. Once in a while our answer won’t satisfy someone. His rejection of the answer doesn’t invalidate it. On the other hand, he may be convinced and still not become a Christian. I’ve had fellows tell me, “You’ve answered every one of my questions to my satisfaction.” After thanking them for the flattery I’ve asked, “Are you going to become a Christian then?” and they’ve smiled a little sheepishly, “Well, no.” “Why not?” I’ve inquired. “Frankly, it would mean too radical a change in my way of life.” Many people are not prepared to let anyone else, including God, run their lives. It’s not that they can’t believe; but they won’t believe. They at least see what the issue is. Our responsibility in using the information in this chapter is to help them reach this point of understanding.

People often ask, “If Christianity is true, why do the majority of intelligent people not believe it?” The answer is precisely the same as the reason the majority of unintelligent people don’t believe it. They don’t want to because they’re unwilling to accept the moral demands it would make on their lives. We can take a horse to water but we can’t make him drink. A person must be willing to believe before he ever will believe. There isn’t a thing you or I can do with a man who, despite all evidence to the contrary, insists that black is white.

We ourselves must be convinced about the truth we proclaim. Otherwise we won’t be at all convincing to other people. We must be able to say confidently with Peter, “ . . . we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our

Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:16). Then our witness will ring with authority, conviction, and the power of the Holy Spirit.