PDF Summary:The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict, by Josh McDowell

In The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict, Josh McDowell examines the reliability of the Holy Scriptures, scrutinizing their accounts of history and prophecies about Jesus Christ's life and resurrection. He details the painstaking transmission of the Bible's texts through the centuries, while archaeological discoveries verify the accuracy of its recorded events.

The author asserts that the prophecies foreshadowing the Messiah and their fulfillment by Jesus, along with non-biblical historical records, confirm Christ's divinity and the Bible's divine inspiration. The book investigates doubts surrounding Christianity by analyzing the evidence through philosophical and historical lenses.

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The realization of old prophecies at His first arrival strengthens His assertion of being the anointed one as described in holy scriptures.

Josh McDowell argues that Jesus' life and deeds fulfilled a multitude of predictions recorded in the Old Testament. Numerous prophecies predicted his mission and divine commission. The predictions indicated that the Messiah would not only assume a prophetic function similar to Moses but also sustain an everlasting priesthood comparable to that of Melchizedek, in addition to fulfilling the roles of both adjudicator and ruler. Jesus arrived with the specific purpose of fulfilling, rather than abolishing, the Law and the Prophets. The prophecy indicated that he would possess a wisdom of divine origin, marked by astuteness, perceptiveness, strategic acumen, vigor, and a deep respect for the Lord. Certainly, this statement holds validity! At the commencement of His ministry, marked by His baptism as described in Matthew 3:16, it is recounted that the Holy Spirit descended upon Him resembling a dove, and a voice from the heavens proclaimed, "You are My cherished Son; I take great delight in You."

The deeds of Jesus fulfilled numerous specific prophetic criteria. Isaiah's prophecies predicted his activities in Galilee and the extraordinary events that would manifest during his time, as described in Isaiah 35:5,6. He taught using parables, a method hinted at in Psalm 78:2, and he cleansed the temple, an act that Psalm 69:9 anticipated. His significant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was in line with Zechariah 9:9's prophecy. Furthermore, he was predestined to become a source of division among the Jewish people, as Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 8:14 suggested, and a light for the gentiles, as foreseen in Isaiah 60:3.

The reliability of the Hebrew Scriptures is emphasized through prophecies that were fulfilled during and after the crucifixion of Jesus.

McDowell argues that the way in which prophecies were realized concerning Jesus' crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension highlights the supreme influence of the divine in orchestrating historical events and solidifies the credibility of the ancient Jewish scriptures. The 41st Psalm, verse 9, foretells the treachery Jesus would face from a member of his close group of associates. The prediction of his betrayal for thirty pieces of silver, funds that would subsequently be used to buy a potter's field, is clearly detailed in Zechariah 11:12, 13. The prophecy also foretold that he would not respond to his accusers, a detail found in Isaiah 53:7. Isaiah's prophecy foretold that Jesus would endure suffering on account of our transgressions and bear the burden of our sins. He bore the agony that led to our peace, and through His injuries, we have been made whole. The prophecy found within the fiftieth chapter and sixth verse of Isaiah accurately foretold the suffering that Jesus would endure, specifically his willingness to endure scourging on his back and to face humiliation and spitting without shielding himself. The prophecy that bystanders would mock Him, saying, "Let the Lord rescue him, as he trusts in Him," corresponds with the narrative found in Psalm 22:7, 8. Moreover, the Bible foresaw that Jesus would need help bearing the weight of the cross, which is echoed in the words, "My knees give way from fasting; my body is thin and gaunt" from Psalm 109:24. The prophecy that He would endure the agony of having His hands and feet pierced was first declared in Psalm 22:16. The prophecy in Isaiah 53:12, which predicts Jesus' crucifixion with criminals, says, "Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great, and He shall divide the spoils with the mighty," because He voluntarily gave up His life, was numbered with the transgressors, bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. He bore the transgressions of numerous individuals and interceded for the misguided. The prophecy foretold that Jesus would be spurned by those from his own community, described as a man familiar with sorrow and suffering. We rejected Him, regarding Him with disdain and considering Him unworthy of our respect. Verses 69:8 and 118:22. The person experiences deep-seated hostility that is completely unwarranted, as illustrated by the words of Psalm 69:4. During my struggles, it was anticipated that my nearest kin and companions would keep their distance, as predicted by a particular verse in the Book of Psalms. Psalm 109:25 foretold that people would show their contempt by shaking their heads, indicating, "I am an object of ridicule; bystanders signal their derision with a contemptuous shake of the head." All of my bones are visible and can be counted. Observers watch me closely. The passages located within Psalms 22:17. The distribution of Jesus' clothing through the act of drawing lots had been foretold in Psalm 22:18. His thirst was satisfied with vinegar, fulfilling the prophecy that foretold a deep yearning for water. Psalm 69:21 foretold that bitterness would be given as food and vinegar used to quench thirst, as it says, "For my food they gave me bitterness, and when I was parched, they quenched my thirst with vinegar." The opening lines of Psalm 22 eerily echo Jesus's tormented plea: "Why have You abandoned Me, O God, O God?" Why do you stand so far away and seem indifferent to my cries of distress? The prophecy predicts that Jesus will express His faith in the Father by declaring, "Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD, the personification of truth" (Ps. 31:5). The foretelling stated that his skeleton would remain intact, as documented: "His entire frame is safeguarded; none shall be fractured." The bones that form my body's framework have become disconnected. Each of my bones can be identified. Their stares remain steadfastly directed towards me. The foretelling found in Psalm 22:14 vividly depicts the extreme agony that would cause a heart to appear as though it is melting away within an individual. The inhabitants of Jerusalem and the lineage of David were predicted in Zechariah 12:10 to receive a spirit of grace and supplication, which would cause them to look upon the one they had pierced. His ultimate place of repose was prophesied to be with those who had deviated from the way of virtue. He was placed among the wealthy in His burial, despite having committed no acts of violence or deceit.

Following His burial, it was predicted in Psalm 16:10 that Jesus would return to life, which is supported by the scripture stating, "His body did not undergo decay." Psalm 68:18 foretold His ascent into the heavens by declaring, "He rose to the celestial realm," leading captives in His wake and accepting offerings from humanity, including those who were rebellious, so that the LORD God might dwell among them. The prediction in Psalm 110:1 indicated that Jesus would rise to a prestigious status beside God, as it was proclaimed, "The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet."

The act of Jesus rising from the dead strongly affirms the presence of divine influence in historical occurrences, as documented in holy texts.

The pivotal significance of the resurrection of Christ in both the formation of the church and the confirmation of His divinity as portrayed in biblical texts.

Josh McDowell argues that the cornerstone of Christianity is the conviction that Jesus Christ was resurrected. Without the resurrection, the disciples' spirits would have remained crushed and their cause defeated. The event significantly shifted the course of history and was not merely a concept deeply rooted in religious convictions.

The metamorphosis of the disciples from a state of despair and fear to becoming fearless advocates who were willing to lay down their lives for their convictions lends strong credence to the veracity of the resurrection. McDowell argues that the most plausible explanation for the significant transformation observed is the actual event of the resurrection. The book clarified misunderstandings about the Hebrew Bible and emphasized its commitment to spreading Christian teachings. The swift growth and solid foundation of the Christian community, rooted in the belief in Jesus' resurrection, stands as strong proof of the event's historical veracity. The author argues that those who doubted the resurrection could have discredited the claim by producing the body of Jesus or by providing a more persuasive explanation for the empty state of the tomb.

The resurrection is corroborated by accounts that verify its genuine occurrence as recorded in the Holy Scriptures.

McDowell conducts a thorough analysis of the biblical accounts to reinforce the case for the historical veracity of the resurrection of Christ.

He conducts a thorough examination of the sequence of events from Jesus' burial to the subsequent discovery of the empty tomb. He emphasizes the roles of key figures including the official who authorized Jesus' crucifixion, as well as Joseph of Arimathea, who provided a burial place, and Nicodemus, who assisted in preparing the body for burial. The author emphasizes the detailed accounts found in the Bible, which include how the tomb was secured, the method used to seal the stone, and the deployment of Roman guards at the site. The account details how, upon reaching the tomb at the break of dawn on Sunday, the women encountered angels who announced the genuine event of Jesus' rising from the dead.

Historical accounts from a range of sources, including secular and Jewish ones, not just Christian texts, confirm the discovery of Jesus' vacant tomb.

Josh McDowell argues that non-Christian sources confirm the historical reality of the discovery of an empty tomb. Josh McDowell cites a historian from Samaria, Thallus, who unintentionally corroborates the Gospels' account of darkness during the crucifixion by ascribing it to a solar eclipse, thus recognizing the need to account for the event.

The author mentions historical records from the Jewish Talmud concerning a person called "Yeshu," likely referring to Jesus, who met his end through crucifixion shortly before the Passover festivities, and they attempt to downplay His remarkable accomplishments by suggesting they were simply the result of illusionary practices. The hostile accounts do not dispute the historical presence of Jesus. The implication that the tomb was found empty indirectly admits that it was not intact. The Talmud suggests that the followers of Jesus surreptitiously removed his body from the tomb.

Josh McDowell references early Christian figures like Tertullian and Justin Martyr, who confirmed the empty tomb's existence while challenging the accounts spread by adversaries of Jesus. McDowell emphasizes that the lack of an alternative explanation from skeptics regarding the absence of the body tacitly admits the empty tomb.

Other Perspectives

• The prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures are subject to interpretation, and different scholars may disagree on whether they specifically refer to Jesus or were intended to be messianic prophecies at all.
• Some argue that the prophecies could be self-fulfilling, meaning that the writers of the New Testament could have shaped the narrative to align with Old Testament prophecies.
• The argument that the Bible's prophecies are evidence of divine origin assumes that the texts are historically accurate and that the prophecies were not written or modified after the events they purportedly predict.
• The statistical analysis of prophecy fulfillment often cited by Josh McDowell and others has been criticized for its methodology, including the calculation of probabilities and the selection of prophecies considered.
• The reliability of the Gospel accounts is debated among scholars, with some questioning the consistency and historical accuracy of the resurrection narratives.
• The accounts of non-Christian sources are sparse, and their references to Jesus and early Christianity can be ambiguous and open to interpretation.
• The argument from the transformation of the disciples and the rapid growth of the early church as evidence for the resurrection is not universally accepted as conclusive, as there could be alternative explanations for these phenomena.
• The empty tomb narrative is also debated, with some scholars suggesting that the story could have developed as part of early Christian belief rather than as a historical account.

The distinct spiritual guidance and character of the Scriptures

The Scriptures stand out distinctly from other written compositions due to their unparalleled characteristics.

The coherent message of the Bible distinctly demonstrates its heavenly source.

Josh McDowell argues convincingly for the Bible's distinctiveness, which is characterized by a narrative that remains coherent and unified across vast time spans, written by various authors from diverse walks of life, and including a multitude of literary styles. According to McDowell, this remarkable consistency, given the vast diversity involved in its composition, is a powerful indication of God's guiding hand.

The writer outlines the remarkable odyssey of the Bible's creation, highlighting that it was crafted across a millennium and a half by more than forty contributors from various walks of life, who wrote in multiple tongues and hailed from different continents. The writer maintains that the narrative provides an intricate portrayal of humanity's redemption by divine means. This unifying theme, traced from Genesis to Revelation, reveals a degree of harmony in addressing controversial subjects that is unprecedented in human literature.

The unmatched impact of the Scriptures serves as evidence of its divine source.

Josh McDowell contends that the influence of the Bible on literature, art, music, and societal progress is unparalleled by any other text. He argues that the profound influence seen across historical occurrences indicates a divine origin.

He emphasizes its role in nurturing a plethora of artistic endeavors, serving as the foundation for numerous written masterpieces, and giving rise to musical brilliance, in addition to shaping societies and propelling the advancement of ethical and societal development worldwide. The writer highlights how its themes, which resonate universally, along with its enthralling narratives and enduring ethical principles, have resonated with people from various areas, cultures, and eras.

The remarkable persistence of the biblical texts implies they are preserved by a divine force.

The argument put forth by Josh McDowell is that the Scriptures' survival, despite persistent attempts to obliterate, discredit, and diminish their value, attests to their identity as documents that transcend mere historical records susceptible to the ravages of time. The book's resilience under critical examination suggests it could be guided by a higher power.

He cites historical occurrences, like Emperor Diocletian of Rome's attempts to eradicate Christianity, which involved a crusade to obliterate sacred writings, thereby unintentionally elevating the importance of the Christian texts. In an ironic turn of events, the author points out that shortly after Voltaire, the renowned French skeptic, predicted the eradication of Christianity within a century, the Geneva Bible Society employed his printing press to produce an extensive quantity of Bibles. Furthermore, the author contends that specialists intent on examining its accuracy have conducted extensive examinations of the Bible in relation to historical occurrences. Despite efforts to question its trustworthiness, the credibility of the Scriptures has consistently exceeded the doubts of skeptics.

The unique nature of biblical doctrine implies that it stems from a supernatural source.

Josh McDowell argues that the Scriptures' diverse nature, encompassing historical records, legal codes, poetry, prophecies, and ethical instructions, suggests they stem from a divine origin. The author highlights that neither the Koran nor the Book of Mormon offers a scope as comprehensive.

The author emphasized a number of unique characteristics that distinguish the Bible. First, it distinctively compiles an extensive array of prophecies that came to pass, a significant number of these were declared long before the events they foretold actually happened. The fulfillment of numerous and significant prophecies by Jesus Christ emphasizes the divine inspiration behind the Bible. Second, the Bible presents a unified story that underscores faith in a unique, eternal being who instigated the universe, possesses supreme sovereignty, and acts as the redeemer of humankind, an idea that surpasses the confines of culture and time, unlike the religions of its time that frequently embraced multiple deities, the veneration of idols, narratives based on mythology, and esoteric rituals. The Bible depicts people with a frankness that is rare, acknowledging both their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their victories and aspirations, in a manner not commonly found in other historical documents, especially those with a spiritual focus. The writer infers from the stories that they offer a distinctive portrayal of the deity and His involvement in human salvation.

The Bible's translations, which are unmatched in scope, demonstrate God's desire to connect with each person.

The extensive dissemination of the Scriptures in a multitude of languages worldwide underscores its profound impact and demonstrates the divine intention to connect with every nation and tongue.

The author emphasizes the unique aspect of the Scriptures being translated into a wide array of languages, a feature that is not common among many other texts. Moreover, they emphasize the distinctive characteristic of the Bible in its availability across more than 2,200 languages, setting it apart from other documents that are available in a much smaller number of translations. The author highlights the efforts of a global collective dedicated to rendering the earliest renditions of the Bible into a multitude of languages, demonstrating its ever-expanding influence. He asserts that the Scriptures hold a unique position as the initial text to be translated into every language, a feat seemingly impossible without supernatural aid.

The unparalleled distribution of the Bible attests to its divine origins.

Josh McDowell emphasizes the unparalleled position of the Bible as the most extensively distributed text throughout history, outstripping all other works in its circulation and availability. The Scriptures' lasting allure and broad readership across numerous generations suggest its divine origin.

Josh McDowell underscores the Bible's unique status, with its distribution figures soaring into the billions, distinguishing it from all other literary works in terms of widespread dissemination. In 1998, more than 20.8 million Bibles were disseminated by the United Bible Society. The cumulative count of entire texts, along with sections and brief excerpts, reaches an impressive 585 million. The author has calculated that if each Bible were to be handed out one by one, it would take more than 92 years, highlighting the Bible's broad popularity and its resonance across various cultural groups.

The message of the Bible is of divine origin.

The Bible's claim of divine inspiration reinforces the trustworthiness of both the Old and New Testaments.

McDowell argues that a core principle of Christianity is the belief that God has engaged with humankind by providing divine direction via the holy scriptures of the Bible. The authors of these sacred texts claim that their writings represent the ultimate form of divine disclosure. The distinctiveness of the Bible lies in the claims of its authors who profess that their writings transmit a message from the divine, as opposed to simply reflecting personal viewpoints or being the product of human inventiveness.

The writer contends that through a variety of communicative methods, including visions, dreams, and direct speech, God conveyed His divine insights to human scribes. Moses recorded his dialogues as described in Exodus 34:27, and the insights of Jeremiah, as mentioned in Jeremiah 1:11, were directly imparted by the Lord. Jesus imparted His teachings directly, and the legitimacy of His apostles as His true representatives was validated by their precise conveyance of His instructions to others, a fact emphasized by the scriptural reference found in Hebrews 2:3. The role of the Holy Spirit, as described in John 14:26, was to guide the followers of Jesus towards a complete understanding of His teachings and to lead them into all truth.

The precision with which the Bible's content is presented confirms its origin beyond the natural world.

McDowell argues that to regard the Bible as holy scripture is to accept its perfection, meaning it is free from errors in all of its proclamations. Given that the divine nature of God rules out any chance of deceit or error, the Scriptures are inherently devoid of inaccuracies.

Critics of this belief argue that it is founded on a logical fallacy, asserting that the conviction in its truthfulness stems from the very book that is deemed infallible, yet that conviction is based on the presupposition that the book itself is free of mistakes. McDowell presents a logical case for the trustworthiness of the biblical texts, one that stands independently of any self-referential justification. Josh McDowell's case is built on the reliable historical documentation found in the Bible, along with acknowledging Jesus Christ, the central character of the New Testament, as a real person from history whose claims of divinity were validated by His resurrection. Jesus confirmed the Old Testament's reliability and its origins from the divine, affirming its contents as error-free and a reflection of God's own perfection. The author argues that questioning the perfection of the Scriptures is fundamentally an issue of questioning God's own trustworthiness, not merely a matter of human intellectual dispute.

The compilation of scriptural writings

The scrupulous precision apparent in the construction of the Bible highlights the divine endeavor to protect His Word.

Josh McDowell details the meticulous methods used to safeguard the Bible's preservation, a text that, despite being composed on perishable materials, has been diligently copied and preserved over time, showcasing the exceptional efforts to maintain the sanctity of what is deemed holy discourse for posterity.

He delves into the historical practices of documenting on media like papyrus, as well as vellum and parchment, detailing how scribes used different instruments, such as reed pens and sharp-pointed instruments, to carefully transcribe holy writings. Furthermore, the author explores the progression of ancient texts, shedding light on the transition from scrolls to codex forms while highlighting the challenges that copyists faced in their efforts to replicate the documents. In ancient texts, the practice of writing without including spaces between words, which might seem unusual to modern readers, was actually a common and logical convention at the time.

How were the texts that constitute the Bible selected to guarantee that the Scriptures we possess are the appropriate ones?

McDowell tackles the question of canonical texts, detailing the church's thorough method for selecting and assembling scriptures that were genuinely influenced by a divine presence, thus affirming the authenticity of the scriptural collection.

The divine authority and authenticity of the Bible were affirmed by God through the Scriptures and His prophets, even though it was written by various individuals. The church simply recognized the inherent divine authority of the Scriptures. The early Christians adhered to strict standards when determining the divine inspiration of a text, as highlighted by McDowell. The evaluation of the scripture included confirming its prophetic source, establishing the credibility of the author by means of miraculous acts, determining the genuineness of its divine teachings, assessing if its doctrines had a transformative effect, and its recognition by believers as sacred text. The church came to acknowledge the Christian Bible, which consists of 66 books, through a meticulous and deliberate process, recognizing it as a collection formed under divine guidance.

Other Perspectives

• The coherence of the Bible's message could be attributed to the selection and editing processes over time, which aimed to harmonize disparate texts.
• The impact of the Bible on culture and society may be due in part to the historical power and influence of the institutions that promoted its teachings, rather than divine origin.
• The persistence of biblical texts could be seen as a result of the dedication of its followers and the strength of religious institutions, rather than divine preservation.
• The unique nature of biblical doctrine might reflect the historical and cultural context of its authors, rather than a supernatural source.
• The extensive translations of the Bible could be a testament to missionary zeal and colonial influence, as well as the work of linguists and scholars, rather than a divine desire for universal connection.
• The widespread distribution of the Bible can be attributed to the printing press, colonialism, and the efforts of religious organizations, rather than evidence of divine origins.
• The Bible's claim of divine inspiration is not unique and is shared by other religious texts, which could suggest a common literary device of ancient religious cultures.
• The precision of the Bible's content is debated among scholars, with some pointing out historical inaccuracies and contradictions that challenge the idea of its supernatural origin.
• The meticulous construction of the Bible could be seen as a reflection of the careful work of human scribes and the evolving practices of textual preservation, rather than divine intervention.
• The selection of biblical texts was a complex historical process influenced by various factors, including theological, political, and social considerations, which may challenge the notion of a purely divine guidance.

The book rigorously investigates the doubts cast upon the Bible and Christian doctrines by employing historical analysis and philosophical logic.

It is crucial to eliminate misconceptions about Christianity to properly assess the evidence.

Christianity, often misunderstood, is a faith that rests upon a strong intellectual base, underpinned by firm evidence.

McDowell addresses common misconceptions by emphasizing that Christianity is founded on rationally sound beliefs supported by historical evidence, not just blind faith or simple sincerity.

The author contends that embracing Christianity involves intellectual commitment rather than being an act of "blind faith." The basis of Christianity is anchored in historical occurrences that can be objectively scrutinized and verified. The Scriptures imbue adherents with confidence in their convictions and equip them to articulate their values when questioned. The writer challenges the notion that the strength of a person's belief is an exclusive measure of its veracity. The veracity of Christianity is deemed to rest on impartial evidence. The reasoning is based on the fact that certain events and claims really took place.

Other Perspectives

• Historical analysis is subject to interpretation, and different historians may come to different conclusions about the same events.
• The intellectual base of Christianity, like all religious beliefs, can be debated philosophically, and what is firm evidence to some may not be convincing to others.
• The claim that Christianity is not based on blind faith may not acknowledge the subjective experiences and personal convictions that also play a significant role in faith for many believers.
• The objectivity of scrutinizing and verifying historical occurrences related to religious claims is often complicated by the lack of contemporaneous evidence and the reliance on texts that believers hold sacred.
• The confidence provided by scriptures to adherents is subjective and may not constitute evidence in a traditional empirical sense.
• The strength of a person's belief, while not an exclusive measure of veracity, can be a powerful factor in personal conviction and community cohesion, which is not necessarily related to the objective truth of the beliefs.
• The impartiality of evidence claimed to support Christianity is often contested by scholars from other disciplines or differing religious perspectives.
• The grounding of reasoning in the fact that certain events and claims actually took place is often a matter of faith itself, as the historical record from the time of many biblical events is sparse or open to interpretation.