Bible Talk > Apologetics
Is the Bible truly God's Word?
Defacto:
Our answer to this question will not only determine how we view the Bible and its importance to our lives, but also it will ultimately have an eternal impact on us. If the Bible is truly God’s Word, then we should cherish it, study it, obey it, and fully trust it. If the Bible is the Word of God, then to dismiss it is to dismiss God Himself.
The fact that God gave us the Bible is an evidence and illustration of His love for us. The term “revelation” simply means that God communicated to mankind what He is like and how we can have a right relationship with Him. These are things that we could not have known had God not divinely revealed them to us in the Bible. Although God’s revelation of Himself in the Bible was given progressively over approximately 1500 years, it has always contained everything man needs to know about God in order to have a right relationship with Him. If the Bible is truly the Word of God, then it is the final authority for all matters of faith, religious practice, and morals.
The question we must ask ourselves is how can we know that the Bible is the Word of God and not just a good book? What is unique about the Bible that sets it apart from all other religious books ever written? Is there any evidence that the Bible is truly God’s Word? These types of questions must be seriously examined if we are to determine the validity of the Bible’s claim to be the very Word of God, divinely inspired, and totally sufficient for all matters of faith and practice. There can be no doubt that the Bible does claim to be the very Word of God. This is clearly seen in Paul’s commendation to Timothy: “… from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
There are both internal and external evidences that the Bible is truly God’s Word. The internal evidences are those things within the Bible that testify of its divine origin. One of the first internal evidences that the Bible is truly God’s Word is seen in its unity. Even though it is really sixty-six individual books, written on three continents, in three different languages, over a period of approximately 1500 years, by more than 40 authors who came from many walks of life, the Bible remains one unified book from beginning to end without contradiction. This unity is unique from all other books and is evidence of the divine origin of the words which God moved men to record.
Another of the internal evidences that indicates the Bible is truly God’s Word is the prophecies contained within its pages. The Bible contains hundreds of detailed prophecies relating to the future of individual nations including Israel, certain cities, and mankind. Other prophecies concern the coming of One who would be the Messiah, the Savior of all who would believe in Him. Unlike the prophecies found in other religious books or those by men such as Nostradamus, biblical prophecies are extremely detailed. There are over three hundred prophecies concerning Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. Not only was it foretold where He would be born and His lineage, but also how He would die and that He would rise again. There simply is no logical way to explain the fulfilled prophecies in the Bible other than by divine origin. There is no other religious book with the extent or type of predictive prophecy that the Bible contains.
A third internal evidence of the divine origin of the Bible is its unique authority and power. While this evidence is more subjective than the first two, it is no less a powerful testimony of the divine origin of the Bible. The Bible’s authority is unlike any other book ever written. This authority and power are best seen in the way countless lives have been transformed by the supernatural power of God’s Word. Drug addicts have been cured by it, homosexuals set free by it, derelicts and deadbeats transformed by it, hardened criminals reformed by it, sinners rebuked by it, and hate turned to love by it. The Bible does possess a dynamic and transforming power that is only possible because it is truly God’s Word.
There are also external evidences that indicate the Bible is truly the Word of God. One is the historicity of the Bible. Because the Bible details historical events, its truthfulness and accuracy are subject to verification like any other historical document. Through both archaeological evidences and other writings, the historical accounts of the Bible have been proven time and time again to be accurate and true. In fact, all the archaeological and manuscript evidence supporting the Bible makes it the best-documented book from the ancient world. The fact that the Bible accurately and truthfully records historically verifiable events is a great indication of its truthfulness when dealing with religious subjects and doctrines and helps substantiate its claim to be the very Word of God.
Another external evidence that the Bible is truly God’s Word is the integrity of its human authors. As mentioned earlier, God used men from many walks of life to record His words. In studying the lives of these men, we find them to be honest and sincere. The fact that they were willing to die often excruciating deaths for what they believed testifies that these ordinary yet honest men truly believed God had spoken to them. The men who wrote the New Testament and many hundreds of other believers (1 Corinthians 15:6) knew the truth of their message because they had seen and spent time with Jesus Christ after He had risen from the dead. Seeing the risen Christ had a tremendous impact on them. They went from hiding in fear to being willing to die for the message God had revealed to them. Their lives and deaths testify to the fact that the Bible truly is God’s Word.
A final external evidence that the Bible is truly God’s Word is the indestructibility of the Bible. Because of its importance and its claim to be the very Word of God, the Bible has suffered more vicious attacks and attempts to destroy it than any other book in history. From early Roman Emperors like Diocletian, through communist dictators and on to modern-day atheists and agnostics, the Bible has withstood and outlasted all of its attackers and is still today the most widely published book in the world.
Throughout time, skeptics have regarded the Bible as mythological, but archeology has confirmed it as historical. Opponents have attacked its teaching as primitive and outdated, but its moral and legal concepts and teachings have had a positive influence on societies and cultures throughout the world. It continues to be attacked by pseudo-science, psychology, and political movements, yet it remains just as true and relevant today as it was when it was first written. It is a book that has transformed countless lives and cultures throughout the last 2000 years. No matter how its opponents try to attack, destroy, or discredit it, the Bible remains; its veracity and impact on lives is unmistakable. The accuracy which has been preserved despite every attempt to corrupt, attack, or destroy it is clear testimony to the fact that the Bible is truly God’s Word and is supernaturally protected by Him. It should not surprise us that, no matter how the Bible is attacked, it always comes out unchanged and unscathed. After all, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Mark 13:31). After looking at the evidence, one can say without a doubt that, yes, the Bible is truly God’s Word.
Recommended Resources:Making Sense of Bible Difficulties: Clear and Concise Answers from Genesis to Revelation by Geisler & HoweandLogos Bible Software.
By: S. Michael Houdmann CEO of gotquestions.org.
Defacto
Frank T:
This is all the proof you really need:
--- Quote ---There are both internal and external evidences that the Bible is truly God’s Word. The internal evidences are those things within the Bible that testify of its divine origin. One of the first internal evidences that the Bible is truly God’s Word is seen in its unity. Even though it is really sixty-six individual books, written on three continents, in three different languages, over a period of approximately 1500 years, by more than 40 authors who came from many walks of life, the Bible remains one unified book from beginning to end without contradiction. This unity is unique from all other books and is evidence of the divine origin of the words which God moved men to record.
--- End quote ---
The prophecies are icing on the cake. There are some that will say that we can't prove that Christ ever existed, but we can. The new testament was written when thousands of people had seen Him at the teens that are talked about in the scriptures. If they knew they were false statements they would have spoken up at that time. Over 500 people saw Christ after His resurrection, would not one of them speak out if it were not true?
obi_donkenobi:
>>Defacto: I would say not, if you only consider that if there was a truly all-powerful/knowing/benevolent/and otherwise perfect God, He would know that trusting imperfect humans to convey His intentions into text and language that changes and becomes archaic over time would be foolish, especially with eternal damnation at stake. It's much more likely that humans created gods (they've done it hundreds of times over the ages) and that the Bible is so vague it has generated over 30,000 sects of Christianity because none of you can agree all together on any one thing the Bible says. Kill gays, keep slaves, handle snakes, stone unruly children - the list goes on and on, and some of you say 'yes' to these things while others say 'no.' Who's to say which of you is correct?
>>Frank T: As I understand it, the Bible has dozens if not hundreds of inconsistencies and contradictions (https://infidels.org/library/modern/donald_morgan/contradictions.html). And biblical prophecies are so vague, they're not really prophecies. A *real* prophecy would list exact dates, names and actions. For example: On May 7th, 2035 at 10:32am, Carl Solling will become the youngest person to ever win the United States Presidency at the age of 38 years old. Now THAT'S a prophecy. See https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Biblical_prophecies to find out about all the unfulfilled prophecies and the ones that were written *after* the events occurred. Also, if I go to a restaurant and order a burger and fries, and they show up a few minutes later, was that a prophecy? The point being: if a prediction is made and people work toward achieving it, was it miraculous?
Oh, one other thing. Just because the Bible says something happened doesn't mean it did. By that logic, Gandalf defeated the Balrog, or Harry Potter conjured a patronus. You can't use a source to verify itself - it makes no logical sense, especially when the authors of those sixty-six books were anonymous.
macuser:
--- Quote from: obi_donkenobi on October 16, 2018, 08:24:42 pm --->>Defacto: I would say not, if you only consider that if there was a truly all-powerful/knowing/benevolent/and otherwise perfect God, He would know that trusting imperfect humans to convey His intentions into text and language that changes and becomes archaic over time would be foolish, especially with eternal damnation at stake. It's much more likely that humans created gods (they've done it hundreds of times over the ages) and that the Bible is so vague it has generated over 30,000 sects of Christianity because none of you can agree all together on any one thing the Bible says. Kill gays, keep slaves, handle snakes, stone unruly children - the list goes on and on, and some of you say 'yes' to these things while others say 'no.' Who's to say which of you is correct?
>>Frank T: As I understand it, the Bible has dozens if not hundreds of inconsistencies and contradictions (https://infidels.org/library/modern/donald_morgan/contradictions.html). And biblical prophecies are so vague, they're not really prophecies. A *real* prophecy would list exact dates, names and actions. For example: On May 7th, 2035 at 10:32am, Carl Solling will become the youngest person to ever win the United States Presidency at the age of 38 years old. Now THAT'S a prophecy. See https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Biblical_prophecies to find out about all the unfulfilled prophecies and the ones that were written *after* the events occurred. Also, if I go to a restaurant and order a burger and fries, and they show up a few minutes later, was that a prophecy? The point being: if a prediction is made and people work toward achieving it, was it miraculous?
Oh, one other thing. Just because the Bible says something happened doesn't mean it did. By that logic, Gandalf defeated the Balrog, or Harry Potter conjured a patronus. You can't use a source to verify itself - it makes no logical sense, especially when the authors of those sixty-six books were anonymous.
--- End quote ---
First the if you study the Bible you would find that God did not trust any man to "convey His intentions into text", you should study up on the Holy Ghost as He is described in the Scripture. Now if you don't believe it, that's fine but don't try to MOCK something you don't understand and obviously never even tried to understand.
Second let's look at bible Prophecies of Jesus (excuse the cut and paste but I tired it's 0124 hrs here.
Prophecies of Jesus
Although this list is not exhaustive, you'll find 44 messianic predictions clearly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, along with supporting references from the Old Testament and New Testament fulfillment.
44 Messianic Prophecies of Jesus
Prophecies of Jesus Old Testament Scripture
Fulfillment of Prophecies New Testament Scripture
1 Messiah would be born of a woman. Genesis 3:15 Matthew 1:20
Galatians 4:4
2 Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1
Luke 2:4-6
3 Messiah would be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:22-23
Luke 1:26-31
4 Messiah would come from the line of Abraham. Genesis 12:3
Genesis 22:18 Matthew 1:1
Romans 9:5
5 Messiah would be a descendant of Isaac. Genesis 17:19
Genesis 21:12 Luke 3:34
6 Messiah would be a descendant of Jacob. Numbers 24:17 Matthew 1:2
7 Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:33
Hebrews 7:14
8 Messiah would be heir to King David's throne. 2 Samuel 7:12-13
Isaiah 9:7 Luke 1:32-33
Romans 1:3
9 Messiah's throne will be anointed and eternal. Psalm 45:6-7
Daniel 2:44 Luke 1:33
Hebrews 1:8-12
10 Messiah would be called Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:23
11 Messiah would spend a season in Egypt. Hosea 11:1 Matthew 2:14-15
12 A massacre of children would happen at Messiah's birthplace. Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew 2:16-18
13 A messenger would prepare the way for Messiah Isaiah 40:3-5 Luke 3:3-6
14 Messiah would be rejected by his own people. Psalm 69:8
Isaiah 53:3 John 1:11
John 7:5
15 Messiah would be a prophet. Deuteronomy 18:15 Acts 3:20-22
16 Messiah would be preceded by Elijah. Malachi 4:5-6 Matthew 11:13-14
17 Messiah would be declared the Son of God. Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:16-17
18 Messiah would be called a Nazarene. Isaiah 11:1 Matthew 2:23
19 Messiah would bring light to Galilee. Isaiah 9:1-2 Matthew 4:13-16
20 Messiah would speak in parables. Psalm 78:2-4
Isaiah 6:9-10 Matthew 13:10-15, 34-35
21 Messiah would be sent to heal the brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1-2 Luke 4:18-19
22 Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Psalm 110:4 Hebrews 5:5-6
23 Messiah would be called King. Psalm 2:6
Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 27:37
Mark 11:7-11
24 Messiah would be praised by little children. Psalm 8:2 Matthew 21:16
25 Messiah would be betrayed. Psalm 41:9
Zechariah 11:12-13 Luke 22:47-48
Matthew 26:14-16
26 Messiah's price money would be used to buy a potter's field. Zechariah 11:12-13 Matthew 27:9-10
27 Messiah would be falsely accused. Psalm 35:11 Mark 14:57-58
28 Messiah would be silent before his accusers. Isaiah 53:7 Mark 15:4-5
29 Messiah would be spat upon and struck. Isaiah 50:6 Matthew 26:67
30 Messiah would be hated without cause. Psalm 35:19
Psalm 69:4 John 15:24-25
31 Messiah would be crucified with criminals. Isaiah 53:12 Matthew 27:38
Mark 15:27-28
32 Messiah would be given vinegar to drink. Psalm 69:21 Matthew 27:34
John 19:28-30
33 Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced. Psalm 22:16
Zechariah 12:10 John 20:25-27
34 Messiah would be mocked and ridiculed. Psalm 22:7-8 Luke 23:35
35 Soldiers would gamble for Messiah's garments. Psalm 22:18 Luke 23:34
Matthew 27:35-36
36 Messiah's bones would not be broken. Exodus 12:46
Psalm 34:20 John 19:33-36
37 Messiah would be forsaken by God. Psalm 22:1 Matthew 27:46
38 Messiah would pray for his enemies. Psalm 109:4 Luke 23:34
39 Soldiers would pierce Messiah's side. Zechariah 12:10 John 19:34
40 Messiah would be buried with the rich. Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60
41 Messiah would resurrect from the dead. Psalm 16:10
Psalm 49:15 Matthew 28:2-7
Acts 2:22-32
42 Messiah would ascend to heaven. Psalm 24:7-10 Mark 16:19
Luke 24:51
43 Messiah would be seated at God's right hand. Psalm 68:18
Psalm 110:1 Mark 16:19
Matthew 22:44
44 Messiah would be a sacrifice for sin. Isaiah 53:5-12 Romans 5:6-8
Sources
100 Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus: Messianic Prophecies Made Before the Birth of Christ by Rose Publishing
obi_donkenobi:
>>macuser: When did I "mock" anything? If you're taking my honest questions as mocking, then I think you're misinterpreting me. Example:
Me: "What time is it?"
Joe: "It's 3:47pm."
Me: "Are you sure? I thought it was already past four."
Joe: "Are you mocking me?"
Wouldn't you think Joe is being a little sensitive? I'm trying very hard to keep this if not friendly, then at least civil. If I offended you, I apologize, but at least specify exactly how I did so, so that I can correct myself for the future.
Just because I'm questioning things does not mean I'm mocking them, right?
Now, about those prophecies: they're from the Bible. What makes you think the Bible is true or accurate? The Bible's authors are anonymous - we don't know who wrote them, and there's no corroborating writings from the historians of the Bible's time (of which there are at least 15) who mention anything about any of the Bible's contents. Now, there are historians who came as early as about 70 years later who do make brief mentions about Jesus, but they weren't eyewitnesses to the Bible's claims, weren't saying they had heard anything from eyewitnesses and were merely writing about what people of their own time were saying. Doesn't the lack of corroboration put the claims of the Bible in question?
And finally, one cannot fairly use a source to confirm itself. It would be like saying, Harry Potter could indeed produce a patronus in real life (a magical entity representing one's self) because it says he did it in the third Harry Potter book.
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