Imperishable Inheritance

The "historical Jesus" movement is one which has been plagued by much liberalism in an attempt to undermine the "Biblical Jesus." Even though Barnes & Noble might put these two ideas at odds with one another, I see a very real benefit in looking at who Jesus was through a vantage point outside of the Bible. I should preface this discussion with the fact that I do not believe any information regarding Jesus is necessary outside of the Scriptures or that the Scriptures are not to be taken as a historical document; I mean only to say that information outside of the Scriptures can illuminate the truth found in the Bible. This is not meant to be a violation of Sola Scriptura. John Frame comments on this:

'Sola Scriptura, after all, does not require the exclusion of all extra biblical data, even from theology. It simply requires that in theology and in all other disciplines, the highest authority, the supreme standard, be Scripture and Scripture alone.'
John Frame, Apologetics to the Glory of God (pg. 18)

The rise of interest in the historical person and work of Jesus has led to works such as the DaVinci Code, The Jesus Seminar, and even evangelically conservative groups attempting to refute the aforementioned heresies on the church (although these heresies are not new in the history of the church).

The Historical Record of Jesus

One is amazed at the amount of data relevant to search of the "historical Jesus." It does in fact prove the absolute depravity of man to look for historical validation outside of God's written revelation, and we should be cognizant of this fact in our search. The Jesus that is agreed on by all scholars can do a lot to help us understand where the popular conception of Jesus comes from.

No one (in their right mind) doubts that Jesus existed as a true, historical figure. He was really born in 4 B.C., and He really did die 33 years later. No one also doubts that He was crucified under the Roman Empire at the request of the Jewish Sanhedrin (although this does not imply that the Jews are responsible for the death of Jesus, Rev 13:8). There are many theories explaining away the Biblical account of the resurrection such as The Swoon Theory, but I personally (even as an unbeliever) found that one had to have more faith in that then the Scriptural account of the resurrection.

The Sociological Impact of Jesus

No one can also deny the importance the person of Jesus has had on human history. For only having a public ministry for three years He completely altered the course of human history. Millions upon millions have died for him—and killed in the name of Him. He is called upon by millions of people at every second of every day in hopes of freedom from sin and despair. He is the most loved, most cherished, most revered, and also most hated person of all time. There had never been anyone like Him, and there never again will be anyone that can compare to Him.

Now, I can commit the bandwagon fallacy and say that just because so many people believe in the person of Jesus that it automatically proves that Jesus is the Way, but I shall not appeal to a majority argument (although I personally found the majority argument for the existence of God intriguing even to this day). There can at least be room to ask: Why has Jesus had such an impact? What exactly did He say? Could He really be a source of truth, life, and revelation?

The Political Impact of Jesus

The person of Jesus, and the movement He inaugurated, did not stop in influence only in the sociological realm. The Roman Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the empire and forever changed the landscape of religious expansion in the western world. From this the Roman Catholic church began and would impact the direction of politics for centuries to come. The immense impact (mostly negative) from the Catholic influence continues to this day to shape the political landscape of many countries.

Political leaders have invoked His name to support their agendas. Some have agendas against everything Jesus symbolized, and others used His name to support what they believed their plans to be in accordance with the person of Jesus. His name has been abused and profaned in the depraved man's self-pursuit of power. It's almost amusing (but sad) to see political leaders building "kingdoms" on the name and reputation of Jesus, but He said: "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36).

Concluding Thoughts

I, in now way, can survey the amount of historical data surround the person of Jesus from Scripture and extra-Biblical sources; but I wanted to reflect on the immense impact that Jesus has had on the development of societies, politics, and personal lives. He deserves at least a look by the unbeliever to wonder why so many do believe. Could He be who He said He was? If so, what does that mean for the seeking individual?

"He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it."
Matthew 10:39