The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for that.
- Harper Lee
Biblical Authenticity
The decision to base one’s worldview and lifestyle choices, much less temporal happiness and eternal destiny, on any one book should not be taken lightly. All the more so when trusting in a two millennia old manuscript written by a compilation of authors over a 1,500 year period. Additional factors, including the process of Biblical canonization, can prove daunting to clergy and laity, skeptics and naysayers alike.
On the other hand, life’s ultimate questions deserve our due diligence. Honest seekers of truth and meaning soon find faith not only reasonable but essential. Yet even if proof abounds for the existence of God, what evidence is there that the Bible is Divinely inspired?
There are at lest ten Great reasons to believe in the Bible's authenticity. In addition to these are mountains of evidence supporting the Divine inspiration of Scripture. There are amazing scientific discoveries described millennia ago in Biblical passages. These include a testable model of creation that encompasses modern discoveries in the areas of astronomy and physics, chemistry and biology, human origins and understanding the universe.
Such overwhelming evidence is augmented by the simple fact that for anything to exist, it must have either been created, created itself, or possess eternal self existence (one of the five attributes of Divinity). Such rationale holds true for everything from the tiniest particle of matter, to a supposed infinite number of universes, to Omnity itself. A self evident fact, this undeniable proof of God’s existence is easily demonstrated by the simplest math equation possible: 0 + 0 = 0.
Unfortunately, even in the face of absolute proof of God’s existence, and mounting evidence for the inspiration of Scripture (when accurately interpreted), modern Christianity remains Biblically illiterate. The average church attender is unable to quote 5-10 verses in a row. Much less interpret and implement them accurately. Add to this the lack of serious prayer, stopping to pray less than 5-10 minutes a day, and it would seem the bulk of Churchianity are largely practical agnostics.
On the other side of the aisle, apathy or ignorance of basic logic and reason abounds. As already demonstrated, the impossibility of the existence of anything, without an original source of causation itself being causeless and eternally self existent (and thus Divine), is a reckless act of secular faith. One billions of atheist, agnostics and even casual believers daily choose. Blithely dismissing responsibility to diligently seek, know and please their Creator. To jeopardize eternity in the name of enlightenment, or the sake of a few decades of limited self determinism, pleasure and modest gain, is the height of foolishness.
The scientific proof of God’s existence can also be philosophically reinforced by simple honest reasoning:
1. Either God exists or doesn’t: If so, wisdom warrants continued investigation. If not, even Scripture suggests we “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.”
2. Either God is knowable or isn’t: If so, wisdom warrants continued investigation. If not, again let us “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.”
3. Either God is good or isn’t: If so, wisdom warrants continued investigation. If not, we may attempt placating Divinity or simply “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.”
4. Either God has been revealed or hasn’t: If so, wisdom warrants continued investigation. If not, let us “eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.”
5. Either the Bible is God’s revelation or isn’t: If so, it greatly behooves humanity to continue investigating. To corporately and individually seek to know and serve the Creator and Savior. If not, given the myriad of vastly lessor candidates mankind is up a spiritual and eternal creek without a paddle.
While the afore mentioned substantiations adequately demonstrate Omnity’s existence, additional inquiry is needed to move from agnostic to Christian.
A compass comparison of differing religions belief traditions and systems works on a number of levels. Perhaps the first most basic level is that of Faith and Reason as depicted in the following diagram:
Biblical Christianity represents the complete synergy of faith and reason. Here we find those honest enough to admit not only that creation requires a Creator, but there is abundant evidence to believe He is the God of the Bible. Reasoning through aspects of Biblical faith, such fully embrace not only the promises but conditions and costs of the Gospel. Having found the treasure of which all men seek, these make every effort to deny themselves daily, taking up their cross in hopes of becoming an entire New Creation. Thus being filled with “all the fullness of God” while “obtaining a better resurrection.”
Humanism covers a broad array of points of view held by those not directly for or against religion, yet showing some level of concern for their fellow man. Loving one’s neighbor in demonstrable ways is not only noble, but the very definition of living faith. Perfectly in tune with Christ’s most important teachings on salvation. Unfortunately, most humanists give far less than directed by such New Testament greats as John the Baptist and Jesus, Paul and James. Furthermore these are often diverted from diligently seeking God for reasons running the gamut from feelings of alienation to worldliness.
Other Religions are those espousing the existence of a particular God or Gods, other than the Trinity revealed in Scripture. One the one hand, such believers admit the obvious reality of the Divine existence. Some practitioners are extremely devoted, displaying a level of commitment that puts most modern Christians to shame. On the other hand, careful scrutiny reveals nonsensical and at times even demonic foundational beliefs and/or practices.
Me-ism might represent those too apathetic or self absorbed to develop a clear concept of their Creator. Formally known as Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, various forms of Me-ism are quickly becoming the default religion within developed nations.
Agnosticism represent both sides of the agnostic argument, that of the selfish skeptic as well as the genuine yet disheartened seeker. Here can be found shreds of a legitimate concern too lightly answered by the faith community. If and when addressed at all. Namely, the quantum dilemma posed by the apparent silence and distance of God.
Atheism represents the opposite of Biblical Magnetic North, beginning with the fundamentally fallacious arguments of the atheist. Ironically, while often among the most intelligent, for a variety of reason atheists repudiate common sense by denying such fantastic fine tuning and intelligent design requires a Designer.
Such analysis in and of itself means less and less to billions in the developed world enamored with the undeniably impressive impact of scientific advancements. Ironically, these very gifts are from God, yet their net effect has been an untethering from the harsher realities of modern life. So much so as to temporarily disperse concerns over identifying, much less pleasing, any so called Creator.
A perilous position billions consider strengthened by insights into the evolutionary process. Yet neither theories or technological progress could ever disprove Intelligent design, which in and of itself has little or nothing to do with the mechanism Omnity used to plan and guide the miraculous appearance of simple, much less sentient earthly life. Examples of which are well documented by organizations like Reasons To Believe, who present a compelling case for the integration of general revelation (record of nature) with Old Earth creationism’s place in special revelation (Scripture).
Also compelling is Scriptures explanation of eternity's past and humanity's future featuring 1,000 fulfilled prophecy’s. The odds of even a dozen of the Bible's ancient prophecies having been fulfilled are greater than a quintillion to one. That's like filling Texas ten feet high with silver dollars, marking an "X" on one and a blind man finding it. Yet scores of the Bible's prophecies have come true, including the impressive and unparalleled prophesied destruction of the city of Tyre by Alexander the Great. Such odds far exceed those necessary to establish something as a "scientific certainty."
Similar odds exist against today’s unfolding of prophecies from the Bible’s Book of Revelation. How could a Jewish fisherman living millennia ago, who knew less about the world than a modern elementary school student, accurately predict current events in our time? Yet some of the author's prophecies have already happened and more are in motion. Our generation is witnessing the pages of Revelation unfold in such events as the singular reemergence and global prominence of Israel in a way unique in history. The development and proliferation of nuclear weapons that could destroy a half or more of humanity. The creation of the European Union from the ashes of the old Roman Empire. The ability of nations east of the Euphrates to generate and arm a 200 million man army, equivalent to the entire world's population when Revelation was written. The rise of technology necessary to produce the Mark of the Beast, as well as a host of other prophetic markers of the Great Tribulation...
Biblical Authority
The principle implication of the Divine inspiration of Scripture is that of Biblical authority. If the Creator is the source of the text, creation is bound to obey. The Protestant Bible is comprised of over 780,000 words, contained within more than 31,000 verses, collected into 66 Books. In these are over a hundred passages directly and indirectly referencing Scripture's Divine origin. Including the following:
- " All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP
- " God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what." Hebrews 4:12-13 MSG
- "Heaven and earth [as now known] will pass away, but My words will not pass away." Matthew 24:35 AMP
- "What gives life is God's Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit." John 6:63 GNT
- "Jesus answered, “You’re off base on two counts: You don’t know your Bibles, and you don’t know how God works." Matthew 22:29 MSG
- "It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living." John 5:24 MSG
- "And we will never stop thanking God for this: that when we preached to you, you didn’t think of the words we spoke as being just our own, but you accepted what we said as the very Word of God—which, of course, it was—and it changed your lives when you believed it." 1 Thessalonians 2:13 TLB
- "We couldn’t be more sure of what we saw and heard—God’s glory, God’s voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You’ll do well to keep focusing on it. It’s the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it’s not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God’s Word." 2 Peter 1:20-21 MSG
- "So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don’t know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it." 2 Peter 3:14-16 MSG
- "Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God’s people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple." 2 Timothy 2:15 MSG
- "Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!" Romans 15:5-6 MSG
- "If anyone hears what I am saying and doesn’t take it seriously, I don’t reject him. I didn’t come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what I’m saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last word. I’m not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. That’s all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you." John 12:48-50 MSG
- "Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends." Acts 20:32 MSG
- "What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it’s as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came." Psalm 119:89-92 MSG
- "God’s words are pure words, Pure silver words refined seven times In the fires of his word-kiln, Pure on earth as well as in heaven." Psalm 12:6-8 MSG
- "I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work." God’s Decree. "For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them." Isaiah 55:10-11 MSG
- "In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]." John 1-3 AMP
- "First this: God created the Heavens and Earth—all you see, all you don’t see." Genesis 1:1 MSG
- "Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:17 NIV
- "I know that you can do anything and that no one can stop you." Job 42:2 TLB
- "Before the mountains were created, before the earth was formed, you are God without beginning or end." Psalm 90:2 TLB
- "His sovereign rule lasts and lasts, his kingdom never declines and falls. Life on this earth doesn’t add up to much, but God’s heavenly army keeps everything going. No one can interrupt his work, no one can call his rule into question." Daniel 4:35 MSG
- "Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God! Take the glory! the honor! the power! You created it all; It was created because you wanted it." Revelation 4:11 MSG
- "The seventh Angel trumpeted. A crescendo of voices in Heaven sang out, The kingdom of the world is now the Kingdom of our God and his Messiah! He will rule forever and ever!" Revelation 11:15 MSG
- "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." Romans 13:1-2 NIV
- "Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live. That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders." Romans 13:3-7 MSG
- "Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government." 1 Peter 2:13-17 MSG
- "The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live." 1 Timothy 2:2-3 MSG
Context and Content
Both general revelation, as revealed by science and special revelation, as revealed by Scripture, demonstrate that in reality nothing is as it seems. This is why the Bible warns that God’s promise of reward is reserved for those who diligently, rather than casually, seek Him. With Hell to loose and Heaven to gain, could even Omnity provide greater motivation? Such extreme and eternal outcomes of Scriptural spiritual warfare are the primary reasons for both Old Testament narratives, and the New Testament's call to arms.
Yet, for a variety of reasons, the a majority of modern Christians often refuse to accept Biblical insight and warning. For example, comprehension of the context of Scripture is vital to understanding its content. While no longer in vogue, Scripture's context is most certainly one of warfare theology. Like the whodunnit story of Job, considered by many to be the oldest Book of the Bible and perhaps its key codex, conflict between God the "Lord of Hosts" (angel armies) and Satan the "prince of the power of the air" (god of this world), provides the backdrop to Job's story. And much, if not all, the entire Old and New Testaments. As exemplified in a couple of familiar passages referencing conflict with the fallen angelic:
- "When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through the cross." Colossians 2:15 AMP
- " Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:7-8 NKJV
Another challenge is the Bible itself. For a variety reasons, Scripture was not designed as a simple instruction manual. Its various books and chapters, passages and verses, were neither written or arranged topically. And while often cited as why, Scripture's compilation by more than 30 authors over a period of 1,500 years is not the only reason…
For some, the ancient adage, "Life's a test" is more obvious than for others. Nevertheless, this universal truth is Scriptural in nature. Even for those fortunate enough to live in the modern world, were life’s battlefield may seem far removed. With technological advances all but conquering basic challenges, we savor the ease of victory. We not only enjoy, but daily take for granted, an incredible array of blessings. Something as common as a grocery store would have seemed a godsend to previous generations. Even a simple meal meant raising and catching the chicken, killing and plucking the chicken, gutting and then cooking the chicken on a wood burning stove. That's if there was even a chicken to be had. Out of the perhaps 100 billion who've every lived, only a few percent could even imagine picking one up ready to eat at the market or at a drive through window on the way home.
Afforded amazing advances in science technology, in many ways we posses power the greatest kings could hardly of imagined. For all his wealth, could King Solomon catch a plane and arrive half way around the globe in a matter of hours? Did he ever once jump in a car and race seventy miles an hour on smoothly paved roads enjoying air conditioning? Did his smart phone allow real time conversations with anyone anywhere on Earth or offer music from thousands of artists?
And what of knowledge? How many of the wisest men even knew the Earth was round? Did they have access to half the facts fifth graders take for granted? Could they Google any question and answer, instantly accessing the ever increasing sum of human knowledge? Time would fail to list all the marvels we enjoy. From science and technology to food and housing. From law and order to police and military protection. From health care and social programs to entertainment and travel…
On the flip side, Jesus warned, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." An even more crucial concern with spiritual conflict at an all time high. Subtle as it is certain, challenges to Christianity abound. While woefully one-sided, the Church is at war. From ubiquitous levels of demonic temptation and deception, to devilish apathy and inverted morality. An ever increasing number of serious threats are creating a culture of billions of spiritual refugees. With far more on the way.
The New Testament succinctly warns we will each give account of all we've done or failed to do, every idle word and perhaps our every thought. Such exacting standards, with no less than Heaven and Hell at stake, provide compelling evidence of an examination with everlasting consequence.
Thankfully, life as faith itself, is an open Book test. And what a Book! In the Bible alone, religion and science reach their zenith. As do every other genre. From action and adventure, to crime and mystery. From thriller and occult, to fantasy and science fiction. Each on a global and eternal scale!
An essential element of faith's test is to what degree we appropriately responded to the ramifications of conflict theology. If Christianity’s a cruise ship, sailing merrily from here to Heaven, then certainly Christ's costly atonement is sufficient. The cross of Christ is indeed everything for everyone. If however, Heaven and Earth are at war with fallen angels and devils, Christianity is a battleship and we must follow our Commander and Chief's example and directives by daily shouldering our own.
The Bible explains that both personally, and as a species, mankind faces the deadly foe of sin on three fronts. Sin within, resulting from individual and inherited fallen natures. Sin above, in the form of devilish and demonic temptation and deception. And Sin about, the collective and cumulative effect of sin within and above. In regards to sin from above, the New Testament is quite adamant:
- "And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels." Ephesians 6:10-12 MSG
Note: Conflict theology or no, Christianity's relationship with government can be complicated. Throughout history, Godly men and women have at times benefited from, or been persecuted by, civil and military authority. Mistreatment and martyrdom of Old Testament prophets, and New Testaments authors alike, testify to the spiritually quantum relationship of the Kingdom of God with those of the world. For example, all New Testament passages reinforcing Scripture's directive to submit to human authorities were written by pacifistic revolutionaries.
The apostles, and First Century Church, exemplified in word and deed that obedience to established authority equates to submission to God. Unless doing so violates Biblical commands and/or fundamental human rights. In which case the Kingdom of Heaven supersedes secular governments, and Christians are obligated to either amend or resist unjust laws. Often at great cost. Conversely, Scripture requires non essential contentions to be either peacefully resolved or graciously endured. Both inside and outside the Church. As Jesus explained concerning Himself and the Holy Spirit:
- "My kingdom is not founded in this world—if it were, my servants would have fought to prevent my being handed over to the Jews. But in fact my kingdom is not founded on all this! "So you are a king, are you?" returned Pilate. "Indeed I am a king," Jesus replied; "the reason for my birth and the reason for my coming into the world is to witness to the truth. Every man who loves truth recognizes my voice." John 18:36-37 PHILLIPS
- "When the Holy Spirit, who is truth, comes, he shall guide you into all truth, for he will not be presenting his own ideas, but will be passing on to you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future." John 16:13 TLB
GB has provided a plethora of articles addressing the authenticity of Scripture and many other notable topics. In regards to this issue, GB is indebted to the excellent research of many Christian organizations. Below are just a few of our favorites regarding Biblical inspiration. An extended list of links may be found in the “Resource” section of this site.
- Josh McDowell's site featuring Evidence That Demands A Verdict: Tremendous books containing thousands of facts and statistics that come as near as possible to proving God inspired the Scripture.
- Reasons To Believe's scientific team featuring a testable model of creation: Fantastic research that proves Intelligent Design and argues strongly that the God of the Bible is our designer. See The Improbable Planet and outline delineating 154 stunning fine tuning parameters necessary for advanced human life.
- Dr. Michael Guillen’s Amazing Truths: How Science and the Bible Agree: A Theoretical Physicist and three-time Emmy Award winner, best-selling author and former Harvard University instructor who also served as ABC News Science Editor reveals line by line evidence for Intelligent Design and Biblical inspiration.
- Grant Jeffery's The Signature of God: This easy to read book offers dozens of amazing evidences for the Biblical inspiration including modern day prophetic fulfillment.
More information
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