Can Jesus' Deity Be Proven Without the New Testament?

In this episode of 'Greg Laurie: A New Beginning,' Pastor Greg Laurie welcomes J. Warner Wallace, a retired cold case detective and author of the new book *Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible*. Wallace presents a compelling argument that the historical impact of Jesus Christ can be proven even without relying on the New Testament. Drawing on his experience as a homicide detective, Wallace uses the analogy of a cold case: just as investigators can reconstruct a crime from the 'fuse' (pre-incident events) and 'fallout' (aftermath), so too can we reconstruct the life and significance of Jesus from the cultural, scientific, artistic, and educational legacy he left behind. From the founding of top universities to the dominance of Christian influence in the scientific revolution, Wallace argues that the sheer scale and consistency of Jesus' impact across history point to a singular, transformative figure. He emphasizes that while faith is essential, a rational, evidential case can remove intellectual barriers and open hearts to the gospel. The conversation also explores the difference between rational, emotional, and volitional objections to faith, urging believers to engage with compassion and clarity rather than aggression. Ultimately, the episode champions a well-researched, visually engaging approach to apologetics that makes the case for Christ accessible to all.