Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God? by Jason Carlson and Ron CarlsonDuring a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student 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 student’s question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible:First, 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, 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 with this student, 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, than I challenge you to a test.” I said to the student, “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 storyline, 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 student’s 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! ©2005 Christian Ministries International, Inc
Bible the Inspired Word of God?
- Thread starter Christina
- Start date
-
Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.
You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.
We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!
How about this,because Christ told me so.He confirmed the OT,as we have it today.And thru His Holy Spirit,He confirms the OT and NT.The Bible is like a puzzle and the Holy Spirit is the directions for puting that puzzle together.Listen and pray and all shall be revealed without having to alter the text in any way.
all I have to say is, how can the bible not be inspired by God if it continues to be proven true throughout history, and even more, everyone who believes in the bible, has never doubted it...meaning so many people believed it over the course of history which would be impossible if you think about it...if there was even one false statement in the bible, wouldn't someone have pointed it out by now?to keep this short that's my oppinion
(elmo;20043)
all I have to say is, how can the bible not be inspired by God if it continues to be proven true throughout history, and even more, everyone who believes in the bible, has never doubted it...meaning so many people believed it over the course of history which would be impossible if you think about it...if there was even one false statement in the bible, wouldn't someone have pointed it out by now?to keep this short that's my oppinion
I agree with elmo.And to add this to the fact, how can not the KJV be inspired by God if people keeps on saying that the KJV is "outdated" it's been here on time for almost 400 years. I'll stick with God, thank you very much. (to those who says "We have a better bible")Love much, JagLovest ye in Christ Yahshua our Lord and Saviour.
all I have to say is, how can the bible not be inspired by God if it continues to be proven true throughout history, and even more, everyone who believes in the bible, has never doubted it...meaning so many people believed it over the course of history which would be impossible if you think about it...if there was even one false statement in the bible, wouldn't someone have pointed it out by now?to keep this short that's my oppinion
I agree with elmo.And to add this to the fact, how can not the KJV be inspired by God if people keeps on saying that the KJV is "outdated" it's been here on time for almost 400 years. I'll stick with God, thank you very much. (to those who says "We have a better bible")Love much, JagLovest ye in Christ Yahshua our Lord and Saviour.
That article was good, but it left out the 'rub' words like inerrant and infallible. From cover to cover the bible is inspired and inerrant. But that is where many will depart, their hermeneutics will not allow them to keep history, event, wisdom, miracle intact as the bible presents it. Many will agree with that article and still say that Jonah was a myth, Genesis creation is not the actual creative act of God, that evolution has taken place. Miracles are brought into question and the scriptures have errors in the text. Make sure you include the 'rub' words to find out what people really believe about the bible.Josiahdefender
Very good information and reply and I want to jot it down so I can relay it just as you said it.It's also true that so many have no idea at all what the documents like the Dead sea Scrolls reallyare or what they contain and how they contain for example pretty much an identical book as the book of Isaiah that we have today, so that the popular idea that man has rewritten everything and thuslost the original word (if there was one), doesn't work here. I have personally had some people respondwith surprise to hear about this.So often man himself including us, can be so into our own limited perspective that we are not in anyshape to receive information that doesn't line up with it. So to approach a non-believer with a spiritthat has no criticism or arguementiveness, but just an honest sharing of some interesting info, mightjust cause them enough wonder to allow some new info in. It is such a great hope of mine to find the waysto get inside their doors, Amen? Siskim
I ask you, when Jesus cast the demons out of the man into the swine, was there 2 men or 1 man, read, Math 8:28 and mark 5:2, Read this many times only noticed it few months ago, So it does have errors.
I don't see that as an error. Mark is talking about the main guy. Matthew notes there were two of them. They are just two different ways to tell the same story. There were definitely 2 men because Matthew says there were two. Mark does not contradict Matthew by saying there was only one.
If you where at a crime scene, and you where one of two witnesses, and you both got asked how many people where involved, and you said one and the other said two, then the police would deduce that either one was lying or didnt see the complete incident. Here you have taken a story and deduced them both too be correct where the evidence points too one being incorrect. I have being taught for years there was only one man, but now as far as i know there could of being two, One is wrong one is right, and you and i dont know which is which. In His love
there were verses added and stories,that are not found in the earliest of manuscripts, if you look in modern day footnotes of your bibles, you will see this.the bible is written by MEN, inspired by God. It is the word of God and man. Some Christians regard the Bible only as divine and not also a human product.to me infallibility with scripture means it is true in what it is teaching. It is true in matters of faith and practice of my faith in Jesus as God.Some Christians have turned the Bible into the the 4th Trinity, as though it should be worshiped, which in my opinion was never intended to be.Examples of scripture in the Bible that was added to or changed from the original or earliest manuscripts.Revelation 13:18 in the bibles of today say the # of the beast is 666, the earliest manuscript found says 616, from manuscripts found from the 3rd and 5th century.the story in the gospel of John, about the a women caught in the act of adultery, brought before Jesus, Jesus bent down to write something in the sand, and Jesus says, 'if any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to a cast the stone.'....scholars have have known for more than a century that this story is not authentic. New bible translations will tell you this story is not found in older manuscripts.the whole last 12 verses in Mark, were added, again not found early manuscripts, the resurrected Jesus and Christians being able to pick up snakes, cast out demons, speak in new tongues, and heal the sick, all added at a later time.1 John5:7,8 King James, "For there are three that bear record in heaven the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one." this was added in the year of 1520, not from the early church.
I believe that the Bible is inspired by God...But whether it contains errors or not who can judge? Were you there? Did you write a part of the Bibile? It all comes down in my opinion to Faith. But not only that, how are we as humans meant to understand the Word of God fully? Until someone can say that "I fully understand the Bible" we cannot comment on whether it contains mistakes or not.But good article I like it
Charlie
Where not supposed to have faith in the bible, our faith is meant to be Jesus, the bible and the ot scriptures tell you of Him, so that you can follow Him, The bible cant save you no matter how much faith you place in it.In His love
Jimmy Engle
New Member
What you said brings out a very good point. Do you really think that what the bible says isn't the inspired word of God? Try finding a book that is even half of what the bible is and I bet one doesn't exist. Besides all the people that helped write the bible couldn't all be wrong or lying. It must be the word of God.
I beleive it is inspired by god yes, its so complex and uses so much symbolism it blows my mind sometimes
Yes the Bible is inspired Word of God. Just reading the Bible can not save you, but it sure can give you Spiritual guidance and instruction on what to do to be saved . 2 Timothy 3:16 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Similar threads
