Why Is The Bible Inspired?
The Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21).
The Bible is a book like none other. The Holy Spirit inspired holy men, giving them both the truth and the words to write. The Bible is the means God has chosen to reveal himself to people. The Bible is infallible (without error) and is God’s unchanging authority to guide us in all we think and do (2 Timothy 3:16).
Eight Ways we Know the Bible is Inspired
1. One Major Theme
The bible was written over a 1,600 year period, by many authors, and was found on 3 continents. And yet, the bible’s theme stays the same. Each book points to man’s need of forgiveness from sin and God’s provision for that need through Christ’s work on the cross.
“Given the tens of thousands of details in the Bible that could be either confirmed or disproved by history, archeology, science, etc., and given the fact that Scripture was written by some 40 authors, over a period of 1,500 years, in many different places and times, to find the Bible without error and in agreement on essentials and particulars is nothing short of striking. In fact, we think something like this can only be explained through divine inspiration.”
- Dr. John Ankerberg, Ankerberg Theological Research Institute
2. The Old Testament is Trustworthy
Jesus, the very Son of God who is the creator of the universe, said that the Old Testament was God’s communication to mankind. (See Matthew 5:17-20)
3. Many Fulfilled Prophecies
All of the prophecies concerning the birth, life, and death of the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus. Many other prophecies (such as the death and subsequent renewal of the nation of Israel) have already become fact.
4. High Moral Standards
Mankind’s sinful state is obvious to those who live in this world, yet the Bible directs people to holy living (Ephesians 5:3-13). The Bible’s standards are so high that they cannot be accomplished without dependence upon God.
5. Judges the Heart
No other book reaches inside of an individual and reveals the hidden thoughts and motives, like the Bible. (Hebrews 4:12) Because the Bible is God’s Word, it is as alive today as it was on the day the Holy Spirit breathed it into the writers. John 1:1 equates Jesus with the Word. Just as Jesus is alive today, the Bible is alive and available to lead those who will allow it to do so.
6. One Way of Salvation
The Bible is not our salvation. Memorizing it words or following its rules will not in itself ensure us access to Heaven. The Bible reveals over and over the way to salvation is found in dependence on Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross. (Acts 4:12)
7. Changed Lives
History, as well as the Bible, records the change that is created in hearts of individuals and nations who follow God’s law. When people follow the Bible’s directions and accept the forgiveness offered in Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their lives, they are changed to be more and more like Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 2:13
8. Eternal Word
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. – Matthew 24:35
We can see the sky and the earth. They feel very permanent to us. Jesus said that the Bible is more permanent than both. One day the earth and its atmosphere will be gone, but the Bible – God’s word to mankind – will remain. The standard of righteousness that God holds up to us now, revealed through his word, is the same standard that will govern heaven.
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July 21, 2009
tks for the effort you put in here I appreciate it!