Is the Bible the Word of God? Is it true?
These are legitimate and reasonable questions to be asked. We can talk about the power of the Word to change lives, or the claims the Bible makes for itself – that it is the “Word of God”- or the popularity of the Bible with over $150 million in sales every year. Perhaps the best response for the seeker and skeptic can be answered in 3 proofs:
H.A.P. – Proof that the Bible is true:
H History – In all the years of criticism of the church, no one has ever been able to identify one historical mistake anywhere in the Bible. If man wrote it surely one would find historical errors after all these years. How do you explain this? The book did not come to us simply from the hand of man, but from the hand of God.
A Archaeology – Out of the 25,000 archaeological finds relating to people, places and events in the Bible, NO detail has been disproved from the biblical record. In fact, every discovery just continues to prove the Bible is true. This is great proof for accuracy and trustworthiness of the Bible.
P Prophecy – Prophecy fulfilled is unique to the Bible alone. Out of all the religious books in history, the Bible stands all by itself in this area. It is the only book that has hundreds of very detailed prophecies. From Old Testament over 2,000 specific prophecies have been already fulfilled. Of the 333 prophecies predicting the Messiah, ALL concerning His first coming have been fulfilled, and those remaining have to do with His second coming.
As the Bible was written, 25% of it was predicting future events. Every single prophecy has been fulfilled except for the few remaining ones dealing with the future return of Jesus Christ. There is no man that can predict the future 100% accurately. Who can do this? Only God can. Fulfilled prophecy is not only proof of the veracity of the Bible, it is also proof for the existence of God.
Think of the uniqueness of the Word of God directed by the Spirit of God through over 40 men of God during a 1500 year period. These men were from all walks of life, from shepherd to king, many who had never met. Yet the theme is unified. The New Testament says the Messiah came and fulfilled the promise AND He is coming again!!
2 Peter 1:20-21 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”