There are two types of logical reasoning, deduction and induction. Deduction is defined as a process of reasoning from a general statement toward a specific conclusion, or from cause to effect. Induction is reasoning in the opposite direction, from a specific known fact to reach a general conclusion, or from effect to cause. The formal proofs of geometry are deductive in that they assume a premise generally accepted as fact, and by reasoning if this is true then that is true, etc. Now, this conclusion may be true or false depending upon the validity of the premise. A fundamental axiom of Euclidean geometry is that parallel lines never intersect; therefore, if lines p and q are parallel, then they don't intersect. Now this may appear perfectly logical, but it is not necessarily true, for some parallel lines intersect once and others intersect twice, depending on the circumstances. For example, earth's longitudinal lines, which are normally considered parallel, intersect at both poles.
Since inductive reasoning starts with some incontrovertible, indisputable fact, then the conclusion is fairly reliable. The scientific method is based on induction; a theory is suggested, an hypothesis proposed, and testing proceeds. If the tests have a positive result and they are reproducible, then the hypothesis is accepted as true. If the tests are negative. then the theory is discarded.
Did you notice the difference between the two types of reasoning? One (deductive) uses if - then, while the other (inductive) uses since - then. The Bible uses both kinds. God said, if you love Me, then keep My commandments; if you keep my commandments, then I will bless you; if you trust Me, then I will save you. All of these if-then's are conditional and the outcomes are uncertain. The Bible also states that, since all men die, then they face the judgment; also, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, then ought we to walk circumspectly and run the race with patience (Heb. 12:1). Since the statement that all men die is indisputably true, then the judgment is certain. Since it is true that all heaven and the inhabitants of other unfallen worlds are eagerly watching the outcome of the great conflict between good and evil, then it is true that we are spectacles before a cloud of witnesses. Another example: since Jesus died for our sins, then we are justified.
'Our faith is based on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.' So let us not reason deductively about salvation. Let us put our faith in God's word, and reason inductively so that, on the basis of experimental religion, we each can say, 'since I have proved Him o'er and o'er, then I can trust Him more and more.' As heirs of the kingdom, our salvation depends on since, not if.
