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!