Friedreich Nietzsche, the 19th-century German philosopher wondered what the world would be like if Jesus had never been born. This man greatly opposed “Christianity” because of all the horrors that have been committed under the guise of Christianity. He cited things like the Spanish Inquisition and the Crusades. As we know, those heinous acts were committed by men who did not know Christ, but he brings up an interesting thought. What if Jesus had never been born?
If Jesus had never been born, first and foremost, there would be no reason to assemble on the Lord’s Day. We would not be Christians if not for Christ. Perhaps we would still be under Moses as Jews, if we are really optimistic. However, the reality is that most of us, being Gentiles, would likely worship some idols. Jesus made it possible for all to live eternally (John 3:16). Jesus is the way that those who were far off are made near by His blood (cf. Eph 2:13). He made peace between those driven apart, reconciling them together (cf. Eph 2:14-18). If there is no Christ, there is no church of Christ.
If Jesus had never been born, there would be no forgiveness of sins. For Christ came and He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). Christ was perfect and sinless, and because of that, he is the propitiation for our sins, and not only ours, but also the whole world. (1 John 2:2; 4:10). Without Jesus taking on flesh, there is no atonement for mankind.
If Jesus had never been born there would be no standard of His law. When one considers the evil done by men, even men who have claimed to do it for Christ, we know that the source is not Christ but Satan. The Inquisition, Crusades, and Salem Witch Trials were not of God, but contrary to His Word. The Word of Christ is the standard by which all men will be judged. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). When men hurt, maimed, and killed others, they did not do it according to God’s will. If Nietzsche would have read the Bible, he would know this.
It is most unfortunate that people will look at history, and even our modern era, and rather than look at why people do the things they do, they blame God. Why not consider what God has declared in His Holy Word? Why not go to the source and read His plan and then compare men’s actions and doctrines according to the Word?
God desires good for all men. He wants all to be saved. Peter wrote, ‘The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance ” (2 Pet. 3:9). God desired Inquisitors, Nietzsche, and you to be saved. So why not consult the book for yourself rather than making decisions based on what men have done?
Christians, this means that we have to remember our duty to teach the Word to those who are outside the faith. We must use every opportunity to show the truth of God’s love from His Word. It is written, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 John 4:8). We know this fully because God sent His son. Paul recorded, “But God commendeth His own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This is the evidence and result of the first coming of Christ, and why we look forward to His Second Coming.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
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