"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."
II Timothy 3:16-17
Two words used in this text give us an understanding of what the first-century brethren thought when they read this passage. The first word is "Graphe," which means "writing," and the second word is "Theopneustos," which gives us the meaning "God-breathed." From the definitions of these two words, we learn that the writing, the scripture, is inspired -- "God-breathed." This inspiration came from God to us to provide the information He wants us to have in reference to His will. It is reasonable that God would give direction to man, especially when you consider that He created him.
The book that we know as the Bible contains God's revealed will. The term "BIBLE" comes from the Greek word "BIBLOS," with its plural form "BIBLIA." Our modern English word comes from the Latin and old French "BIBLIA," meaning "writings." The Bible's main purpose is to present a history of God's people from the beginning to the end of time. Within this book, we also learn who God is, and of His willingness to send His Son to save mankind (John 3:16-17). Our belief in God is derived from a study of this entire book (Romans 10:17). Our faith is not based on subjective reasoning. It is the result of diligent effort to handle aright God's revealed word to man (II Timothy 2:15).
Thousands have tried, and continue to try, to discredit the Bible. They spend hours searching for contradictions. These atheists, skeptics, and religious modernists can't bring themselves to believe in a being greater than they are.
How can we go about proving that the Bible is God's inspired word? Please keep in mind that there is no middle ground upon which to stand. Some say, "Well, the Bible contains the words of God." Others say, "Well, parts of the Bible are inspired," but they turn around and debate the issue. What are the choices? God spoke His will to man, or man fabricated what he chooses to call God's will. I know of no other choices.
Allowing the Bible to defend itself:
By using such phrases as "thus says the Lord," "God spoke," "the Lord testified, saying," and "the Lord said," the Bible itself claims to be God's word. These phrases can be found in Scripture more than 1000 times.
There are abundant evidences, both internal and external, for the inspiration of the Bible. Let us consider the internal evidences.
The very nature of inspiration:
The very nature of inspiration is described in such places as II Peter 1:21; Matthew 10:19-20; 1 Cor 2:13. In these verses we find that the Holy Spirit guided these writers, both in what to say and how to say it. The Holy Spirit revealed divine truth (John 14:26; 15:25; 16:12-13) to these men, and at the same time, confirmed that Jesus is the Christ, God's Son. Inspiration allowed each man to manifest his own personality, in his own unique writing style.
The unity of teaching:
There are 66 books in the Bible. They were written at different times, in different locations, by many inspired men. Yet, there is unity in the message. Though roughly 40 men of different nationalities composed the Bible in three different languages, contradictions do not exist, except in the minds of modernists, atheists, and skeptics. There can be only one reason for such unity. The Bible came from one source, God (I Cor. 2:10-13).
Fulfilled prophecies:
Peter wrote that "holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter 1:19-21). Many of the prophecies foretold events years before they happened.
The greatest of the Old Testament's fulfilled prophecies are those that dealt with the Messiah. The gospels indicate that Jesus fulfilled prophecies given 500 to 1500 years before He came to the earth. Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, Micah foretold His birthplace (Micah 5:2 -- Matthew 2:1). Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, Isaiah said that He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14 - Matthew 1:23). Five hundred years before His birth, Isaiah told of the reception he would be given (Isaiah 53). One thousand years before He was born, the Psalmist spoke of His pierced hands (Psalms 22:16 - Matthew 27:35).
These are only a few of over 300 fulfilled prophecies about Jesus that prove the Bible's Divine origin. No man or group of men could have uttered such prophecies without God's help.
Historical accuracy:
In times past, many laughed at what they called the historical inaccuracy of the Bible. But thanks to the hard work of many, these skeptics, religious modernists, and atheists laugh no longer. Notice a couple of examples:
Historians laughed when they read in the Bible about the Hittites (Genesis 10:15). They said that no such people ever existed. In 1876, the Bible was proven true when George Smith found their capital city.
In Genesis 40:10,11, the Bible indicates that there were grapes in Egypt. The ancient historian Herodates denied this. However, paintings discovered on the ancient Egyptian tombs show the dressing, pressing, and cultivating of grapes.
Scientific accuracy:
The Bible contains no scientific fallacies of any sort. It is not a scientific textbook; its main interest is religious; but the Bible does touch on many aspects of science.
Consider one notable scientist's theory. Herbert Spenser, 1820-1903, said that there were five manifestations of the unknowable, these being, time, force, action, space, and matter. Now consider Genesis 1:1 and learn. "In the beginning" - Time; "God" - Force; "created" - Action; "the heavens" - Space; "the earth" - Matter. There are many other scientific truths revealed in the Bible. None have been discredited, least of all, the Genesis account of creation!
Meets man's spiritual needs:
Within man, there is a strong need for God, the God described in the Bible. The Bible reveals God and man's need for Him. David Curtis wrote, "Where the Bible is widely circulated and read, there is a high level of morality; where it is little studied, the standard of morality is low; where it is almost unknown, as in heathen and uncivilized countries, the morality is at its lowest and illiteracy at its highest."
The word of God helps us in all areas of our lives. Indeed, the Bible, "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" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We can come to this conclusion about the Bible's inspiration: "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past by the prophets, has in these last days spoke to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:1-2). "For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter1:21).
The Bible is not a book that has grown old with the times; it is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written. Times and customs may change, but man's needs remain the same. Man is a lost sinner in need of salvation from above. An unknown author has written the following:
The Treasurehouse of God's Word:
This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter.
Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand object, our good its sign, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.
It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment, and be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
Brother Lanius has done an excellent job of explaining the inspiration of God's word. Why do so many in the world today try to destroy the Bible's creditability? Very simple -- if it truly is a book given by God to His creation, man would have certain obligations to it. He would be accountable to read it, understand it, believe it, and obey its teaching. Since man wishes to chart his own course in this world, he must somehow prove to himself that the book is nothing more than a good book -- suggestions but not divine commands. Sadly, man has tried to destroy the Bible ever since God gave it to him. The book is over 2000 years old, contains no proven contradictions, and has been the number-one-selling book in the world for over 100 years. No book ever written has changed more men than God's inspired word. All we ask is that man examine its external and internal evidence -- the Bible will take care of convicting his heart. Give it a try. What do you have to lose -- except your soul? (KMG)