“These two God has married and will never part, dust on the Bible and draught in the heart”
I Peter 1:23-25 NKJV[23] having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, [24] for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, [25] but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. (Isa 40)
What does the Bible say about itself?
Over 500 times in the Torah, 1000 times in the prophets, over 4000 times in the OT, and 44 in the NT. The bible says it is the Word of God.
Scripture Passage: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God (inspired) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
God’s book in inseparable from Jesus.
John 1:1 “The Word was God” Revelation 19:13 “He had a vesture dipped in blood and His name is called The Word of God. Jesus and God’s book are not identical, but they are inseparable
God’s word was written by God.
2 Peter 1:20-21 ESV
knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. [21] For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
What evidence do we have for the accuracy of the bible?
- Fulfilled Prophecy: The Bible contains hundreds of prophecies, many of which have been fulfilled with remarkable precision. For example:
- There are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament alone that point to the coming Messiah. These include details about His lineage, birthplace, ministry, death, and resurrection.
- Prophecies concerning specific historical events, such as the rise and fall of kingdoms and empires, have also been fulfilled. For instance, the prophecies about the rise of Babylon, the fall of Jerusalem, and the dispersion of the Jewish people have all come to pass.
- Historical Accuracy: Archaeological discoveries and historical records have repeatedly confirmed the accuracy of the Bible. For instance:
- The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls provided ancient manuscripts that validated the accuracy of the Old Testament texts.
- Archaeological findings have corroborated numerous details mentioned in the Bible, such as the existence of biblical cities like Jericho, Nineveh, and Jerusalem, as well as the customs, cultures, and events described in the biblical narrative.
- Unity and Consistency: The Bible consists of 66 books written by approximately 40 authors over a span of around 1,500 years. Despite this diversity, the Bible maintains remarkable unity in its central message of God’s redemption plan for humanity. Its themes, teachings, and prophecies are interconnected and harmonious, pointing to a single overarching narrative of God’s love and salvation.
- Changed Lives: Countless testimonies throughout history attest to the transformative power of the Bible. Individuals from various backgrounds and cultures have experienced profound spiritual and moral change upon encountering the truths found in Scripture. The Bible’s teachings on love, forgiveness, redemption, and moral conduct have inspired countless acts of compassion, justice, and charity. Our personal experience is a confirmation of God’s word.
- Scientific Accuracy: While the Bible is not primarily a scientific textbook, it contains statements that align with modern scientific understanding. Those who study science must admit that it in a constant state of change. The science of yesterday is not necessarily the science of today. It is estimated that the library in the Louve contains 3.5 miles of books on science, most of which are obsolete. For example:
- The Bible describes the water cycle, stating that water evaporates from the seas, forms clouds, and returns to the earth as rain (Ecclesiastes 1:7).
- The Bible also references the spherical shape of the Earth, stating that God “sits enthroned above the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22).
- Additionally, the Bible speaks of the vastness of the universe, stating that the stars cannot be counted (Jeremiah 33:22).
- The earth is suspended in space – Job 26:7
- Survival and Influence: Despite numerous attempts to suppress or discredit it, the Bible has endured and remains the most widely circulated and translated book in history. Its influence extends across cultures, languages, and generations, shaping the moral, ethical, and legal frameworks of societies worldwide. The enduring impact of the Bible attests to its significance and relevance throughout history.
These details highlight the breadth and depth of the evidence supporting the Bible as the inspired Word of God. However, faith is the foundation of believing the word of God. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. (Rom 10:17)
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean that the Bible is “breathed out by God”?
- Why is it important to believe that the Bible is inspired by God?
- How does the Bible benefit us in our spiritual lives according to these verses?
- Can you think of examples from your life where the Bible has been profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, or training in righteousness?
- How can we ensure that we are utilizing the Bible fully in our Christian walk?
- What role does the Bible play in equipping us for every good work?
- How does knowing the inspiration of Scripture impact your view of its authority and relevance in your life?
- Why do you think the Bible is considered the only source of absolute truth?
Additional Scriptures:
Reflection and Application:
Take time to reflect on how you approach the Bible in your daily life. Are you making use of it for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness? Consider setting aside regular time for Bible reading and study to fully benefit from its inspiration and wisdom. Additionally, contemplate the significance of the Bible as the only source of absolute truth in a world filled with conflicting ideologies and beliefs.
Memory aide
1. F.A.C.T.S.
Fulfilled Prophecy: Many prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled, such as those about the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological discoveries have confirmed many historical details in the Bible.
Consistency: Despite being written over 1,500 years by over 40 authors, the Bible maintains a consistent message.
Transformative Power: The Bible has changed countless lives and influenced entire societies.
Scientific Foreknowledge: The Bible contains knowledge that aligns with modern scientific understanding.
Homework for next week’s study of God’s Nature is to find scriptures that reveal God’s character or attributes. Please consider sharing your verse in group next week. B