The Bible claims to have been inspired by God :-
“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)
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Pet. 1:16...21).
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,… (Heb.1:1-2).
The Son of God, Christ, said himself, “…the scripture cannot be broken…” (Jn. 10:35)
The above are from the New Testament, but the Old Testament abounds also with claims that it is a record of God's dealings with mankind - we read how Nehemiah reproved Israel:-
“Yet many years didst thou [God] forbear them [Israel], and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets…” (Neh 9:30)
Now these claims are either true - and the Bible is therefore reliable - or they are false and the Bible is a fraud. There can be no half measures. The argument that the Bible can be merely regarded as 'containing truth' cannot be sustained because, if parts of it are not inspired, then we have no means of knowing which parts are reliable and which are not and therefore we have no guidance for, “…doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness...” Life then becomes a 'free for all' existence in which men do what is right in their own eyes.
God however has testified that His word will achieve its purpose: -
“… So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isa. 55: 11)
There are many ways in which the claims of the Bible can be shown to be true, such as fulfilled prophecy, the portrayal of human nature in comparison to God's ways and, ultimately, the setting out of the whole purpose of the creation and its ultimate redemption.
The Bible is not out of date, nor is it concerned only with a religious few. It is relevant for all people at all times and shows that God actively channels the activities of world leaders to bring about his purpose. These points are proved by the following quotations,
“…God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:14)
“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live... ” (Ez.33:11)
“…the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” (Dan. 4: 25)
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God..” (Rom.13:1)
“The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” (Zech.12:1-3. The rest of this chapter shows that this prophecy, in its fullness, has yet to be fulfilled - it has great relevance to our times.)
It is only by reading this wonderful book in the light of its claims that we can gain the faith that leads to salvation.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom.10:17)
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