I can literally give 25 reasons why I believe the Holy Bible is the Word of God and therefore true, reliable, and the best guide of life available on the planet. After careful thought I would like to share my top 6 reasons why the Bible is God’s Word and the ultimate book of truth. In today’s devotion we will share the first 3 reasons. And in tomorrow’s devotion we will share the other 3 reasons.
Reason #1 – Manuscript Evidence
Renowned biblical scholar, F. F. Bruce commented: “There is no body of ancient literature in the world which enjoys such a wealth of good textual attestation as the New Testament.”1 No one questions the works of any of the classics by Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates but somehow questions abound when we mention the Bible. However, we have way more copies of the biblical manuscripts, with much closer dates to the original autographs of the biblical books, than any 10 pieces of ancient classical literature combined. Not only that but the biblical copies are remarkably consistent with each other. If we accept Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates as authentic we must also place the Bible in the same category.
Reason #2 – Archaeological Evidence
There have literally been hundreds of major archaeological discoveries over the past 200 years that have verified the accuracy of numerous historical and cultural references in the Bible. As a result, to doubt the historicity of the Bible is totally unwarranted and bias. The more archaeologists dig, the more they confirm the Bible. Just listen to what Dr. Clifford Wilson, the former director of the Australian Institute of Archaeology, shared on this point: “I know of no finding in archaeology that’s properly confirmed which is in opposition to the Scriptures. The Bible is the most accurate history textbook the world has ever seen.”2
Reason #3 – Prophetic Witness
One of the greatest proofs of the truthfulness of the Bible is fulfilled prophecy. It is staggering in its amount. It is extra-Biblical in its verification. In fact, there is no religion extant in the world today with one viable, believable, or verifiable prophecy except Christianity. The Quran, the Book of Mormon, the Hindu Vedas, and all the other sacred religious writings boast no fulfilled prophecies in them.
And fulfilled prophecy sets the Bible apart from every other religious book. From political pundits to astrologers mankind has an abysmal success rate in making predictions. According to apologist, Charlie Campbell: “Over and over, the authors of the Bible rightly foretold future events (often times, hundreds of years in advance). The Bible is literally filled with hundreds of specific, detailed prophecies about persons, places, and events—many of which have already come to pass.”3
1 Textual Evidence – Evidences of the Bible (bibleevidences.com)
2 Biblical archaeology quotes – CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
3 10 Reasons You Can Trust the Bible | Archaeology, Prophecies + more! (alwaysbeready.com)
These “reasons” provide the believer with encouraging truth that strengthens his faith and informs his worldview.
However, to the unbeliever, they are not convincing. Why? “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity” Ps. 14. If there is no God, there are no Words from God, no Christ, no death, resurrection, ascension, no salvation, no heaven, no hell. Sounds like a song I once heard. This is the ultimate cancel culture, religious culture. In place of these realities is man’s fantasy to shield himself from his sin and its consequences and be like God. If all 25 reasons were listed, the unbeliever would hold down their truth in unrighteousness.
So, what are the ingredients to a plan that can at least scratch the surface in dealing with this opposition?
1. Prayer
2. Dependence on the Holy Spirit
3. In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect
4. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.
5. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
These are all deserving of explanation but the takeaway is to realize we are dealing with “fools.” Not in the name-calling sense but morally bankrupt men and women who will do anything to suppress the truth.
So, let these “reasons” resonate within you dear Christian and keep praying for our opponents who must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth 2 Tim. 2