“Imagine a man lost within the deep recesses of a dark cavern in utter despair of ever finding his way out. If his friend had a general idea of his location, how could he best come to his rescue? Should he rush into the cave, careless of his pathway, and sit with him in the darkness, sharing with him the common ground of being lost? Would it not be vastly wiser to take along a powerful flashlight, marking his path as he enters the cavern in order to lead him out quickly to the safety of the world above? But suppose that, in his utter despair, he refused to believe that his friend had a flashlight and that there was indeed a way out? Should the would-be rescuer sit there in the darkness and argue with him concerning the size, make, power, and previous performance of his flashlight? Since this man still has the capacity for recognizing physical light when he sees it, should not his friend immediately end the debate by inviting him to look at the light as he presses the button? – John Whitcomb
I appreciate this illustration as it calls us to confront the lost world with the simple “light” of God’s Word. I’m not sure how profitable it is arguing with the unregenerate about the divine origin and subsequent authenticity of the Scriptures, although I’ve attempted to do so in the past. Studies about the external, internal, and bibliographical proofs for the veracity of the Bible can be very faith-building, but never faith-birthing. Concerning unbelievers, much better is for Christians to turn on the “light” of the Word by speaking, living, and loving the truth of the Word. Romans 10:17 -- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Blaise Pascal said: “Our religion is wise and foolish. Wise, because it is the most learned and the most founded on miracles, prophecies, etc. Foolish, because it is not all this which makes us belong to it. . . It is the cross that makes them believe.” In other words, it’s not the external facts like archaeology, manuscript evidence, or fulfilled prophecies (although persuasive!) that ultimately convince a person of truth – it’s something and Someone else. something = the Word / Someone = God’s Spirit.
The only part where Whitcomb’s illustration breaks down a bit, if he is saying what I think he might be saying, is the inference that since the lost man in the cave has the capacity to recognize physical light when he sees it, so a lost man of the world has the capacity to recognize spiritual light (1 Corinthians 2:14). My confidence is not in the lost man’s ability to perceive the light of the Word. My confidence is that God in His grace would open the lost man’s eyes through His Word, by His Spirit.
James 1:18 -- Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth…
2 Timothy 3:15 -- And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
John 8:31–32 -- Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.