Is The Bible The Inspired Word of God?

Friends,

Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God? 

  

Recently someone asked me, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?"  Now this is a very interesting question; and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask themselves. 

What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it  is literally the inspired word of God?  

In answering this person's question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible:  

1. the Bible is not just one single book.  This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a  Judeo-Christian background.  Rather than being a single book. 

2. The Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures.  These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom   literature, letters, and apocalyptic just to name a few.  

3. The 66 books were written by 40 different authors.  These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others.  And most of these authors never knew one another personally.  

4. The 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.  

5. The 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages.  In the  Bible we have books that were written in the languages of Hebrew and Greek, a world language and English, today's world language;  a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.  

6. The 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe.  Once again, this is a testament to   the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God's people.  

Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents.  

7. The collection of books shares a common story line 

a)  the creation, fall, and the prophecy of a Messiah - Jesus Christ (Yeshua) 

b) The redemption of God's people through the blood atonement of Jesus and his resurrection as the Pesach Lamb; indeed, the Old Testament prophecies disclose a hidden Jesus and the New Testament Jesus Christ revealed. 

c) The book culminates in Jesus' second advent as the Lion of Judah and Jesus Christ revealed in the Book of Revelation.  

d) The Bible displays a common theme - God's universal love for all of humanity; 

e) and a common message - salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following Jesus Christ with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. 

8. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions.  God's word truly is an amazing collection of   writings!  After I had shared the above facts with this person, I offered him the following challenge: I said to him, "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test."  I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible.  You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents.  However, they must share a  common story line, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions."  I went on to say, "If you can produce such a collection of books, 

I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God."  The man's reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's impossible!"  It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings.  However, the Bible passes this test.  The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions.  9. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.  The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them.  Better yet, don't wait until you're asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don't even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books.  After they say,  "But that's impossible!" you've got a ready-made   opportunity for sharing the truth of God's word with someone.

Yeshua Gadola

The Watchman on the Wall