Q: Why should I believe the Bible? What makes it any different than other religious books such as the Koran, etc.?
A. The Bible is a unique book written over a period of about 1600 years, by approximately 40 different authors. The locations in which these books of the Bible were written vary as much as the authors themselves (The wilderness – Moses; Prison – Paul; Island of Patmos – John). It was written in three different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek), on three different continents (Africa, Asia, Europe). In spite of this wide variation of authors and circumstances of writing, the Bible displays an amazing unity in describing God’s plan of redemption for mankind. Its unity has been summarized thus: The New (Testament) is in the Old (Testament) concealed; The Old is in the New revealed. With one accord, it repeatedly claims to be the Word of God. This unity of thought points to the Mind of God behind it all.
Beyond the unity of Scripture, modern archaeology has strongly confirmed the historicity of both the Old and New Testaments. Nelson Glueck, a renowned Jewish archaeologist remarked, “…It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference.” Various archaeologists have made similar remarks supporting the accuracy of the Bible, and the contribution of archaeology in understanding the Bible.
The predictive prophecy of Scripture puts the Bible in a class by itself. J. Barton Payne in his Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecies, lists 1817 predictions in the Bible (1239 in the Old Testament and 578 in the New Testament). He calculated that 27% of the entire Bible contains predictive prophecy. No other religious book in the world can claim this. The argument is that of accurately fulfilled predictive prophecy. If many highly improbable predictions are made in the name of God, which then come to pass without fail, is it not reasonable to assume that those prophecies were divinely inspired?
Finally, the testimony of changed lives for those who believe and follow the teachings of the Bible, is so universal and consistent, it would seem foolish to refuse to consider that this might be God’s message to mankind. People from every class, culture, and language who have believed this book and followed it have seen similar changes in their lives. Some of the most evil people alive, have been converted by believing the message of this book. Both the simple and the intellectual, the rich and the poor, the young and the old, have had their lives turned around by believing the message of this Book and following the Lord presented in it.
Much more could be said on this, but space prevents it here. However, from the few things I’ve mentioned, wouldn’t it seem wise to carefully check out what this Book has for you? Thanks for reading and have a great day.
Feel free to email LSlayden@aol.com with any questions you may have.
Pastor Linzy Slayden, Friendship Baptist Church, Owasso, Ok
