As for biblical truth, modern people generally think like George Gershwin: “The things you’ll probably read in the Bible aren’t necessarily like that. “After all, the skeptic says, this book is so full of fantastic stories and exaggerated miracles that no reasonable person could believe it. Why should we think the Bible really comes from God?
Of course, it is necessary to recognize that convincing the skeptic of the divine origins of the scriptures is not an easy task. Doesn’t the natural man accept the things of the Spirit of God?(1Co 2. 14), it is not as simple as simply presenting the facts. The Bible is a spiritual book, so the Spirit must work so that we can see it as it is. Is.
- Our arguments don’t always convince skeptics.
- But that doesn’t mean our arguments are invalid.
- God has provided ways we can know that these books come from Him.
First, we must recognize that biblical books have inner qualities that demonstrate that they come from God, just as natural revelation (the created world) has characteristics that demonstrate that God is the author of nature (Salt 19; Rom 1:20), we must hope that a special revelation (Writing) will have such characteristics as to show that God is its author.
An example is the effectiveness and power of the scriptures, which not only say things, but the scriptures do things: they convince (Hebrews 4:12-13), encourage (Ps 119:105), comfort (v. 50), and give wisdom. (v. 98). In short, this book is alive and, moreover, the Bible provides an understanding of the main problems of life (v. 144). It offers a coherent and convincing worldview that explains reality like no other book.
Another example is the unity and harmony of the scriptures, is it surprising how many different authors, written in different eras, places, and cultures, can weave a unique, unified, and coherent story about the redemption of all things by Christ?it is not man-made, it is proof of a divine origin.
In short, Christians know that the scriptures are the Word of God, because in them they hear the voice of their Lord. As Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me?”(Jn 10:27).
In addition to the internal quality of these books, the historical origins of these books can also be seen as evidence of their uniqueness. These books come from God-authenticated messengers, prophets, and apostles, who were allowed to speak on their behalf. not only words of men, but words of men who have been called to be spokesmen of God (2 Peter 1:21).
Of course, we are not always sure of the specific author of each biblical book (e. g. the book of Hebrews); However, even in these cases, we have reliable historical evidence that places these books in times and circumstances in which we know that God was actively working among His people to reveal His Word.
In addition, it should be noted that the books of the Bible have been subjected to the more rigorous and rigorous examination of modern scholars and, from time to time, the books of the Bible have proven to be historically reliable and worthy of our trust.
A final reason to consider the Bible as the Word of God is that people filled with the Spirit of God, for generations and generations, have recognized that these books come from God.
Even when Paul explains the inspiration of the scriptures to Timothy, he first asks him to remember who you learned (2 Tim 3:14), that is, his mother and grandmother.
This is not only the testimony of the biological family, but also of God’s family, its church over the centuries. The Bible contains books that God’s people have been using, trusting, reading, and applying for thousands of years. And this testimony must receive the right meaning.
Finally, these three reasons provide an immense basis for believing that the scriptures are the Word of God; Moreover, however, we have the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ himself, who not only knew and used the scriptures, but unequivocally affirmed his divinity. power: “Will Scripture not fail? (Jn 10. 35).
So, yes, if we believe in the Bible, we will believe in Jesus, but it is also true that if we believe in Jesus, we will believe in the Bible.