Conclusion

Part 6

We are left in the end with the following seven tremendous facts:

1. The calculated odds against the universe forming by chance would, in our everyday experience, normally indicate that it would be impossible.
2. The calculated odds against life forming by chance would, in our everyday experience, normally indicate that it would be impossible.
3. The calculated odds against genetic mutations improving the DNA code would, in our everyday experience, normally indicate that it would be impossible.^[11]
4. The DNA code contains meaningful information; yet information never arises without an intelligent source.
5. In explaining the events that transpired after Jesus’ death, all alternative explanations to the resurrection of Jesus have been unanimously rejected by scholars as implausible and or incoherent.
6. The actual physical resurrection of Jesus is really the only known explanation that can flawlessly explain every relevant historical fact of the case.
7. Jesus is the only person in history who is widely regarded as a sage despite His claims to be God.

We may argue that in a rare occurrence, in spite of the vanishingly small odds, both the universe and living things might have spontaneously formed by chance, and subsequently evolved. We may also argue that in a rare occurrence, an intelligent source might not have been necessary to produce the information contained in the DNA of living things, despite the fact that our everyday experience reveals exactly the opposite. Likewise, we may further argue that some future discovery might provide a plausible alternative explanation to the resurrection of Jesus, despite the contrary pattern of archaeological discovery. The problem is, however, that to argue this way is no longer to do science. As physical chemist Dr. Charles Thaxton so clearly points out, “Regular experience, not negligible probabilities and remote possibilities, is the basis of science.”^[12]

So what shall we conclude from all of this? Despite each of our personal beliefs and presuppositions, if indeed there is a God, and if indeed Jesus truly rose from the dead and is who He claimed to be, then are not His words relevant to each of us today?

   If you don’t even believe me when I tell you about things that happen here on earth, how can you possibly believe if I tell you what is going on in heaven? For only I . . . have come to earth and will return to heaven again. . . . For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God (John 3:12–18; NLT).

   Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me (Rev. 3:20; NIV).

   For my purpose is to give life in all its fullness (John 10:10; NLT).

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