Food For Thought

[Allabord4Jah]

Food for thought

Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?

During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked, "Why should we believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?"

Now this is a very good question; and probably one of the most important questions anyone could ask themselves. 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, 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 1600 years from 1513 B.C.E. to about 98 C.E. 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 1600 years 1513 B.C.E. to about 98 C.E., in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents.

What's more,�this collection of books shares a common theme - How God’s heavenly Kingdom will restore righteousness and peace to the earth.

 

In addition to sharing these commonalties,these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God's word truly is an amazing collection of writings!

After sharing the above facts with this student, I offered him the following challenge: "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 challenge you to go to any library in the world 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 1600 years from 1513 B.C.E. to about 98 C.E., 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." "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 1600 years from 1513 B.C.E. to about 98 C.E., 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!

 

(A sister sent this to me today, thought I'd share)

Edited December 5, 2014 by Dismal_Bliss
Moved to the JW news, illustrations, and other theocratic goodies forum,

[bagwell1987]

Lisa, 

This is remarkable. Exactly how I want to present it to someone. So many people listen to their preachers every Sunday but rarely know what the Bible teaches let alone it's importance.

Good post. 

[Allabord4Jah]

Lisa, 

This is remarkable. Exactly how I want to present it to someone. So many people listen to their preachers every Sunday but rarely know what the Bible teaches let alone it's importance.

Good post. 

When I read it, I thought the same thing!  Nice to print out in small but readable material for service. 

[bagwell1987]

Yep, Lisa I did the same thing. It's of a size that folds nicely in my tract holder.

[Brenda]

That's a great idea.  Thanks Cheryl 

[AH173]

Thanks Lisa for sharing, it's AWESOME! ☺