The Bible -The Inspired Word of God

This is A very effective way to discuss the Bible as being the inspired work of God.

Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?

Written by: Ron Carlson

During a question and answer session at a recent speaking en gagement, a
university student asked me, “Why do you believe that the Bible is the
inspired word of God?”  Now this is a very interesting question; and
probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask
themselves.  What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians
believe it is literally the inspired word of God?

In answering this student’s question, I encouraged him to consider the
following facts about the Bible:

First, the Bible is not just one single book.  This is a more common
misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not
come from a Judeo-Christian background.  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. 

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. 

Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years.  Yet
again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or
collaborated with one another in writing these books.

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.

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 the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different
authors, over 1500 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 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.  God’s word truly is an amazing collection of writings! 

After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the
following challenge: I said to him, “If you do not believe   that the Bible
is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a
supernatural origin, than I challenge you to a test.”  I said to the
student, “I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose
any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of
the 66 books in the Bible..

You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500
years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. 
However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common
message, with no historical errors or contradictions.”  I went on to say,
“If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible
is not the inspired word of God.”  The student’s reply was almost
instantaneous, he emphatically stated, “But that’s impossible!”

“But that’s impossible!”  It truly is impossible, for any collection of
human writings.  However, the Bible passes this test.  The Bible contains 66
books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different
languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or
contradictions.  The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the
mark of Divine inspiration.

The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible
is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better
yet, don’t wait until you’re asked, just go ahead and share this challenge
with a friend today.  You don’t even have to mention the Bible up front,
just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a
collection of books.  After they say, “But that’s impossible!” you’ve got a
ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God’s word with somebody!