IS THE BIBLE THE WORD OF GOD?

Many people experience great difficulty in believing that the Bible is actually the Word of God. Some individuals entertain sincere doubts concerning its divine authenticity, accuracy, and reliability. This is a common dilemma which not only affects most unbelievers, but many Christians have struggled with this issue as well. Many reject the Christian argument that the Bible is the inspired Word of God on the grounds that this claim is simplistic, shallow, and intellectually unconvincing. For this reason, many non-Christians demand more substantial proof.

WHAT IS MEANT WHEN WE SAY THAT THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD? This simply means that the Bible is the divinely inspired and infallible revelation of God to man, rather than the mere words of men to other men. When we say the Bible is the Word of God, we do not mean that all the words are God’s words. Some are the words of men, angels, demons, and even Satan. However, it is in its entirety the Word of God in the sense that God, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, divinely directed and inspired the writing of it and supernaturally controlled its overall construction, design, and recording of contents. In other words, it is not the product of human devising, manipulation, or imagination, but God was the author and architect behind its creation from beginning to end.

WHY DO PEOPLE REJECT THE BIBLE? For a variety of reasons, many remain skeptical and unconvinced concerning claims about the Bible’s trustworthiness and divine authorship. Some of the questions raised regarding the Bible are, on the surface, both reasonable and justifiable, while others are based upon willful ignorance and blind opposition. Many reject the Bible as the Word of God without even examining the facts. Some harbor deep reservations about the Bible because they have not been confronted with sufficient proofs to the contrary. Some reject its divine authorship, without sacrificing a measure of respect for the Bible, as a noble piece of ancient literature or a great religious masterpiece. Still others challenge the Bible’s reliability on superficial grounds. Their opposition is often based on well-worn arguments, sweeping generalizations, mindless objections, and preconceived prejudices rather than the sound foundation of reason, truth, and reality.

An absolutely essential requirement for those examining this booklet is an attitude of openness and intellectual integrity. If a person approaches this issue with a mental mindset which obstinately refuses to honestly consider the proofs presented in defense of the Bible, he will be wasting his time. Though we must respect the mental reservations a person may have, a person must seriously challenge any bias against the Bible which is not based upon reason or a careful examination of the facts. If a person will review the proofs presented with an open and intellectually honest attitude, he will see that the evidence in support of the Bible’s accuracy is overwhelming and conclusive. We will examine 16 major reasons for accepting the Bible’s reliability and divine authorship on the following pages.

1) THE ULTIMATE GROUNDS FOR ACCEPTANCE. It is one thing to dogmatically contend that the Bible is the Word of God. We can even substantiate this claim with many convincing arguments. However, all of our proofs amount to nothing apart from a faith response. The Bible is a book which must ultimately be accepted by faith – not just passive mental agreement. Being intellectually persuaded alone is insufficient grounds for allowing the Word of God to truly profit a person’s life. The Bible even declares that, “the word… did not profit them, not being mixed with faith” (Heb.4:2). Many powerful proofs can be mustered in defense of the Bible, but a person must ultimately come to a place of responsive faith in the Bible, its message, and its author. Though the following proofs can help stimulate intellectual confidence in the Bible, a person must exercise a rational faith which acts upon logical facts presented in order for the Word of God to have its intended effect upon his life.

2) THE UNITY OF THE BIBLE. The overall unity of the Bible gives strong support to its divine origin. What makes the issue of unity so significant is the fact that the Bible is such a complex book involving many diverse factors. The Bible contains an amazing continuity of message in spite of the fact that it contains many complex ingredients: 1) It was written over a 1600 year period, covering 60 generations. 2) Over 40 authors were involved in its final composition, each from a variety of cultural and occupational backgrounds. These included kings, peasants, a fisherman, a tax collector, a rabbi, philosophers, statesmen, scholars, poets, a doctor, a shepherd, and a general. 3) It was written from many different locations, under a variety of conditions, from three different continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe). 4) It was written in three major languages including Hebrew, Chaldee, and Greek. 5) It covers hundreds of controversial subjects, and involves a variety of literary styles including history, poetry, law, prophecy, and biographies. Yet in spite of this multitude of contributing factors, the Bible is a single, unfolding theme concerning God’s redemptive plan for mankind. A unity of such scope and magnitude gives strong, silent testimony to its divine authorship and design. No other religious work on earth can equal such an accomplishment. To illustrate the significance of this fact, a test was proposed¹ which would involve ten authors, all from one walk of life, one generation, one place, one time, one mood, one continent, one language, and just one controversial subject to see whether they would totally agree! The inevitable result would be a hodgepodge of conflicting opinions and perspectives. Yet the Bible is a harmonious book covering many complex and controversial subjects. This fact points to an all-knowing, all-powerful God behind its construction and composition.

¹ Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, pp. 19, 20.

3) THE BIBLE’S INDESTRUCTIBILITY. The indestructible character of the Bible gives strong support to its divine preservation. The Bible has weathered the test of time and has successfully withstood the repeated attacks of atheistic philosophies, higher criticism, modernists, liberal theologians, rationalists, humanists, scientific skepticism, Communists, and every conceivable brand of critic. In spite of the determined and aggressive assaults against the Bible, it has not only survived, but has consistently triumphed over all its enemies. In fact, the Bible has been likened to an anvil which has worn out the hammers of countless opponents.¹ For example, during the 18th century, Voltaire confidently boasted of the eventual extinction of Christianity and the Bible. However, only fifty years after his death, the Geneva Bible Society used his press and house to produce countless Bibles.²

¹ H.L. Hastings, cited by John W. Lea, The Greatest Book in the World, pp. 17,18. ² Norman L. Geisler, A General Introduction to the Bible, pp. 123,124.

4) ITS ENDURING POPULARITY. Not only has the Bible remained invincible against the repeated attacks of its critics, but its appeal has not been diminished by either time or persecution. The Bible still remains the all-time best seller of human history. No other book can compare to the Bible’s appeal. The Bible was the first major book printed by Johannes Gutenburg’s press in 1456. Since that time, over 7 billion copies have been printed. No other book has come close to matching its popularity and circulation. According to statistics compiled by the United Bible Society, 6,562,911,347 Bibles had been distributed worldwide as of 1984. The Bible had been translated in its entirety or in part, into 1,808 languages or dialects. The Bible’s enduring popularity among countless millions testifies of the universal reverence and respect which it deserves as the inspired, authoritative Word of God. “After 1,900 years, the Bible is still loved by millions, read by millions, and studied by millions.”²

¹ Encyclopedia Britanica, Vol. 3, p. 588. ²Bernard Ramm, Protestant Christian Evidences, pp. 232, 233.

5) THE TESTIMONY OF GREAT MEN AND WOMEN. Another contributing support for the Bible’s authority and divine authorship centers upon the testimony of great historical figures who staked their reputation and sacred honor upon the absolute reliability and accuracy of the Bible:

Abraham Lincoln – “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.”

George Washington – “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”

Patrick Henry – “The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.”

Andrew Jackson – “That book, sir, is the rock on what our republic rests.”

Queen Victoria – “That book accounts for the supremacy of England.”

Charles Dickens – “The New Testament is the very best that ever was or ever will be known in the world.”

Sir Isaac Newton – “There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history.”

Immanuel Kant – “The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity.”

Thomas Huxley – “The Bible has been the Magna Charta of the poor and oppressed. The human race is not in a position to dispense with it.”

Theodore Roosevelt – “If a man is not familiar with the Bible, he has suffered a loss which he had better make all possible haste to correct.”

Napoleon – “The Bible is no mere book, but a living creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it.”

Sir William Herschel – “All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more strongly the truths contained in the sacred scriptures.”

Woodrow Wilson – “When you have read the Bible, you will know it is the Word of God, because you will have found it the key to your own heart, your own happiness, and your own duty.”

6) ACCURACY OF THE MANUSCRIPTS. The manuscript evidence supporting the Bible’s accuracy is overwhelming. There are over 5,400 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, over 10,000 of the Latin Vulgate, and at least 9,300 other early versions. A total of over 24,000 manuscript copies or portions of the New Testament are in existence today. Compared to other ancient writings such as Homer’s Iliad or Caesar’s Gallic Wars, the Bible has more manuscript evidence supporting its reliability and accuracy of translation than any ten pieces of ancient literature combined!¹ So conclusive is the evidence supporting this fact that one prominent scholar noted, “To be skeptical of the resultant text of the New Testament books is to allow all of classical antiquity to slip into obscurity, for no documents of the ancient period are as well attested bibliographically as the New Testament.”² The exacting accuracy of manuscript translation, as well as the massive amount of manuscript material in existence, gives strong support to its divine authorship and preservation.

¹ Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, pp. 19, 39-46. ² John W. Montgomery, History and Christianity, p. 29.

7) SCIENTIFIC ACCURACY. The steady progress of science has not undermined the Bible’s accuracy. Not a single scientific fact or discovery has ever disproven a biblical statement!¹ In fact, the advances of science have repeatedly confirmed the scriptures’ accuracy. For example, the Bible revealed that the earth was round nearly 2,200 years before 15th century explorers discovered that the world wasn’t flat after all (Isa. 40:22). The Hebrew word for “circle” in this verse actually means “sphericity” or “roundness”. Before the invention of the telescope, Ptolemy established the number of stars at 1,056; Tycho Brahe figured 777; and Kepler counted 1,005.² These figures seem foolish to 20^th century man, but in 600 B.C. the prophet Jeremiah revealed that the number of stars was innumerable when he wrote, “the hosts (stars) of heaven cannot be numbered” (Jer. 33:22). ¹ Creation Research Center, San Diego, CA ² Henry Morris, That You Might Believe, p. 18.

8) THE FULFILLMENT OF BIBLICAL PROPHECY. Another pivotal proof supporting the accuracy and divine authorship of the Bible centers upon the issue of prophetic fulfillment. The Bible is saturated with specific prophecies concerning nations, cities, historic events, and individuals. But what lends such overwhelming credibility to the divine origin of these prophecies is the fact that hundreds have been literally fulfilled in the most minute detail. In fact, so convincing is the proof that God Himself established the issue of prophetic fulfillment as a legitimate test of divine authorship and authenticity (Isa. 41:21-23,26). A classic example of the many remarkable fulfillments which could be cited¹ involves the 6th century B.C. prediction of the overthrow of the city of Tyre (Ezekiel 26). Seven specific things were predicted, each of which was literally fulfilled to the letter during the 4th century B.C. The mathematical probability of this happening has been calculated to equal 1 in 75,000,000.^{2 1} Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, pp. 284-331. ² Peter Stoner, Science Speaks, p. 60. Probably the most amazing series of prophetic fulfillments involves the multitude of Messianic predictions concerning Christ. The Old Testament contains 332 specific prophecies which were literally fulfilled by Christ.¹ This fact not only establishes His divine credentials, but substantiates the divine authorship of the Bible as well. The following are 27 selected examples of over 300 distinct prophecies relating to Christ: born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2/Lk. 2:4-7); born of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10/Lk. 3:23,33); born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14/Matt. 1:18,24,25); referred to as Immanuel (Isa. 7:14/Matt. 1:23); He would be a king (Psa. 2:6/Matt. 27:37); He would be preceded by a messenger (Isa. 40:3/Matt. 3:1,2); entered Jerusalem on a donkey (Zech. 9:9/Lk. 19:35-37a); rejected by His own people (Isa. 53:3/John 7:5,48); betrayed by a friend (Psa. 41:9/Matt. 10:4); betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12/Matt. 26:15); silver thrown into temple (Zech. 11:13b/Matt. 27:5a); money used to purchase a potter’s field (Zech. 11:3b/Matt. 27:7); forsaken by His disciples (Zech. 13:7/Mk. 14:50); wounded and bruised (Isa. 53:5/Matt. 27:26); smitten and spit upon (Isa. 50:6/Matt. 26:67); mocked (Psa. 20:7,8/Matt. 27:31); didn’t answer His accusers (Isa. 53:7/Matt. 27:12-19); hands and feet pierced (Psa. 22:16/Lk. 23:33); crucified with thieves (Isa. 53:12/Matt. 27:38); made intercession for His persecutors (Isa. 53:12/Lk. 23:34); lots cast for His garments (Psa. 22:18/Jn. 19:23,24); given gall and vinegar to drink (Psa. 69:21/Matt. 27:34); bones weren’t broken (Psa. 34:20/Jn. 19:33); His side pierced (Zech. 12:10/Jn. 19:34); buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isa. 53:9/Matt. 27:57-60); ascended to God (Psa. 68:18/Acts 1:9).

¹ Floyd Hamilton, The Basis of Christian Faith, p. 160.

9) THE LAW OF COMPOUND PROBABILITIES. Simply stated, the law of compound probabilities is a mathematical law which can be used to calculate the probability of a specific set of conditions, requirements, or qualifications being fulfilled. Professor Peter W. Stoner used this law to determine the odds of a certain proscribed number of biblical prophecies relating to Christ being fulfilled.¹ His findings were carefully evaluated by the American Scientific Affiliation and found to be sound and convincing.² His findings rule out coincidence, chance, or human manipulation in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Stoner started by calculating the probability of one lone individual precisely fulfilling only eight prophecies relating to Christ. He computed the odds at 1 in 10¹⁷. This is the same as 1 followed by 17 zeros. This would be the equivalent of covering the entire state of Texas 2 feet deep in silver dollars, specially marking one of them, and instructing a blindfolded man to pick the right silver dollar on the first try. Dr. Stoner then computed the odds of one individual fulfilling just 16 prophecies relating to Christ. He calculated the odds at 1 x 10⁴⁵ power, or 1 followed by 45 zeros. The sun is 93 million miles from earth. However, if you had this many silver dollars, you could build a stellar ball which would extend 20 times farther than the sun. The probability of one individual fulfilling just 16 prophecies would be the equivalent of specially marking just one silver dollar in that massive ball, blindfolding a man, and instructing him to successfully pick the right silver dollar on the first try! Stoner further calculated 48 prophecies at 1 x 10¹⁵⁷. This figure is astronomical and beyond human comprehension, but Christ fulfilled over 300 distinct prophecies! These calculations prove the divine authorship of the scriptures beyond any reasonable or conceivable shadow of doubt.

¹ Peter W. Stoner, Science Speaks. ² H. Harold Hartzler, American Scientific Affiliation.

10) THE CONTRIBUTION OF ARCHEOLOGY. Archaeological research over the last two centuries has provided overwhelming support for the Bible’s accuracy. In spite of repeated attempts by critics to discredit its contents, archaeology has consistently verified the absolute reliability of biblical accounts, references, and chronologies. A wealth of evidence has been unearthed to conclusively prove the trustworthiness of biblical data concerning its references to historical figures, the existence of civilizations and cities, and the accuracy of details and information associated with specific incidents. So irrefutable is the evidence that one renowned archaeologist stated that, “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted (contradicted) a biblical reference.”¹ This fact gives unquestionable support to the Bible.

¹ Nelson Glueck, Rivers in the Desert, p.31.

11) HISTORICAL ACCURACY ACCORDING TO CHRIST. Another important pillar supporting the Bible’s infallibility centers upon the testimony of Christ. In spite of numerous attempts by skeptics to ridicule its contents and rationalize away its miraculous accounts as being nothing more than a collection of myths, folklore, and fanciful allegories, Jesus repeatedly confirmed its historic accuracy. Jesus consistently placed His divine seal of approval upon the Bible’s contents by verifying such accounts as the creation of man (Matt. 19:4,5), the murder of Abel (Matt. 23:35), Noah and the flood (Matt. 24:37-39), the destruction of Sodom and the turning of Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt (Lk. 17:28-31), the existence of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Matt. 8:11), King David (Matt. 12:3), and Elijah the prophet (Lk. 4:25), the miraculous provisions of manna (Jn. 6:49), and the reality of Jonah the prophet (Matt. 12:40). Not only has secular research proven the Bible’s historic accuracy, but Christ’s endorsement also lends powerful support.

12) SACRIFICE OF MILLIONS. Another significant support of the Bible’s divine authenticity is the fact that countless millions of Christians have laid down their lives in defense of it. Christians have suffered martyrdom, mutilation, torture, imprisonment, banishment, and confiscation of properties because of their firm belief that the Bible is the only inspired Word of God. Christians have sacrificed everything considered most precious and dear in this world for their convictions concerning the Bible’s reliability. For example, William Tyndale was strangled and burned to death in 1536 because he translated the Bible into the language of the common man. John Hus was burned at the stake in 1415 because he taught that the Bible was the only inspired and reliable message from God to mankind. These individuals represent the plight of millions who have willingly surrendered their lives for the absolute conviction that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.

13) ITS TRANSFORMING POWER. One of the most profound proofs of the Bible’s divine authorship centers upon its dynamic, life-changing impact upon the lives of men and women, the course of history, and the destiny of nations. The Bible’s power is timeless and universal. Its transforming effect transcends every conceivable boundary. It has produced the same revolutionary effect upon the lives of individuals world-wide, in spite of their sex, age, nationality, ethnic origin, cultural heritage, social standing, occupation, intellectual attainment, religious background, or environment. Hundreds of millions of “born-again” Christians can testify of the transforming reality of the Word of God. Their lives are living proof that the Bible not only changes a man outwardly, but produces a radical, inner transformation of the heart, mind, and soul. Their lives confirm the fact that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). The Word of God doesn’t just change a man superficially. It changes his entire life. The witness of hundreds of millions to the reality of this fact provides strong evidence of the Bible’s divine nature, power, and authority.

14) THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST. One of the most powerful proofs that the Bible is the inspired Word of God rests on the infallible testimony of Jesus Christ – the living, incarnate, Word of God (Jn. 1:1). Christ personally endorsed the reliability of the Bible. In so doing, He put His divine stamp of acceptance and approval on its source of inspiration, its message, and its infallibility. The issue of the Bible’s trustworthiness was so important to Jesus that He repeatedly stressed that God was its author and that its contents were absolutely accurate, factual, and authoritative. His unqualified support for it is proven by the fact that He repeatedly taught from it, quoted it, and referred to its reliability. This reality is substantiated by the following passages: Matt. 4:1-10; 5:18; 24:35; Mk. 7:9-13; Lk. 24:44-45; Jn. 1:1-18; 10:35; 17:17. Not only did Christ directly refer to the scriptures as “the word of God” (Mk. 7:13; Matt. 4:4), but He intimately linked the written Word to Himself: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Lk. 24:27). “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (Jn. 5:39). On the basis of Christ’s infallibility, we believe that the Bible is equally infallible. A rejection of Christ’s credibility amounts to a rejection of Christ. A denial of His claims concerning the Bible’s dependability is tantamount to making Christ a liar and a deceiver. In essence, a rejection of the written Word is the equivalent of rejecting Jesus Christ, the living Word – for they are the same! (Jn. 1:1).

15) THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. One of the most forceful arguments for accepting the Bible as the Word of God is because Jesus said so! But what gives such impressive clout to His words is the reality of His resurrection from the dead. His resurrection confirms that Jesus is who He claimed to be, and His statements regarding the scriptures’ inspiration are reliable. The historical fact of the resurrection can be substantiated by “many infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3). The enormous weight of evidence in favor of this reality is overwhelming!¹ For example, the post-resurrection appearance of Christ was verified by over 500 eyewitnesses (1 Cor. 15:6) who touched Him, spoke with Him, and ate with Him. The number, circumstances, and variety of appearances provide strong evidence that the resurrection was not a figment of the imagination, an elaborate hoax, hallucination, or cleverly manipulated plot. ¹ Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, pp.179-260. Furthermore, the high moral character and integrity of those witnesses is beyond reproach, and many were executed for their unwavering defense of the resurrection of Christ. The evidence pertaining to the historic reality of the resurrection is absolutely conclusive. As one noted scholar confirmed, “I have been used for many years to study the histories of other times, and to examine and weigh the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proven by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than that great sign which God hath given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead.”¹ The resurrection places an infallible stamp of authority upon Christ and His claims concerning the divine authorship of the Bible. No other religion, religious figure, or religious writing can claim this support. As one writer concluded, “Confucius’ tomb – occupied, Buddha’s tomb – occupied, Mohammed’s tomb – occupied, Jesus’ tomb – empty.”² This fact is what makes Christ and the Bible the only Word of God!

¹ Thomas Arnold, cited by Wilbur M. Smith, Therefore Stand: Christian Apologetics, pp. 425, 426. ² G.B. Hardy, Countdown.

16) THE SELF-WITNESS OF SCRIPTURE. The Bible makes some very strong claims concerning its divine source of authorship, inspiration, and content. It confirms that God is both the architect and author of its contents. It gives unqualified support for the fact that God was in absolute control of its composition, as well as the sole source of its inspiration. It also guarantees the enduring purity and reliability of its contents and emphasizes that it was not contaminated, adulterated, or altered by human contact. Furthermore, it not only specifies that God inspired the messengers used in writing the Word, but it stresses that the message itself is divinely inspired. These facts are emphasized by the following passages: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet.1:20,21). “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matt. 24:35; see also Psalms 119:152; Matt. 5:18; 1 Pet. 1:25). What is more, in over 3,800 instances in the Old Testament alone, the divine source of authorship is referred to with such descriptive phrases as: “God spoke to...”, “The word of the Lord came unto...”, or “The spirit of the Lord spoke...”¹

¹ Carl G. Johnson, “So the Bible is full of Contradictions”, pp.115, 116.

CONCLUSION. We have carefully examined the supporting evidence concerning the Bible’s divine authorship and accuracy. The evidence is conclusive and overwhelming. The facts forcefully substantiate the Bible’s trustworthiness, accuracy, and divine source of inspiration. Faced with such a massive arsenal of support, the burden of proof does not rest upon the shoulders of Christians to prove the Bible’s reliability, but upon the shoulders of doubters in disproving it. The sheer weight of evidence should lead the sincere skeptic to the inevitable conclusion that the Bible is indeed the Word of God. However, it is not enough to just be intellectually converted. Our ultimate response to the Bible, its author, and its message must be more than mere passive mental agreement. Being intellectually convinced is insufficient grounds for the Word of God to have its intended, transforming effect upon our lives. On the bottom line, the ultimate grounds of response must be based upon a sincere faith commitment. As we have previously seen, “the word ... did not profit them, not being mixed with faith” (Heb. 4:2). Faith is essential, but it must be a faith which acts. The Bible cautions us to “be doers of the word, and not just hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (Jas. 1:22). The world is filled with intellectually convinced people who believe the Bible is the Word of God, but have not acted upon that belief. We must give more than lip service to the Bible. We must act upon our belief by humbly surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ and accepting His revelation for our lives contained in the Bible – the Word of God. With such convincing evidence in favor of the Bible’s reliability, the only sensible and intellectually honest response boils down to accepting the claim that the Bible is indeed the inspired Word of God.

William R. Kimball