Christopher Columbus (born between August 25 and October 31, 1451, died May 20, 1506) made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas. These voyages were considered a turning point in world history.
Columbus’s own writings prove that he believed that God revealed His plan for the world in the Bible, the infallible Word of God. Columbus believed that he was obeying the mission God staked out for his life when he set sail west across the Atlantic Ocean.
These are from those writings.
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You can never cross the ocean until you have
the courage to lose sight of the shore.
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It was the Lord who put into my mind that fact that
it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies.
All who heard of my project rejected it with laughter, ridiculing me.
There is no question that the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit,
because He comforted me with rays of marvelous inspiration
from the Holy Scriptures.
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It is hoped that by God’s assistance,
some of the continents in the Ocean will be discovered …
for the Glory of God.
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No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour,
if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.
The working out of all things has been assigned to each person by our Lord,
but it all happens according to His sovereign will,
even though He gives advice.
He lacks nothing that is in the power of men to give Him.
Oh, what a gracious Lord,
who desires that people should perform for Him those things
for which He holds Himself responsible!
Day and night, moment by moment,
everyone should express their most devoted gratitude to Him.
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Thus, the eternal God, our Lord, gives victory to those
who follow His way over apparent impossibilities.