What reasons are there to believe in Jesus?

Evidence from Fulfilled Prophecy

The Scriptures contain detailed prophecies that many believe point to Jesus. For example, the prophetic writings describe the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler” (Micah 5:2, under 90 characters). Centuries later, records indicate that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2:1), fulfilling this ancient prediction. Prophecies also speak of a suffering servant (see Isaiah 53), and many see the crucifixion accounts (such as John 19:17–18) as the precise fulfillment of these words.

Historical Reliability of the Gospels

Ancient writers, including Roman historian Tacitus and Jewish historian Josephus, mention Jesus as a historical figure. The four Gospels, dating to the first century AD, are recognized by many textual scholars (including those who have studied the earliest Greek manuscripts, such as papyri P52) as trustworthy historical sources. The internal consistency among these accounts aligns with known cultural, geographical, and political details of the first century.

Archaeological and Manuscript Verification

Discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls provide evidence that the Old Testament texts predate the time of Jesus and were transmitted with care. When comparing multiple Greek manuscript families, textual critics consistently find that variations do not alter core doctrines. Archaeological finds—such as Peter’s house in Capernaum or the Pool of Bethesda in John 5—demonstrate that biblical descriptions match real places and cultural contexts.

The Claim of Resurrection

Central to belief in Jesus is the claim that He rose from the dead. Multiple independent Gospel sources testify that the tomb was found empty (see Mark 16:6, Luke 24:3). The earliest followers preached the resurrection even while facing persecution. The New Testament records people willing to die rather than recant what they believed they had witnessed. Supporters of this claim also point to 1 Corinthians 15:6 (written within a few decades of the event), which references hundreds of eyewitnesses still alive to corroborate. Historians and scholars (see Gary Habermas’s work) often emphasize that belief in the resurrection was not a gradual development but an immediate proclamation.

Miracles and Contemporary Testimonies

Scripture recounts healing of the blind, the deaf, and the paralyzed (see Mark 2:11; 10:52). Not only do the Gospels mention these miracles, but Acts 2:22 calls Jesus “a man attested to you by God with miracles… as you yourselves know” (BSB, under 90 characters). While some interpret these events symbolically, documented contemporary testimonies also claim healings and miraculous transformations, indicating that such occurrences have not ceased.

Philosophical and Moral Teachings

Jesus’ teachings, such as the command to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31, under 90 characters), offer an ethical framework that has influenced entire civilizations. Many regard these principles as noble moral standards that point to a righteous teacher. Throughout history, notable figures have credited Jesus’ teachings with social reforms, humanitarian movements, and personal transformations.

Consistency with a Designed Creation

Those who argue for a young earth and intelligent design often highlight geological phenomena and the fossil record. Some point to the sudden appearance of complex life forms (the Cambrian Explosion) as suggestive of purposeful creation. In this view, the biblical statement “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1, under 90 characters) is consistent with a universe that demonstrates complexity and order. Supporters further contend that the fine-tuning of physical laws reflects design.

Evidence from Manuscript Preservation

Many textual critics (such as James White and Daniel Wallace) note that the New Testament stands apart from other ancient works in the sheer number of early manuscripts. The closeness in dates between original composition and our earliest copies is unique among ancient literature, reducing the window for legendary embellishment. This preservation is often seen as providential care for critical accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Archaeological Sites Corroborating Events

Archaeological data—such as the 1993 Tel Dan Stele mentioning the “House of David” and inscriptions confirming first-century place names—align with biblical narratives. Even details like the “Pavement” in John 19:13 have supporting archaeological evidence in Jerusalem. These pieces of data counter assumptions that biblical accounts are purely fictional or allegorical.

Transformation of Early Believers

Almost immediately after the reported resurrection, early followers exhibited radical changes in behavior. Originating from a largely Jewish setting, they began worshiping Jesus as divine, which was unthinkable unless they truly believed He had risen. Acts 4:13 describes ordinary individuals speaking boldly, confounding religious authorities. This transformation is frequently offered as sociological evidence that they were convinced Jesus was alive.

Scriptural Unity and Consistency

Even though the Bible is composed of 66 books written over centuries, its message about humanity’s need for redemption and God’s provision through the Messiah remains consistent. For instance, Genesis shows God promising redemption, while the Gospels proclaim that Jesus fulfills that redemptive plan. This unified message is seen by many as an internal confirmation of Jesus’ identity.

Personal Experience and Testimony

Wilson Bentley’s observation that no two snowflakes are alike is used by some as an illustration of how faith in Jesus provides unique personal encounters. Scripture states, “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8, under 90 characters). Throughout history, countless individuals recount internal peace, purpose, and moral renewal after embracing belief in Christ.

Summation of Reasons

1. Fulfilled ancient prophecies.

2. Historically reliable Gospel accounts supported by external sources.

3. Archaeological and manuscript consistency.

4. The resurrection claim, attested by eyewitnesses and early martyrs.

5. Documented miracles—ancient and modern.

6. Moral teachings that have shaped communities.

7. Evidence in the natural world for a designed creation.

8. Unity of Scripture and consistency of its message across centuries.

9. Personal, transformative experiences affirmed by countless believers.

Taken together, these lines of evidence lead many to conclude that Jesus is not merely a historical teacher, but One worthy of belief, worship, and devotion.