The Golden Ticket

In a debate with J.P. Moreland, agnostic, Clancy Martin, described Pascal's Wager as a golden ticket, if the Christian claim turns out to be a reality in the end. Jesus, boldly makes the same claim about himself (John 14:6). Not only does Jesus claim to be the exclusive way, but individuals after Jesus claimed the same (Acts 4:12).

As we approach the time where people celebrate the birth of Jesus worldwide, the question has to be asked, "Why?" The reason for such a universal celebration is the belief that Jesus himself, is in fact, the golden ticket of salvation. Prophesies exist to confirm the announced birth of Jesus (Micah 5:2, Isaiah 9:2-7). The prophet Isaiah tells us concerning Jesus, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned (vs. 2)." Again Isaiah proclaims about Jesus, "You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy (vs. 3)." Still again in the ninth chapter we find, "Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end (vs. 7)." Not only is Jesus prophesied about, but he is said to be the Savior, who will bring light, joy, and peace to a dark and dying world.

We see joy and light in the magi as they approach the infant Jesus , "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed (Matthew 2:10)." Why were the magi so happy about the star? Because the star represented the light of a long promised salvation. In the physical light, the spiritual light of God's love is realized, causing the magi to have overwhelming joy.

Peace is also found in the coming of the Christ child. The angels announced, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests (Luke 2:14)."

The birth of Jesus represents the light of salvation, and the promise of his eternal peace and joy. Jesus claimed that he was the golden ticket of peace and joy. Before ascending back to the father Jesus told his disciples," I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy (John 16:22)." Also, Jesus told his followers, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33)."

Pascal's Wager by no means is a proof or argument for the existence of God or the Christian worldview. The wager is solely that, a wager. Christianity does not bank on any one argument, but on the cumulative evidence that Jesus was the long promised Messiah. Christianity has withstood 2000 years of ridicule, and yet the world has not show the falsity of its worldview. In fact, Christianity invites testing (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). If the Christian story of the birth of Jesus is true, it is not only the golden ticket of salvation, but the joy and peace that passes all understanding has dawned, and the greatest gift ever presented to humanity came in the form of a baby named Jesus.

• Debate between Clancy Martin and J.P. Moreland over the existence of the Christian God