REASONS THAT THE BIBLE
IS
GOD'S WORD
Some people are under the impression that anyone who believes the Bible is
the inspired word of God, does so foolishly,
by not having any evidence to
substantiate it. This couldn't be further from the truth. We will consider
but a small fraction of the overwhelming proofs that support the fact that
the Holy scriptures are from God.
God's Existence
If a person does not believe in God, it is only natural that he will reject
the Bible as being inspired. No, just believing in our Creator does not prove
the Bible is from the Almighty, but without a belief in Him, one will have
a hard time considering the facts we will be giving.
God is (Gen. 1: I), and anyone who would look at the world around them would
see evidence of His existence (Rom. I: 19,20). Only a fool would conclude in
his heart there is no God (Psa. 14: I). We cannot begin a serious examination
of the scriptures without first getting over the hurdle of God's existence.
Much more can be said, but our focus now will be on the internal and external
proofs that the Bible is God's word.
The Bible and Science
Skeptics of the scriptures, for years,
disregarded any of the passages that
talked of the earth being round (Isa. 40:22; Provo 8:27), thinking it was a
figure of speech. As we all know, the earth is round.
The same thing was true concerning
the paths in the sea (Psa. 8:8). Men like Matthew Fontaine Maury, set out and
did chart the paths in the sea. How could the Bible speak of such things unless
it came from God. There isn't one scientific FACT that is out of sorts
with any of the Bible.
The Bible and Archaeology.
Throughout the ages, men have discredited the facts found in the scriptures
since they were not proven. Yet now, through the course of time, discoveries
have only increased the reliability of the Bible, not to lessen it.
The walls of Jericho (Josh. 6), confirmed by Garstang (1929-1936). Bricks without
straw (Ex. 5), confirmed by Kyle (1908). Famine in Egypt during the time of
Joseph (Gen. 41), confirmed by Petrie (1912). The flood (Gen. 7), confirmed
by the British Museum expedition (1929). There is much more.
We suggest that such information mentioned in the Bible and found to be true
through archaeology, provides us with evidence that points to inspiration.
The Bible and Fulfilled Prophesies
Nothing seems to be more potent than this proof. Old and New Testament writings
being separated by hundreds of years, and yet revealing fulfillment of foretold
events with amazing accuracy.
The Messiah to come would be born of a virgin (Isa. 7: 14) - Fulfilled (Matt.
I :22). His place of birth foretold (Mic. 5:2) - Fulfilled (Matt. 2:5,6). The
crucifixion of Christ (Isa. 53) -Fulfilled (Matt. 27). The list goes on and
on. The explanation for this? God spoke (Heb.
I: 1,2).
The Bible and its Uniqueness
We have the Bible which is a collection of sixty-six books written over a period
of 1600 years, by over forty different writers. Even with all the different
backgrounds, being separated by time, and distance, there is complete harmony
within the Bible.
The Bible is not written like any other book. It is special because it isn't
an ordinary book (II Pet. 1 :20,21).
The Bible's Indestructibility
God's word has been attacked from the beginning of time. When the serpent said
that God didn't say what He did (Gen. 3:4), it was then that man began to question,
and attempt to remove God's word.
There are many enemies to the word of God; Judaism, Heathenism, Philosophers,
Religious groups, etc. The wonderful truth is, the Bible has prevailed. It
has withstood attack after attack and it still exits.
There is an answer for the preservation of the sacred writings -it isn't man's
word, it's God's. Let's get to know our Creator more, by spending time reading
and listening to the Bible.
Chuck Bartlett