Three Compelling Reasons to Consider the Bible as the Word of God
IN the realm of religious texts, the Bible stands as an intricate mosaic of spiritual teachings, historical narratives, and moral guidelines. For believers and skeptics alike, the question of whether the Bible truly represents the Word of God has been a matter of profound contemplation. While faith often transcends empirical evidence, several compelling reasons rooted in history, impact, and continuity provide a strong foundation for believing the Bible is indeed the Word of God. Let us look at three reasons in this article.
1. Historical Consistency and Archaeological Corroboration
The Bible is an unparalleled historical document that spans centuries, cultures, and civilizations. Numerous historical events and figures mentioned in the Bible have been corroborated by archaeological discoveries. For instance, the existence of the Hittite Empire, once considered a Biblical fabrication, was confirmed through archaeological findings in the early 20th century. This consistency lends credence to the Bible’s accuracy as a historical record.
John F. Walvoord who served as the president of the Dallas Theological Seminary from 1952 to 1986 said: “In more than fifty years of preaching and teaching scriptural truth, I have been impressed with the comprehensive evidence supporting the conclusion that the Bible is indeed the Word of God, absolutely accurate in its statements—a book that can be trusted to teach us spiritual truths.”
The renowned archaeologist Nelson Glueck noted, “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference.” This sentiment underscores the remarkable alignment between historical findings and the Biblical narrative, strengthening the argument for its divine origin.
Kevin J Vanhoozer, professor at the CS Lewis Institute, wrote in 2010: “Augustine…wrote that biblical authority would be overthrown if the authors had stated things that were not true. Though Augustine warned Christians not to hide their ignorance of scientific fact by easy appeals to Scripture, he also believed that the biblical writers did not make any scientific errors. True scientific discoveries will always be capable of being reconciled with the Scriptures. Augustine is at pains to show that there are no contradictions, either between one part of the Bible and another, or between the Bible and truth gleaned from elsewhere.”
2. Profound Impact on Culture and Ethics
The Bible’s influence on human culture, ethics, and morality is undeniable. Its teachings have shaped laws, governance systems, and societal norms across civilizations. Prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. drew inspiration from its moral teachings to champion civil rights. The Bible’s emphasis on compassion, justice, and love thy neighbor has transcended time, resonating with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Leo Tolstoy, the famed Russian author, once remarked, “The hero of my tale, whom I love with all the power of my soul, whom I have tried to portray in all its beauty, who has been, is, and will be beautiful, is the Truth.” This sentiment reflects how the Bible’s timeless truths have captivated minds and hearts, compelling them to seek and emulate higher virtues.
The Bible’s influence on culture has been witnessed in many ways. “This happened with reference to the abolition of human slavery, and it is happening now in regard to race discrimination and war. Often this comes about in conjunction with other agencies, as in the factory legislation which has made obsolete the twelve-hour day and the seven-day week, established minimum wage levels, and eliminated the grosser forms of economic exploitation,” wrote Georgia Harkness in Religion Online.
George Lindbeck, former professor of theology at Yale University, once described the cultural position of the Bible in American culture this way: “Its stories, images, conceptual patterns, and turns of phrase permeated the culture from top to bottom. This was true even for illiterates and those who did not go to church, for knowledge of the Bible was transmitted not only directly by its reading, hearing, and ritual enactment, but also indirectly by an interwoven net of intellectual, literary, artistic, folkloric, and proverbial traditions. There was a time when every educated person, no matter how professedly unbelieving or secular, knew the actual text from Genesis to Revelation.”
3. Remarkable Continuity and Prophetic Fulfillment
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Bible is its interwoven network of prophecies and their fulfillment. Over 2,000 prophecies are scattered throughout its pages, many of which have been fulfilled in precise detail. For instance, the prophecies in the book of Isaiah about the birth, life, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ were made centuries before his advent, yet they align strikingly with historical events in the New Testament.
Renowned philosopher Blaise Pascal astutely noted, “The prophecies are the strongest, the most striking, and the clearest proof of the divine origin of the Christian religion.” The fulfillment of prophecies underscores the Bible’s prophetic accuracy and invites contemplation on the divine guidance that could have inspired such predictions.
In an article titled, ‘The Literal Fulfillment of Biblical Prophecy’, Thomas D Ice of Liberty University wrote: Early in Christ’s ministry, John the Baptist said of Jesus as He approached him: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). John used a symbol to designate Jesus—the Lamb of God. Yet, just because a symbol was used does not mean that Jesus did not literally die, as a sacrificial lamb, for man’s sin. We all know that he did. John’s use of a symbolic reference to Christ complimented the point that Jesus came to “take away the sin of the world” through His actual, sacrificial death. This prediction was fulfilled literally in history.
“In a similar way, the Bible uses the term “beast” throughout Daniel and Revelation as a symbol for the person that is often known as the antichrist. Apparently the symbol of the beast was chosen by God to designate the beastly or animal nature of the antichrist. This does not mean that the beast is just the personification of evil in the world. No, even though a symbol is used to describe this still future human being, it means that the antichrist will display ungodly character as a real historical person. This prophecy will be fulfilled literally, just as was Christ’s death, as the Lamb of God.”
A Tapestry Woven with Divine Threads
While belief in the Bible’s divine origin often transcends empirical proofs, its historical consistency, profound impact on culture, and remarkable prophetic fulfillment form a compelling triad of reasons to consider it as the Word of God. Its pages have withstood the tests of time, skepticism, and scrutiny, leaving a lasting imprint on human history and inviting us to unravel the intricate tapestry of divine truth.*
As you delve into these points and engage with the rich tapestry of the Bible’s wisdom, may you find both enlightenment and inspiration to explore the depths of its teachings further.
