Is
the Bible the Inspired Word of God?
Psa 119:105 Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a
light unto my path.
Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?
By Jason and
Ron Carlson, 5/25/11
During 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 them selves. 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, then 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!"
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!
In God We Trust