How can we use Scripture to "prove that Jesus is the Christ"? Core Verse for Our Study John 20:31: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Why Scripture Serves as Solid Evidence • Inspired and trustworthy (2 Timothy 3:16–17) • Self-attesting: Scripture claims to reveal God’s redemptive plan and invites examination (Isaiah 41:21–23) • Preserved eyewitness testimony (Luke 1:1–4; 2 Peter 1:16) Messianic Prophecies Jesus Fulfills 1. Birth ‑ Isaiah 7:14 → Matthew 1:22–23 2. Life and Ministry ‑ Isaiah 61:1–2 → Luke 4:17–21 ‑ Psalm 78:2 → Matthew 13:34–35 3. Suffering and Death ‑ Isaiah 53:4–6 → 1 Peter 2:22–24 ‑ Psalm 22:16–18 → John 19:23–24 4. Resurrection 5. Worldwide Reign ‑ Daniel 7:13–14 → Revelation 11:15 Eyewitness Testimonies in the Gospels • Multiple independent accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) • Converging details: miracles, teaching, death, empty tomb • Honest reporting—includes embarrassing facts (Mark 9:33–34; John 20:24–29) that strengthen credibility Apostolic Preaching in Acts • Acts 2:22–36—Peter appeals to fulfilled prophecy and the resurrection • Acts 3:18–26—“All the prophets” foretold His suffering and glory • Acts 17:2–3—Paul “reasoned from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise, ‘This Jesus I proclaim to you is the Christ.’” Logical Conclusions from the Evidence • Prophecies written centuries earlier align precisely with Jesus’ life • No other historical figure meets the full prophetic profile • The early church proclaimed the fulfillment in the very city where the events occurred, facing opposition yet growing rapidly—strong corroboration Living Response • Receive Scripture’s testimony with trust (Romans 10:17) • Share specific prophecies and fulfillments when talking about Jesus • Let the reliability of God’s word deepen confidence in Christ and embolden witness |
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