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In analyzing a biblical worldview, which distinctive would be most compelling to your non-Christian friends? Why?
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I think the mercy and the grace of the God of the Bible is the most compelling distinctive of a biblical worldview. His mercy and grace are shown in how He came to earth as a human being to live a sinless life and die a sinner’s death in order to make a way that we can be justly forgiven and accepted by Him. On one hand, it is pessimistic about the moral goodness of humanity, and, therefore, humbling. On the other hand, it is incredibly affirming that a holy God desires genuine relationship with each of us to the point that He was willing to experience suffering, death, and His own holy wrath for sin in order to get it. It is compelling because people who believe in the biblical gospel are humble and yet hopeful; truthful and yet gracious.
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I think biblical origins is most compelling for my Jewish friends. God created Adam and Eve as the first couple. A high ranking Angel was pushed out of Heaven to earth and wants to mess with the couple. When they fall for Satan's trick they are punished by God. In Genesis 3:15, God also punishes Satan and provides insight to Satan's superior who will come from the woman's ancestor vs the man. My Jewish friends already know all of this. But then, in the New Testament, a young woman, favored by God, agrees to immaculate conception by God to become the virgin mother of Jesus. The devil immediately starts trying to kill the new born King, because he knew what God was telling him in Genesis 3:15. Literally, from the beginning, God provides details about Jesus that match to Jesus, who will save us from every sin, including the very first sin...if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
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That there is a God in the universe that is orderly, He had a plan … He understands and knows all that we experience, and desires to walk alongside us. He willingly provided a way for our disobedience to be resolved through forgiveness and mercy and His love is amazing. This God provides purpose and hope, that we can find no place else.
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The hope of a future. I would think that at the very least, walking through this life with a positive attitude would be very difficult without the hope of eternity with Jesus.
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From the biblical worldview, I believe where our ethics come from is appealing to them because in today’s world, we see so many Christians that seem to “hate” other people or people groups, or act unjustly towards others, or are judgemental, etc. I believe that my non-Christian friends would be curious about OT laws and NT new covenant living and how we as Christians balance, relate and interact with those.