Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?
“Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?”
What is so special, so unique, about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God? Let’s consider the following facts about the Bible.
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- First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize. 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.
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- 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.
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- Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1,500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.
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- 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.
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- 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 it: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. 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 repent of their sins and commit to following and obeying God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions.
The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a miracle book and bears the mark of Divine inspiration.
Someone sent me this-
10 SIGNS YOU MAY NOT BE READING YOUR BIBLE ENOUGH
- 10) You open up your Bible in church and a huge dust cloud rises.
- 9) You think Abraham, Isaac & Jacob may have had a few hit songs during the 60’s.
- 8) You open to the Gospel of Luke and a WWII Savings Bond falls out.
- 7) Your favorite Old Testament patriarch is Hercules.
- 6) A small family of woodchucks has taken up residence in the Psalms of
your Bible. - 5) You become frustrated because Charlton Heston isn’t listed in either the
Concordance or the Table of Contents. - 4) Catching the kids reading the Song of Solomon, you demand: “Who
gave you this stuff?” - 3) You think the Minor Prophets worked in the quarries.
- 2) You keep falling for it every time when Pastor tells you to turn to Second
Opinions. - And the number one sign you may not be reading your Bible enough:
1) The kids keep asking too many questions about your usual bedtime
story: “Jonah the Shepherd Boy and His Ark of Many Colors.”
Seriously, we do have a great love and respect for God’s Word. I hope you have a plan for reading it. Let me leave you a few suggestions on how to do that this Sunday. Remind me if I forget. I’m looking forward to another great Lord’s Day as we meet at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. in Speakers Hall. Remember, the Christ of Christmas will be there. ‘Hope you will be, also.