The title of this essay is an adaptation of an excerpt from Paul’s sorites in 1 Corinthians 15: 32 where he gives us the logical consequences of the disbelief in the resurrection of the dead. These logical consequences also apply (necessarily) to a disbelief in the authenticity of the bible as the Word of God (and thus the truth) since Paul asserts that the doctrine of the resurrection is derived from the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:4). Therefore, it is logical to see that if one decides that the bible is not true then one’s basis for anything moral, rational or humane goes out of the window. Furthermore, Paul says that if the bible isn’t true (i.e. there is no resurrection of the dead) then Christians are of all men the most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19). This conclusion is easy to understand since the life of a Christian is (or at least should be) marked by bible-based living (Psalm 119:9), sacrificial giving (Matthew 25:35-36), self-denial (Matthew 16:24), persecution (2 Timothy 3:12) and prayer for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Enduring this demanding lifestyle for a lie (if the bible is not true) makes Christians the biggest suckers in the history of world second only to the apostles and martyrs that paid the ultimate price for their Christian faith with their lives (1 Corinthians 4:10-13). Paul says that instead, we might as well enjoy life (without restraint) for eventually we just die and that is the end of life (this is the doctrine of Nihilism). I’ve drawn some equally valid conclusions myself that I think drive home the point that Paul was making:
1. If the bible is false, then there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, bestiality or any other “aberrant” sexual practices that are abominated in scripture since the word “wrong” would have no basis outside of accepted conventions that one may choose to arbitrarily define and or adhere to. However, if homosexuality is truly an abomination as the bible clearly indicates (Leviticus 20:13) then our leaders that have embraced this act as something to be celebrated rather than abhorred, have placed this nation in the path of severe wrath and judgment from God the Creator and Lawgiver.
2. If the bible is not true, then killing babies by abortion is not “wrong”, neither is killing anyone who gets in the way of your chances for enhanced survival, growth and reproduction. Rape is not “wrong”; it’s merely an act that occurs at the stronger person’s behest. Morality has no basis outside of the bible so Paul’s hedonistic response (e.g. to eat and drink without restraint) is in order. However, if the bible is true in what it proclaims, then Nihilism is not in scope for mankind but rather a fiery judgment from the righteous Lawgiver and Judge (Jesus Christ) who has already condemned as guilty all those that do not receive the love of the truth that freely leads to salvation (John 3:18-19, 2 Thessalonians 2:10).
3. If the bible teaches that salvation is attained by works as the Roman Catholic Church maintains, then the bible is not true since it clearly states in contradiction (and in numerous verses) that salvation is only attained by ceasing from one’s worthless works (as an avenue to salvation) and trusting in the finished work (on the cross) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (See Romans 3:20-28, Romans 4:4, Romans 9:30-32, Romans 10:3-4, Romans 11:6, Philippians 3:9, Titus 3:4-5, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 1:9, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:2-3, Galatians 3:11, Galatians 3:21, Galatians 5:4, Act 13:39 – this list could go on and on). If however, the bible is true then unfortunately the Roman Catholics (and other “Christian” groups that have decided not to take the scriptures seriously) have put their faith in “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-7) and are thus hell-bound.
The Christ Plus Zero Movement 