Is the Bible the Word of God?
Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?
By Jason Carlson and Ron Carlson 5/25/11
"Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?
This is probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask. What is so special, so unique about the Bible that
Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God?
Consider the following facts about the Bible:
First, the Bible is not just one single book.
Rather than being a single book, 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.
Second, these 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.
Third, these 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.
Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different
languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.
And finally, these 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. What's more, this collection of books shares a common
storyline- the creation, fall, and redemption of God's people;
a common theme- God's universal love for all of humanity; and a common message-
salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to
following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. 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, I offered the following challenge:
"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, 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 storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions."
"If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God."
The reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's impossible!"
"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. 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 somebody!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kjv WordofGodBeliever on -
Pleased to make your acquaintance Dean & Gladys,
Nice facts. Intellectually it is sound. For me I've spent time trying to convince/challenge different people with a list of some of these facts and there is always a website or pamphlet putting out clever deception that is opposite of the facts we know. A man who the Lord is drawing doesn't need all this, he has a measure of faith and the call of God. No man can come to God unless first He draw Him. So I will plant or water (with the Word and testimony) and depend on God to give the increase. Even if I memorize the entire script, I don't have the smarts to battle wits with anyone.
I pray that's enough.
Thank You
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Permalink Reply by Colby Chase on
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Thank you, Dean and Gladys, for sharing this compelling argument in support of our belief that the Bible is the inspired word of God (2Tim3.16-17). The Bible is the greatest book ever written. Unity of thought, uniqueness, and usefulness all prove it is divinely inspired. For those who are open to hearing the truth, the logic of this argument is undeniably sound and incredibly powerful. The Apostle Paul says: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1Pet3.15).
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Permalink Reply by Jason A on -
I do not personally believe that the Bible is the unaltered word of God. Inspired by, and influenced by for sure. But too many hands have been in it over the centuries. The cultural and demographic situations of the time is was written also need to be taken in account.
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Permalink Reply by Dean & GladysBeaty on -
If the Bible is what you say we cannot trust it to tell us the truth. We are left without hope. I see God's Word as God breathed as it says it is in Timothy. If it is not what it claims it is the biggest hoax that ever was given to mankind. I believe God's Word is what it says it is. If God almighty creator of the universe is not powerful enough to preserve His Word, He is not God. But He is and I trust my eternal soul to
take me to heaven.
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Permalink Reply by Jason A on
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I don't personally believe it is the unaltered word of god and I have plenty of Hope. Do i trust the bible to tell the truth? not 100%. Do i believe it was inspired by God? Yes. is it unaltered? No. But that doesn't deter me from having Faith in God. The Bible (in my opinion) is a history of the beginning of christianity, and a book of history and fables that can teach us valuable lessons.
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Permalink Reply by Sam on -
If you believe the Bible is not 100% true, what part of it is true and what is not. One cannot pick and choose what they want to be true. The Bible can only be all true or all false. Since none of it contradicts itself I believe it is all true.
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Dean & Gladys,
You make a sound and solid argument for God being the source of the Scriptures; that is, for the Bible being the "word of God" given to us by divine revelation. I hold to this high view of Scripture. This bold and audacious claim, which is made by the Bible itself, should not be dismissed lightly. In 2 Timothy 3.16 the Apostle Paul affirms this: "ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (NKJV, KJV) or is "God-breathed" (NIV, ESV). Hebrews 4.12 tells us God's word is "sharper than a two-edged sword."
If we suppose for the sake of argument that the Bible is wrong in making this claim, then there are two other possibilities with regard to its origin. First, that it is a human product written by fallible men, which would render it time-bound and culture-bound--a collection of ancient stories with a good moral to them. As such, the Bible is not reliable or authoritative as it is not the word of God. At best, it may be regarded as a "set of guidelines" that we may choose to follow, or of interest from a historical and literary point of view. However, in this view, the Bible's teachings are not necessarily relevant, let alone binding or prescriptive, to us today.
Another option is to see the Bible as having both divine and human origin; that parts of it are the authoritative word of God while others are the writings of fallible men expressing their viewpoints. This approach to Biblical understanding can only lead to great confusion. Who is to say (and on what basis) that these passages are inspired and these are not?
The only two ways of understanding the Bible that logically hold together are the high view that the Bible is the "inspired word of God" and is "God-breathed" or the low view that it is entirely of human origin. If the latter is true, then our Christianity becomes defined by a sixth "sola;" that is by our subjective whims and feelings alone. Anything goes when each individual is free to define the truth, and where Christian belief and practice becomes a buffet where we are free to pick and choose what we want to believe and hold up our own intellects as the ultimate standard.
Grace and peace,
Colby
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Permalink Reply by Dean & GladysBeaty on
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I agree fully! It is either the "inspired word of God", God breathed, or of human origin which makes it not to be trusted. I am glad I trust in the only true God who is all powerful and all knowing who is the TRUTH and the LIFE. I can entrust my life and soul into his hands because HE is trust worthy. I can trust His word because He is so great in knowledge and power. He
didn't just leave us here to wonder about things. He gave us this marvelous book. We just need to take the time to assimulate into our lives.
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Is the Bible the inspired Word of God?
Some will answer this with a qualified "yes, but . . . ."
- Does inspiration apply only to the original writings, which are no longer extant?
- To the King James Version only?
- What about modern English languages translations like the NIV, ESV or NASB?
- Does inspiration apply only to the original writings, which are no longer extant?
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Permalink Reply by ♥Jackie Farley♥ on -
The kjv only
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Permalink Reply by Dean & GladysBeaty on
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I feel the King James Version is by far the best. It is not bias as it was not done by a church but King James who determined to get the best scholars together to get this classic translation. I think the King James is the tried and true as it has been around for a longer. God is concerned about his word and I
feel God blessed the effort of this king to get his word out. The authorized King James Version is very accurate as scholars have found in checking it out with the original languages Hebrew and Greek. The original languages are the inspired Word of God. The King James is an accurate translation because God is not an author of confusion. He is all powerful and all knowing. I trust a great God as we have to keep his word pure for us. BUT
There are modern translation which are not as accurate and as good. My question why take second best when the King James is so good.
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Permalink Reply by Dean & GladysBeaty on
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Beautifully said. Oh so true. God's Word stands dispite those who would
hammer it to break it. They cannot because our God is all powerful. He
has preserved His Word!
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