Why we believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God

Carl Sagan submitted, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” He was right.

Extraordinary Claim:

The anchor of Christian faith, the Bible, was authored by God Himself.

6 Extraordinary Evidences:

First, the Bible is not just one single book – it’s a diverse collection of 66 thoroughly harmonious books with one single theme that contains a broad variety of genres: historical, narrative, epic, law, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, gospel, apocalyptic and letters. Many Christians are not aware of this fact, let alone non-believers.

Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, tax collectors and scholars. Most of these authors never knew one another personally. To be certain, not one had a Facebook account, mySpace page or a blog to collaborate with fellow coconspirators on a “fake left, go Divine” book of the ages.

Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that most of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing this alleged “fairytale for grown-ups written by a bunch of Bronze-Age goat herders.” Go figure, the first book was written 3,500 years before Al Gore even invented the ‘internets’.

Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different ancient languages – Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. (In the spirit of full disclosure, the next sentence is going to be an extremely long run-on sentence, on purpose for effect, for which I forewarn.) For those non-believers who postulate that post-Moses Biblical authors had ‘access to’ and ‘understanding of’ earlier ancient Biblical texts ‘written in’ uncommon languages in order to ‘back their then-present-day writings’ into a grander ‘fully-harmonious’ New York Times Best Seller, all-the-while trusting that ‘yet-to-be-born authors’ would carry forward the ‘conspiratorial baton’ and author later books ‘perfectly harmonizing’ within 10 different genres all previous ones (previous texts that would not be aggregated, by the way, until two centuries after the last authors were martyred in horrific fashion…for a lie that would later hoodwink hundreds of millions of professed Christians for two millennia), then I have some swampland in Florida that I’d like to discuss with you as a “sure thing” investment.

Fifth, 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.

And finally, “You don’t read the Bible, it reads you.” If you don’t believe our claim, try us. Start with the four gospels of the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (not Biff).  If you’re feeling really bold and adventurous, before you begin, say the following words out loud or out loudless, “God, if you’re really real, speak to me personally through your Word – I’m open, because I truly want to know.”

Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, impacting readers personally. What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline- the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme- God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message- salvation is available to all who obey the Gospel and follow God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. Go figure, these authors had no Pony Express, no teleconferencing, no internet, no Library of Congress and no foreknowledge that the First Council of Nicaea would convene in AD 325 and actually select their little ‘ol piece of prose to be included in one…astonishing…perfect… harmonious…book of Scripture!

If you do not believe that the Bible is indeed the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, than we challenge you to a test. We challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, 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 1500 years, 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.

Absent Divine intervention, we submit your task would truly be impossible – for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test:

The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, 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.

THAT is why we believe the Bible to be The Inspired Word of God.

(read also more about the ‘essence’ of the Holy Bible)