Why Christians Believe the Bible

Section 1 – The Unity and Reliability of the Bible

• The Unity of the Bible:
• The Reliability of the New Testament:
• Eyewitness Testimony
• Truth Tellers
• Early Penmanship
• Manuscript Evidence
• Secular Historians
• Jewish Writings
• Summary of Extra-Biblical Sources
• The Early Church Fathers
• The Reliability of the Old Testament

Section 2 – Bible Prophecies Old Testament Prophecies

• God’s promises to Abraham
• Prophecies by Elijah
• Prophecies by Elisha
• Prophecies by Daniel
• Prophecies About Historical Locations

Section 3 – Bible Prophecies About Jesus Christ’s Life

• His Ancestry
• His Birth and Early Years
• His Ministry
• His Betrayal

Section 4 – Bible Prophecies About Jesus Christ’s Death and Resurrection

• Events Leading up to Jesus’ Crucifixion
• Events During Jesus’ Crucifixion
• After Jesus’ Crucifixion
• His Resurrection
• His Ascension

Section 5 – Bible Prophecies About Jesus Christ in two Key Passages

• Prophecies About Jesus Christ in Psalm 22
• Prophecies About Jesus Christ in Isaiah 53

Section 6 – New Testament Prophecies

•  Prophecies by Jesus Christ

Section 7 – Archaeological Evidence

• Old Testament Archaeology
• New Testament Archaeology

Section 8 – Miracles in the Bible Miracles in the Old Testament

• By Moses
• By Joshua
• By Elijah the Prophet
• By Elisha the Prophet
• By Isaiah the Prophet

Section 9 – More Miracles in the Bible Miracles in the New Testament:

• By Jesus Christ
• Jesus Displays Authority Over Disease and Birth Defects
• Jesus Displays Authority Over Natural Law
• Jesus Displays Authority Over Death
• Miracles by the Apostles of Jesus

Section 10 – Additional Reasons to Believe

• The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
• The Testimony of the Holy Spirit
• The Transforming Power of the Bible
• The Influence of the Bible
• The Indestructibility of the Bible

Section 11 – The Canon of Scripture

• Definition of Canon
• Principles of Recognition
• Method of Recognition
• Old Testament Canon Formation
• New Testament Canon Formation

Section 12 – Inspiration

• Inspiration Defined
• God Involves Man
• The Words Inspired
• The Originals Inspired
• The Bible is Inerrant

Section 13 – What the Bible Claims

• The Word of God
• Eternal and True
• For All Generations

Section 14 – Summary and Conclusions

References

Why do Christians believe that the Bible in its original languages is inspired by the true and living God? There are a number of reasons, including its Unity, the Reliability of its texts, its Fulfilled Prophecies, Archaeological evidence, and its Miracles. We will discuss each in turn, demonstrating that we Christians stand on very firm ground regarding the basis of our faith, which is the Bible.

The Unity of the Bible

The Bible is a miracle of God made up of 66 individual books (39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament), written over a period of 1,500 years, by about 40 authors, who used various literary styles, came from different cultures, who spoke different languages, and who lived on 3 different continents. It discusses many profound topics and yet incredibly it speaks as one book with one message, by one author (God); something that only God could accomplish.¹

The Reliability of the New Testament

It’s fair to ask if the New Testament was written by people who could be relied on. It is equally fair to ask if the New Testament has been preserved and is therefore the same today as it was when written 2,000 years ago. The answers to these questions have a direct bearing on how much confidence we can put in the reliability of the New Testaments documents. We believe the historical evidence indicates that the New Testament writers were not only eyewitnesses but also truth-tellers, and that the New Testament Scriptures we have today are essentially the same as when written.

Eyewitness Testimony: We clearly have eyewitness testimony about the life of Jesus Christ. Early writings by church fathers, Papias and Irenaeus, report that the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were written by their namesakes.² Matthew and John wrote their own gospels; Peter’s account was written by his disciple, Mark; and Luke, who researched every part of Jesus’ life carefully, was a disciple of Paul.³ Matthew, John and Peter knew Jesus personally, traveled with him for three years, heard his teachings, observed his miracles, saw him die on the cross, and were with him after he rose from the dead. So the gospels were either written by eyewitnesses or by those who had close contact with eyewitnesses.

Here is what the Gospel writers say: The apostle John said: “That (He) which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life.” 1 John1:1. The apostle Peter said: “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about…Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16. Also he said in Acts 2:22: “Men…, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited of God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”

The apostle Luke said: “…the things which have been fulfilled among us…they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses…. Therefore I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning; it seemed good to me to write an orderly account…so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-3.

Truth Tellers: The writers of the New Testament wrote as truth tellers. They revealed embarrassing details about their lives; they recorded the demanding sayings of Jesus; they included at least 30 historically confirmed public figures of that time; they describe Jesus’ miracles like other historical events – simply; they told of events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus which portrayed them as skeptics until convinced by overwhelming evidence;  and they challenged their contemporaries to verify the facts, including those about miracles.⁴ In the end, all but one of the 11 apostles who were in Jesus’ inner circle died for their faith, as did the apostle Paul. Not one denied their confident beliefs in the face of persecution and death, because they knew that what they had seen and heard and experienced was absolutely true. We can understand that a person might die for the truth, but it doesn’t make sense to believe that these men would die for a lie.

Early Penmanship: Furthermore, there are indications that the earliest gospel written, Mark, was penned by 60 AD, no more than 30 years from Jesus’ death and resurrection.⁵ This early dating supports the idea that the information about Jesus Christ in the gospels is accurate. It was presented when memory of recent events was still fresh, and when both the friends and enemies of Christ were still living and could have contested the report. One measure historians use to determine the likelihood of a document’s historical accuracy is  the length of time from the historical event to the written report. 30 years is very short in historical time.

Manuscript Evidence: Another measure historians use to determine the likelihood of a document’s historical accuracy is the number of ancient copies available of a document. When a large number of copies are available, researchers can compare copies and establish what the original document looked like. Currently, we have over 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts (the original language of the New Testament) as well as over 10,000 Latin manuscripts and another 9,300 other versions of the New Testament. The total is around 25,000 ancient manuscripts. The earliest manuscripts date from only 30 to 60 years from the dates the New Testament was written. The large volume and dating of ancient manuscript evidence shows the New Testament we now have is 99% the same as that which was originally written. (Very minor textual variations account for the other 1%. ) No other ancient document even begins to have this kind of manuscript evidence for its reliability and authenticity. ^6,7

It is also fair to ask if ancient writings outside the New Testament support the New Testament story of Jesus. The answer is a resounding Yes! Even ancient secular writers, some of whom opposed Christianity, confirm the story of Jesus as told in the New Testament. Further, Jesus is referred to in the Jewish Talmud and early church leaders wrote extensively about him.

Secular Historians: Josephus, a well known Jewish historian, wrote around 93 AD in The  Antiquities, about Jesus, his brother James, and that the high priest Ananias killed James. In his Testimonium Flavianum he wrote that Jesus was a wise teacher who did surprising feats, that he was called the Christ, and that he won over many Jews and Greeks. He also reported that Pilate crucified him and that his followers continued to love and follow him afterward. Tacitus wrote around 115 AD that Nero persecuted the Christians, that Christ received the death penalty from Pilate, and that Christianity had spread from Judea to Rome. Pliney the Younger wrote around 111 AD that Christians were unshakable in their faith and that they gave honor to Christ “as if to a god” and took an oath “to abstain from theft, robbery and adultery.” ⁸

Jewish Writings: The Talmud, which was compiled around 200 AD mentions Jesus in negative terms which nevertheless confirm some things about him. It says he was a healer and a miracle worker but attributes this to sorcery, and says he was a teacher who had disciples. ⁹

Summary of Extra-Biblical Sources: So what could we learn about Jesus Christ if there was no New Testament and we only had these secular and non-Christian sources? “We would know 1) Jesus was a Jewish teacher, 2) many people believed he performed healings and exorcisms, 3) some people believed he was the Messiah, 4) he was rejected by the Jewish leaders, 5) he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, 6) despite this shameful death, his followers who believed that he was still alive, spread beyond Palestine so that there were multitudes of them in Rome by 64 AD, 7) all kinds of people from the cities and countryside, men and women, slave and free, worshiped him as God,” ¹⁰ and 8) that it is established once for all that Jesus Christ was a real person in history who lived in Israel in the early part of the first century. This is “an impressive amount of independent corroboration” ¹¹ from secular and Jewish sources.

The Early Church Fathers: These men produced volumes of writings. Some of them were: Clement of Rome, Ignatius, and Polycarp. Their writings “attest to the basic facts about Jesus, particularly his teachings, his crucifixion, his resurrection, and his divine nature.” ¹² They describe the beliefs of the early church, emphasize that Christianity is based on historical events, and proclaim the truth of the gospel. They quoted the New Testament so often that the entire New Testament text can be reconstructed from their writings, except for a mere 11 verses.^13,14

The Reliability of the Old Testament

A number of sources give us reasons to believe the Old Testament is also reliably the same today as when originally inspired by God. Around 250 BC, 70 Hebrew scholars translated the Old Testament Hebrew text into Greek; it was called the Septuagint. When it is compared with ancient Hebrew texts which are dated about 1,300 years later, it confirms their accuracy. This means the transmission of Old Testament Biblical manuscripts from 250 BC to 1,000 AD was remarkably precise.¹⁵

The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. Prior to that the oldest Old Testament Hebrew manuscripts were dated around 900 AD. The Dead Sea manuscripts however were dated around 100 BC. The question was, had the words in the manuscripts been transmitted accurately over that 1,000 year period. The answer: Absolutely Yes!¹⁶ These findings are not surprising when we learn of the extreme care the scribes used when copying the Old Testament manuscripts.

The Talmudists (AD 100-500) and the Massoretes (AD 500-900) had intricate systems for copying texts which insured that every word, letter and mark was accurately reproduced¹⁷ The Dead Sea scrolls showed that variations from the Old Testament texts in 100 BC to those dated around 900 AD were merely incidental and preserved the full meaning of the texts.¹⁸

In a study of ancient translations from Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, and Moabite into Hebrew, and from ancient Hebrew into these languages, it was found that the texts had been transmitted with marvelous accuracy from 2,000 BC to 400 BC. The methods of transmission and extreme reverence for the text by its caretakers strongly suggests that the transmission from the original writings to 2,000 BC was equally accurate and reliable. ¹⁹

There are a large number of Bible prophecies which have been fulfilled. All of these required the foreknowledge of God to correctly predict events that happened years, even centuries after they were spoken. Fulfilled Bible prophecy provides convincing stand-alone evidence for the Divine origin of the Old and New Testament Scriptures.

Old Testament Prophecies

God’s promises to Abraham

“I am God Almighty, walk before me and be blameless…. You will be the father of many nations.” Genesis 17:1-4.

“Look up at the heavens and the stars…so shall your offspring be.” Genesis 15:5

“When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him and said… ‘As for your wife Sarah, I will bless her and surely give you a son by her’ …Abraham fell face down; he laughed and said to himself, Will a son be born to a man 100 years old? Will Sarah bear a child at age 90? Genesis 17:15-17 When these promises were given, Abraham was childless and very old making the fulfillment of these promises very unlikely from a human point of view. Yet God told him he would be the father of many nations and his offspring would be too numerous to count. And God promised him a son at age 99. Abraham believed God would keep his word, and as we know today, these prophecies were fulfilled.

God said to Abraham: “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and they will be enslaved and mistreated 400 years, But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions.” Genesis 15:13,14 About 190 years later, Abraham’s grandson Jacob, took his entire family to Egypt to escape famine. They were treated well until the reigning Pharaoh died, after which they were forced into slavery. 400 years later God delivered them by his servant, Moses. When they departed, the Egyptians gave them great wealth, and they brought out large flocks and herds with them as well, while numbering more than a million people. God then allowed the descendants of Abraham to pass over the Red Sea safely, as on dry land, but drowned all of Pharaoh’s army in the sea, thus fulfilling the prophecy.

Prophecies by Elijah

Elijah prophesied a great drought: “there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word,” I Kings 17:1. This judgment of God was placed on a nation that had turned away from him. No rain came until several years later, when the prophet prayed to God and a “heavy rain” came. I Kings 18:41-45.

During the drought, God sent Elijah to the house of a widow with a son. She had only a little flour and oil left. He told her “don’t be afraid…make a smell cake for bread for me and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord…says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain.’ …So there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her son.” I Kings 17:13-15.

Elijah challenged the 450 false prophets of Baal. He told them to prepare an alter with an animal sacrifice on it and that he would prepare one also. Then he instructed them: “You call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire, he is God.” I Kings 18:22-24. He said this, predicting the outcome. The prophets of Baal prayed from morning to evening and nothing happened. Then Elijah built his alter and prepared the wood and the sacrifice. He had the people pour four large jars of water on it three times until the water drenched the wood and sacrifice and filled a trench around the alter. Then he prayed: “O Lord God of Abraham…let it be known today that you are God…Answer me O Lord…so these people will know that you O Lord are God and that you are turning their hearts back again. Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostate and cried, ‘The Lord, He is God!'” I Kings 18:30-39.

How did Elijah know that this would happen? Why was he willing to risk being wrong? He clearly had a sense that God had spoken to him and had given him knowledge of what was going to happen. It is interesting to me that the fulfillment of this prophecy happened very quickly, within the same day it was spoken.

Prophecies by Elisha

The men of Jericho spoke to the prophet: ‘”Look our lord, this town is well situated, but the water is bad and the land is unproductive.’ ‘Bring me a new bowl,’ he said, ‘and put salt into it’…. Then he went out to the spring and threw the salt into it saying, ‘This is what the Lord says: I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.’ And the water remained wholesome until this day.” II Kings 2:19-22.

Elisha also predicted a seven year famine and prophesied that God would give a baby to a woman whose husband was very old.

Prophecies by Daniel

Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had a troubling dream but could not remember it. He called on the wise men of his kingdom and demanded that they reveal the dream and give him it’s interpretation. Only Daniel was able to do this, but only after he prayed with his friends and asked God to reveal this to him. In the dream the king saw a large statue with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron and feet partly of iron and partly of clay; and a rock struck the statue and broke it into pieces.

The interpretation was as follows: The gold was Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom, the silver the next kingdom, the bronze a third kingdom, and the iron a fourth kingdom. We can see from history that these symbols represent the Babylonian, as well as the Medo-Persian, Greek and Roman empires which were to come. The rock represents God’s kingdom which will bring all other kingdoms to an end. Daniel 2:1-45.

Daniel prophesied that Jerusalem would be rebuilt 49 years after the king of Persia’s decree was given to “restore and to build Jerusalem.” This was done as is recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. In the same prophecy, Daniel said that the Messiah will appear 483 years after the same decree; and the date of the decree of king Artaxerxes was 444 BC. By adding 483 years to 444 BC, using the Jewish year of 360 days, we arrive at 33 AD which is when Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The prophecy continues to say that the Messiah will be “cut off” (killed) after he appears, and we know Jesus was crucified a short time later. Daniel 9:20-26.²⁰ For a full detailed description of this amazing prophecy the reader is encouraged to read pages 170-173 in “Evidence That Demands a Verdict” by Josh Mc Dowell.

Prophecies About Historical Locations ²¹

Prophecies about the following locations were fulfilled in incredible detail: Tyre (Ezekiel 26), Sidon (Ezekiel 28), Samaria (Hosea 13, Micah 1), Gaza-Ashkelon (Amos 1, Jeremiah 47, Zephaniah 2), Petra and Edom (Isaiah 34, Jeremiah 49, Ezekiel 25, 35), Thebes and Memphis or Egypt (Ezekiel 30), Nineveh (Nahum 1, 2, 3), Babylon (Isaiah 13,14; Jeremiah 51), and Jerusalem (Jeremiah 31, Zechariah 14). See below.

Tyre: Predictions (592-570 BC): Nebuchadnezzar will destroy the mainland city, many nations will come against Tyre, she will be made a bare rock, fisherman will spread nets over the site, the debris will be thrown into the water, and she will never be rebuilt – all fulfilled.

Sidon: Predictions (592-570 BC): That the city will not be destroyed, that “blood will be in the streets” (many people will die), and “a sword will be on every side” (many nations will attack) – all true. At the time the prophecy was made, there was no way to know that Tyre would be destroyed forever and Sidon would survive.

Samaria: Predictions (748-690 BC): This place will fall violently, it will become a heap of stones, vineyards will be planted there, its stones will be poured down into the valley, and the foundations will be laid bare – all fulfilled.

Gaza-Ashkelon: Predictions (775-621 BC): The Philistines will perish, the area will become bald, desolation will come to Ashkelon, shepherds and sheep will inhabit the area, and a remnant of the tribe of Judah will inhabit the area. Fulfillments: All Philistines were killed – there are none in the world today. Ashkelon was completely destroyed. Today that location has been made into a garden city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea by the nation of Israel (the house of Judah). Although a city of Gaza exists today, it is not in the same location as the one mentioned in the Bible. The old city of Gaza was found buried under the sand dunes and could be described as bald.

Petra and Edom: Predictions (783-570 BC): Edom will become a desolation, it will never be populated again, it will be conquered by heathen, it will be conquered by Israel, it will have a bloody history, it will made desolate as far as the city of Teman, wild animals will inhabit the area, trade will cease, and spectators will be astonished.

These prophecies have been fulfilled. The Edomites disappeared from history as a separate people since 70 AD. The city of Teman is a prosperous town today and it is the only town that survived. Petra, although a popular tourist attraction today, is desolate – inhabited only by wild animals, scorpions, snakes, and birds of prey. Who but God could have know that Petra, an important trade center would become desolate and Teman would survive.

Thebes and Memphis (Egyptian Cities): Predictions (592-570 BC): The idols of Memphis will be destroyed, Thebes will be broken up and burned, the multitude (population) of Thebes will be cut off, and there will no longer be a native prince from Egypt. Memphis began to decline around the seventh century and was still viable by the thirteenth century; however it eventually became a desolate place and all the idols were destroyed. Thebes was invaded by Cambyses in 525 BC; he destroyed much of the city and burned the temples; In about 89 BC a siege was laid to Thebes for three years; it fell and the population was dispersed. The idols of Memphis were totally destroyed, but remains of the idols of Thebes still exist. During the period of the Persian occupation, the ruler of Egypt was a foreigner. These events agree with the prophecies.

Nineveh: Predictions (About 661 BC): Nineveh will be destroyed in a state of drunkenness, destroyed by a flood, will be burned, and will become desolate – all fulfilled. It was very unlikely for this city with its military might and extensive fortifications to be conquered, but it was only 51 years, from 663 BC when Nineveh was at its peak, to be destroyed by its enemies.

Babylon: Predictions (783-586 BC): Babylon will become like Sodom and Gomorrah after their destruction, it will never be inhabited again, tents will not be placed there by Arabs, sheepfolds will not be there, desert creatures will infest the ruins, stones will not be removed for other construction projects, it will not be frequently visited, and it will be covered by swamps of water – all fulfilled.

Jerusalem: Predictions (626-586 BC): Jeremiah 31 and Zechariah 14 describe the expansion of Jerusalem in great detail. They not only say in which direction the city would grow, but tell the actual sequence in which it did expand. Written some 2,500 years ago, some of these prophecies were not fulfilled until the twentieth Century. The reader is invited to read pages 274 – 314 in “Evidence That Demands A Verdict” by Josh McDowell to find more detail about the fulfillment of these prophecies.

There are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament which were fulfilled in the life and person of Jesus Christ. They tell us about his ancestry, birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. Some of these prophecies are highlighted below. ²²

His Ancestry

As long ago as the Garden of Eden, God tells us the Messiah will be born of the “seed of a woman.” Genesis 3:15. This is unusual because the Bible describes every other person as being born of the seed of a man. Of course the reason for this is that God even at this early date is predicting the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.

As the Bible story continues, God specifically names those who will be in the lineage of Christ. After the Great Flood which destroyed the people of the earth, except for Noah and his family, God names Shem, one of Noah’s three sons. Genesis 9 and 10.

Later, around 2,000 BC, God calls Abraham and promises him that Messiah will be one of his descendents. Genesis 12:1-3;17:19;22:17,18.

Abraham had two sons. God names Isaac to be in Christ’s lineage. Genesis 17:19;21:12.

Isaac had two sons. God names Jacob to be in Christ’s lineage. Genesis 28:14,15;35:10-12 and Numbers 24:17-19.

Jacob had 12 sons from whom the 12 tribes of Israel came. God names the tribe of Judah to be in Christ’s lineage. Genesis 49:8-10.

Then God names a particular family in the tribe of Judah, the family of Jesse. Isaiah 11:1-5.

We are now at around 1,000 BC. Jesse had 8 children and God names David to be in the lineage of Christ. 2 Samuel 7:5-16.

To summarize: These prophecies tell us that the Messiah will be of the seed of a woman, descended from Shem, from Abraham and thus from the Jewish Nation, from Isaac, from Jacob, of the tribe of Judah, and of the family of David. It seems evident that God wanted mankind to be able to identify his Son when he came into the world, so he provided these markers which point to him. And, who could know thousands of years before who the individual descendents, nation, tribe and family of Jesus the Messiah would be except God?

His Birth and Early Years

Born of a Virgin: Isaiah 7:14 says: “Behold, the virgin will conceive and bear a Son and his name shall be called Immanuel.” (742 BC). The fulfillment is recorded in Matthew 1:18-25 and in Luke 1:26-38. Luke 1:35,37 reads: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you (Mary) and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. …Nothing is impossible with God.” Matthew 1:20 reads: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 predicts that Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. (710 BC). Matthew 2:1 reads: “Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea.” The Scriptures also predicted that the Messiah would be a Neh-tzer or Nazarene (from Nazareth) and that he would be called out of Egypt, in Isaiah 11:1 and in Hosea 11:1. This could be confusing unless you know the entire story. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. His parents then took him to Egypt after about two years and later they settled in Nazareth. God, who of course knew all of this ahead of time, named these three locations hundreds of years before, but it only made sense after it was fulfilled.

The Visit of the Wise Men: Psalm 72:10 and Isaiah 60:6 (698 BC) say that kings from the East will come and offer the Messiah gifts… gold and incense. In Matthew 2:1-12 we see the wise men coming to Jesus and giving him gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Herod’s Murder of Children: Jeremiah 31:15 describes the great mourning and weeping of mothers whose children have been killed. (606 BC). This prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 2:16 where it tells us that King Herod had all the male children 2 years and under in and around Bethlehem killed. He was trying to kill Jesus who the wise men called the “King of the Jews” because he thought Jesus was a threat to his throne.

His Ministry

Heralded by a Messenger: Isaiah 40:3 says: “A voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.'” (712 BC). Malachi 3:1 says: “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me.” (397 BC). In Matthew 3:1,2 we read: “John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”

Ministers in Galilee: Isaiah 9:1 says: “In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the gentiles…” (740 BC). The fulfillment is in Matthew 4:12,13 which says: “Jesus…returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Performs Miracles: Isaiah 35:5,6 says: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer and the mute tongue shout for joy.” (713 BC). In Matthew 11:4,5 we see the fulfillment of this prophecy: “Jesus replied, “Go back and report what you hear and see (me do): The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” And in Matthew 9:33 “…the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, ‘Nothing like this has ever been seen is Israel.'”

Teaches in Parables: Psalm 78:2 says: “I will open my mouth in a parable…” Clearly Jesus taught in parables. Matthew 13:34 says: “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables…

Enters the Temple: Malachi 3:1 says: “And the Lord whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple.” (397 BC). This prophecy is important because it indicates that the Messiah will have to come into the world at a time when the temple is standing. Herod’s temple was built around 20 BC and it was destroyed in 70 AD. Of course, Jesus came during this period. Matthew 21:12 says: “Then Jesus went into the temple of God…” This is one of many references about Jesus being in the temple.

Cleanses the Temple: Psalm 69:9 says: “For the zeal your house consumes me.” In John 2:14,15,17 it says: “In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and..exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple area…. Then his disciples remembered it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.'”

Enters Jerusalem on a Donkey: Zechariah 9:9 reads: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, humble, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (487 BC). The story of Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem is found in all four gospels. In Luke 19:30,31,37,41 it says: “Go to the village…you will find a colt tied there which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?,’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’ When he came near the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen. …He approached Jerusalem.”

His Betrayal

Betrayal by a Friend: Psalm 41:9 says: “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” (1,000 BC). The fulfillment is found in Mark 14:10: “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus.”

Betrayal for 30 Pieces of Silver: Zechariah 11:12 says: “‘If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.’ So they paid me 30 pieces of silver.” (487 BC). Matthew 26:14,15 says: “Then one of the Twelve – the one called Judas Iscariot – went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ So they counted out for him 30 silver coins.”

The Money is to be Thrown into the House of God: Zechariah 11:13 says: “So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord to the potter.” (487 BC). Matthew 27:5 says: “So Judas threw the money into the temple and departed.”

The Money is Used to Buy a Potter’s Field: Zechariah 11:13 tells us the money has been thrown “to the potter.” Matthew 27 “3-7 recounts that Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was filled with remorse when he saw Jesus was condemned. He then tried to give back the silver coins, but the priests would not accept them. So Judas threw them down in the temple. The priests picked up the coins but reasoned that they could not put that money in their treasury because it was “blood money.” So they used the money to buy a potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.

Events Leading up to Jesus’ Crucifixion

He Was Innocent: Isaiah 53:9 reads: “…he had done no violence nor was there any deceit in his mouth” (712 BC). In Luke 23:4,14, and 22: Pilate the Roman governor, when examining Jesus at the trial, stated three times to the Jewish leaders that he could find no basis for a charge against Jesus and no ground for the death penalty.

He Was Forsaken by His Disciples: Zechariah 13:7 says: “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” (487 BC). Jesus himself quotes this passage to his disciples before they forsook him in Matthew 26:31. It is fulfilled a few hours later as recorded in Matthew 26:56 which says: “Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.”

He Was Accused by False Witnesses: Psalm 27:12 says: “for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.” (1,000 BC). Matthew 26:59,60 says: “The chief priests…were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.”

He Was Treated Horribly: The predictions: Isaiah 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…and by his stripes we are healed.” (712 BC). Isaiah 50:6: “I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.” (712 BC). Micah 5:1 “They will strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod.” (710 BC). The fulfillments: Matthew 27:26,28-30: He (Pilate) had Jesus flogged.” “They (the soldiers) stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said. They spit on him and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.”

He Was Silent Before His Accusers: Isaiah 53:7 says: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.” (712 BC). This was fulfilled in Matthew 27:12: “And while he was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.” And also in Mark 15:4,5 where it says: “So again Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’ But Jesus made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.”

He Was Hated Without a Cause: Psalm 69:4 says: “Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head.” (1,000 BC). In John 15:25 Jesus said: “But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law. ‘They hated me without a cause'”

He Was Rejected by His Own People: Isaiah 53:3 says: “…he was despised and we (the nation of Israel) esteemed him not.” (712 BC). In John 1:11 we read: “He came unto his own (the Jewish nation), but his own received him not.”

Events During Jesus’ Crucifixion

While on the Cross, Jesus Was Mocked and Insulted, People Shook Their Heads at Him and They Challenged Him to Save Himself: Psalm 22:7,8 says: “All who see me mock me, they hurl insults, shaking their heads: ‘He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him since he delights in him.'” 1,000 years later, Matthew 27:39 says: “Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross if you are the Son of God.'”

He Was Crucified with Criminals: Isaiah 53:9 and 12 say: “He was assigned a grave with the wicked…” And, “[he] was numbered with the transgressors.” (712 BC). Matthew 27:38 says: “Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.”

His Friends Stood Far Off: Psalm 38:11 reads: “My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my relatives stand afar off.” (1,000 BC). Luke 23:49 says: “But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.”

His Hands and Feet Were Pierced: Psalm 22:16 reads: “They have pierced my hands and my feet.” (1,000 BC). Luke 23:33 says: “And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified him.” Of course, crucifixion involves piercing the hands and the feet with large spikes.

He Prayed for Those Who Condemned and Crucified Him: Isaiah 53:12 says: “He bore the sins of many and made intercession for the transgressors.” (712 BC). This prediction is fulfilled in Luke 23:34 when Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

His Clothes Were Divided Up and Lots Were Cast for Them: Psalm 22:18 says: “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” (1,000 BC). The fulfillment is reported in John 19:23,24 which says: “The soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said…’Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.”

He Became Thirsty: Psalm 69:21 says: “And for my thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink.” (1,000 BC). John 19:28 says: “Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.'”

Gall and Vinegar Were Offered to Him: Psalm 69:21 says: “They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” (1,000 BC). Matthew 27:34 says: “They gave him sour wine mingled with gall to drink, But when he had tasted it, he would not drink.”

His Side Was Pierced: Zechariah 12:10 says: “They will look on me , the one they have pierced.” (487 BC). John 19:34 says: “One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.”

Darkness at Midday: Amos 8:9 says: “In that day, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.” (787 BC). Matthew 27:45 says: “From the sixth hour (about Noon) until the ninth hour (about 3 PM) darkness came over all the land.”

His Bones Were Not Broken: Psalm 34:20 says: “He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.” (1,000 BC). John 19:33 says: “When they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.”

Jesus Cries Out: Psalm 22:1 reads: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (1,000 BC). Mark 15:34 says: “And at the ninth hour (at the end of the period of darkness) Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'”

Jesus Commits His Spirit to God: Psalm 31:5 says: “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” (1,000 BC). Matthew 27:50 says: “When Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.” Luke 23:46 tells us what he said: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

After Jesus’ Crucifixion

He Was Buried in a Rich Man’s Tomb: Isaiah 53:9 says: “He made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.” (712 BC). The fulfillment of the first part of this verse happened when Jesus was crucified between two thieves; the second part was fulfilled as recorded in Matthew 27:57-60 which says: “There came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who hadhimself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb…”

His Resurrection

Prediction: Psalm 16 (One of the Messianic Psalms), verses 9 and10 read: “My body will also rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”

Fulfillment Verses: Matthew 28:5,6 says: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'” Acts 2:31 reads: “His soul was not left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.”

His Ascension

Prediction: Psalm 68 (Another Messianic Psalm) verse 18 reads: “You have ascended on high.”

Fulfillment Verses: Luke 24:51 says: “While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.” Acts 1:9 says: “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their eyes.”

Prophecies About Jesus Christ in Psalm 22

The Scofield Reference Bible describes Psalm 22 as “a graphic picture of death by crucifixion.” (p 608). Please read these selected verses from Psalm 22:

v.1 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

v.2 “O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.”

v.6 “But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.

v.7 “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:

v.8 “He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him, since he delights in him.”

v.13 “Roaring lions tearing their prey…”

v.14 “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is turned to wax; it has melted away within me.”

v.15 “My strength is dried up…and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.”

v.16 “…a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.”

v.17 “I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.”

v.18 “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”

v.22 “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.”

v.23 “You who fear the Lord, praise him….”

v.24 “For he has not despised or distained the suffering of the afflicted ones; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” (All verses, NIV)

Jesus’ Crucifixion in Psalm 22: Written 1,000 years before Jesus died and at least 500 years before crucifixion was even invented, the depiction of Jesus’ crucifixion experience is truly astounding. Consider the description: The cry to God (v. 1), periods of light and darkness (v. 2), the humiliation (v. 6), onlookers mock, insult, and shake their heads (v. 7), he is challenged to save himself (v. 8), tearing of the flesh (v. 13), profuse perspiration (v. 14), intense physical suffering (vs. 13-17), the heart is affected (v.14), strength is exhausted (v. 15), extreme thirst (v. 15), it’s a death sentence (v. 15), surrounded by evil people (v. 16), the hands and feet are pierced (v. 16), bones out of joint (v. 14), and the dividing of and the casting of lots for clothing (v. 18).

Jesus’ Resurrection in Psalm 22: In verse 22 the mood changes. In the earlier verses the person is suffering and dying; in verse 22 and beyond he is alive, praising God and declaring that God has heard his prayer. The only way a dead man could do this is to be made alive again. Thus we believe this is a prophecy of the resurrection Jesus Christ.

David as the Writer of Psalm 22: A note in the NIV Bible describes this Psalm as an “anguished prayer of David as a godly sufferer victimized by the vicious and prolonged attacks of enemies whom he has not provoked and from whom the Lord has not yet delivered him.” (p. 805) This brings up an important point. When David and other the writers of the Bible wrote, sometimes they did not understand that what they were writing would describe events which would occur hundreds or thousands of years later. It is difficult to imagine that David understood he was writing about the crucifixion of Jesus; he was most likely thinking about his own life. However, God knew what was coming and influenced David in such a way by the Holy Spirit to use words which described both David’s situation and events which would occur a thousand years later, with amazing precision. The precision found in prophecies is one of the persuasive reasons Christians believe that God has to be the Author of the Bible as he speaks his Word through men.

In other cases, Bible writers understood they were writing about the future and that they were writing about the Messiah. For example: Isaiah 7:14 says: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (KJV). And in Micah 5: 2 it says: “But thou, Bethlehem…out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (KJV).Also in Malachi 3:1 it says: “And the Lord whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant.” In these prophecies the writers knew they were writing about the future and about the Messiah.

Prophecies About Jesus Christ in Isaiah 53

Just as we find in Psalm 22, Isaiah 53 contains specific prophecies about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. However this passage describes not only his physical suffering but also his emotional pain. In addition, we learn about the theology of the crucifixion and resurrection, that is, about the meaning of these events. And keep in mind, these words were written 700 years before Jesus was born. Please read these selected verses fromIsaiah 53:

v.3 “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering…he was despised and we esteemed him not.”

v.4 “Surely he took our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted.

v.5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

v.6 “We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

v.7 “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter…”

v.8 “By oppression and judgment he was taken away…. For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.”

v.9 “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth,”

v.10 “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.”

v.11 “After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many and he will bear their iniquities.”

v.12 “Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Jesus’ Crucifixion in Isaiah 53: This passage tells us Jesus was despised and rejected (v.3), he was not esteemed by his people (v.3), his body was pierced, bruised, and wounded (v.5), he was silent before his accusers (v. 7), he was subject to oppression and judgment (v.8), he was killed (v.8), he died with the wicked and the rich (vs.9, 12), and he prayed for those who persecuted him (v.12). Also, we learn that Jesus was innocent (v.9), that he experienced intense emotional suffering involving rejection and sorrow (vs.3,4,10), and that he gave his life willingly (v.12).

Further, the why of his sufferings is brought into focus: He did it for us! He took our infirmities, carried our sorrows, was pierced for our transgressions, was crushed for our iniquities, was punished to bring us peace, and wounded to heal us (vs. 4,5). We were the sinners and deserved punishment. But God laid on him our iniquity, making him a guilt offering, a sacrifice for our sins (vs.6,10). This is the theology of the crucifixion, that Jesus who knew no sin, was made sin for us so that we could be made righteous through him. II Corinthians 5:21 and I Peter 3:18.

Jesus’ Resurrection in Isaiah 53: In Isaiah 53, as in Psalm 22, there is a change in message from sorrow, suffering, sacrifice, and death to hope and life beginning in verse 10. Here the Messiah will see his offspring and prolong his days and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand (v.10). He will see the light of life..and justify many (v.11). And God will reward him with greatness and strength (v.12). Here is the theology of Christ’s resurrection, that God the Father will resurrect, reward and exalt Jesus and many will be brought to God (justified) through him.

Prophecies by Jesus Christ

Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21: 20-24) which was fulfilled about 37 years later in 70 AD.

Jesus foretold the destruction of three cities: Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. (Matthew 11:20-24). They were destroyed, just as he said, never to be rebuilt. No judgment was pronounced on nearby Tiberius and this city still exists, 2,000 years later.

In Matthew 24 Jesus predicts the character of the age to follow: wars, famines, earthquakes, false Christs, false prophets and an increase in wickedness in the world. Then he tells us of his second coming: “The Son of Man (A term found in Daniel which represents Deity and one of Jesus’ favorite terms for himself) will appear in the sky and all nations…will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds.” Matthew 24:30,31. This prophecy about his return is, of course, yet to be fulfilled.

Jesus foretells his death and resurrection repeatedly during his ministry.

“Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the chief priests and teachers of the law (the religious leaders), and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Matthew 16:21.

“The son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him and after three days he will rise.” Mark 9:31.

“Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the gentiles (Romans) to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life.'” Matthew 20:17-19.

The Bible teaches that Jesus was put to death and rose from the dead as he predicted. The evidence for these events is overwhelming and are discussed in another article on this web site, “Why Christians Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Significance: Not only does the fulfillment of Bible prophecy demonstrate that the Bible is inspired by God, it also unmistakably tells us that God exists, that he is real, and that he is speaking to us. ²³

If the Bible is from an all-knowing God who speaks truth, it must be accurate with regard to historical places, events, customs and language. Archaeological evidence confirms that the Bible is accurate in these ways. Here are a few examples:

Old Testament Archaeology²⁴

Inscriptions in an Egyptian King’s tomb made around 918 BC mention “the Field of Abram” which is located in Hebron. This supports the Bible story of Abraham who purchased a field and a cave in Hebron as a burial site.

In the Bible, Joseph, the great grandson of Abraham, asked that his bones be taken from Egypt and returned to Canaan for burial. His descendants did this and buried them at Shechem. For centuries there was a tomb in Shechem known as the tomb of Joseph. Around 1940 archaeologists opened this tomb and found a body mummified according to the Egyptian custom. In the tomb was a sword like the ones used by Egyptian officials. These findings are totally consistent with the Bible account of Joseph.

The Mari and the Nuzi Tablets reveal the names of cities and people as well as rules for buying property, and legal and social customs which agree in detail with the writings of Moses. The Elba Tablets, written 1,000 years before Moses, record the same 5 cities of the plain that Moses described, showing the accuracy of Moses writings.

“Letters” from the town of Lachish show the accuracy of the prophet Jeremiah’s account of his people’s futile resistance to the armies of the king of Babylon. The “Gedaliah Seal” refers to Gedaliah, the man Nebuchadnezzar appointed ruler of Lachish. II Kings 25:22.

In II Chronicles 36:23 and in Ezra 1:2-4 it is recorded that Cyrus, King of Persia ordered the people of Daniel, who had been held captive for 70 years in Babylon, to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of the Lord. The “Cyrus Cylinder” confirms that the Bible has the exact wording of Cyrus’ proclamation.

New Testament Archaeology²⁵

Until 1951, there were no historical references to Pontius Pilate except in the Bible and in writings which quoted from the Bible. Then archeologists excavated the Mediterranean port city of Caesarea, uncovering a stone with an inscription in Latin. It read, “Pontius Pilate, Perfect of Judea…”, confirming the Bible’s record of the man who crucified Jesus Christ. I actually saw a copy of this stone in Caesarea.

Likewise, there were no extra-Biblical references to the town of Nazareth, where Jesus Christ grew up. In 1962 excavations in Caesarea found inscriptions clearly identifying Nazareth as a first century AD town.

Excavations near St. Anne’s Church in Jerusalem uncovered the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed a man. The Bible’s description on this location is thereby seen to be accurate. I also saw this pool in Jerusalem.

In the city of Tabgha on the shore of the sea of Galilee, a church was built in the first century AD. In it was a mosaic showing a picture of the five loaves and two fish Jesus multiplied to feed a multitude. The location was where he did this miracle. Even though the original and later churches were destroyed and this mosaic was buried and forgotten, it was discovered by archaeologists in 1932. A new church has been constructed on this site, incorporating the mosaic in its altar. I saw the original mosaic when I toured the area. The original church was built so close to the time of Jesus that some of its members must have known people who were actually present at the miracle. Here, archaeology supports this miracle of Jesus.

The writings of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are dated around 100 BC, show that John’s gospel provides detailed and accurate references to geographical features of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, as well as of the customs of the day. This is consistent with John’s claim that his “witness is true.” John 1:24.

We have presented arguments which establish that the Biblical manuscripts we have today are essentially the same as the original manuscripts and therefore reliably the same as when God spoke through his chosen writers. In other words, the Bible has not been corrupted. It has been preserved by God so that when we read it we can do so with the confidence that we are reading the very words of God himself to us.

We also believe that when God speaks, he speaks truth and we can rely on his words and promises. We see evidences of this truth in fulfilled prophecies and in archaeological discoveries which confirm the accuracy of the Bible.

Further, we have presented arguments that the writers of the Bible are themselves truth tellers. We therefore believe that the miracles recorded in the Bible actually happened. This being so, and since the nature of the miracles recorded are beyond any human capacity to perform, we conclude that God himself made these miracles happen.

Thus, the presence of actual miracles in the Bible is an indication that God is at work, not only revealing his miracle authority but also speaking his eternal truth. The miracles are a testimony that the prophets in the Old Testament and Jesus Christ and his disciples in the New Testament who did miracles are truly sent from God, and their written words are truly the Word of God. The miracles therefore validate the spoken words of Jesus Christ and the written words of theBible writers as being Divinely inspired.

Some people doubt the possibility of miracles. But surely the God who created the universe can change the laws of physics and medicine on a temporary basis to accomplish whatever he pleases. What is impossible with man is possible with God. In the Bible God uses miracles to reveal himself, to validate the Bible as his authoritative Word, and to show that the person performing them is truly from him. Here are some of the miracles of the Bible.

Miracles in the Old Testament

By Moses

God called Moses to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt. Three signs were given to Moses to show the Egyptian Pharaoh (King) that God was sending him: 1) When Moses threw his staff on the ground it became a snake; when he grabbed it by the tail it became a staff again, 2) When Moses put his hand inside his coat and took it out again it became leprous (diseased); when he repeated this the hand was restored to health, 3) When Moses poured water from the Nile river on the ground it became blood. Exodus 4:1-9.

But Pharaoh did not want to let God’ people go, so God sent a series of 10 miraculous plagues on the people of Egypt. He did this to convince the Egyptians that he alone was God and he alone should be worshiped, as well as to get his people released from slavery. At Moses’ word God 1) turned the waters of Egypt to blood, 2) sent a plague of frogs, 3) then of gnats, 4) then of flies, 5) killed livestock in the fields, 6) sent boils to men and animals, 7) sent devastating hail, 8) then locusts, 9) put the land in thick darkness for three days, 10) and finally killed all the firstborn males of the Egyptians. Exodus 7-12.

Because of these plagues, the Egyptians wanted the people of God to leave, and Pharaoh told Moses to take his people and go. But Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued them with his chariots, horsemen, and troops. God told Moses to hold his hand over the sea they were camped beside. When he did this, a strong wind blew all night which drove the sea back and turned the sea floor into dry land. Then Moses and his people marched through the sea with a wall of water on the right and on the left. Pharaoh and his army pursued them, but God confused his army and made the chariot wheels fall off. Then God told Moses to hold his hand over the sea again, and the sea closed over Pharaoh and his army destroying them. Exodus 14.

By Joshua

When the people of God were ready to cross the Jordan river, Joshua said: “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. This is how you will know that the Living God is among you…. As soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord (a sacred box containing the 10 commandments, Aaron’s rod, and manna – the food God provided in the desert)…set foot in the Jordan (at flood stage), its water flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” So the entire nation crossed over on dry ground. Joshua 3:9,10,13,15; 4:22-24.

God told Joshua to march his army around the town of Jericho once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day. Also in the procession were the priests blowing trumpets and the ark of the Lord. On the seventh day Joshua told them to shout; then the fortified walls of Jericho fell to the ground. In this way the people of God conquered the city.

God gave Joshua victory in a battle. But Joshua needed more time to fight the battle, so “Joshua prayed to the Lord (in the presence of the people, so everyone heard it) ‘O sun, stand still over Gibeon… so the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.” Joshua 10:12-14.

By Elijah the Prophet

After Elijah prophesied a drought, God told him to go to a ravine where he was to drink from the brook. And, God sent ravens to bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening each day I Kings 17:2-6.

Elijah told a widow a small supply of flour and oil would not run out for her and her son and the prophet until the drought ended, An it was so. I Kings 17:7-16.

This widow’s son died. Then Elijah prayed: “O Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him, and he lived…” And the woman said: “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.” I Kings 17:17-24.

By Elisha the Prophet

Elisha struck the waters of the river Jordan with the cloak of his teacher, Elijah, and the waters divided for him to cross over, II Kings 2:13,14.

Elisha threw salt into polluted water and healed it so that it never again caused death, and it became good for watering crops. II Kings 2:19-22.

Elisha helped the widow of a prophet when she was in danger of losing her two sons because of debts. He made a small quantity of oil increase so much it filled all the vessels she could borrow from neighbors. He then told her to sell the oil to pay her debts. II Kings 4:1-7.

Elisha prayed and the Lord brought a dead body back to life. II Kings 4:32-37.

Naaman was highly regarded as a soldier and an army commander for the king of Aram, but he had leprosy. He came to Elisha’s king for a cure. When Elisha heard of it he sent word to Naaman: “Go wash yourself seven times in the Jordan river and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” Naaman was offended that the prophet did not come to meet him. But, at the urging of his servants, he finally agreed to dip himself in the Jordan river seven times, “and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.” II Kings 5:1-15.

A group of prophets were cutting down trees with axes. One of the axe heads flew off the handle and fell into the waters of the river Jordan. The prophet who lost it cried out. “‘Oh, my lord…it was borrowed.’ The man of God asked, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. ‘Lift it out,’ he said. And the man did.” II Kings 6:1-7.

At one time, an entire army came to arrest Elisha. As they approached, he prayed to the Lord, “Strike these people with blindness. So he (God) struck them with blindness.” Elisha then led them to his king, who could have killed all of them. But Elisha said, no, feed them and send them back to their master. He showed mercy. Afterwards, this army never attacked the people of God again. They had seen the power of God. II Kings 6:8-23.

By Isaiah the Prophet

King Hezekiah became ill and was near death. Isaiah then informed him that the Lord said he would die. Hezekiah responded by praying and weeping before the Lord, and God heard his prayer. Then God sent Isaiah back to the king to tell him he would live another 15 years. Hezekiah asked, “‘What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me…?’ Isaiah answered, ‘This is the Lord’s sign…: Shall the shadow go forward 10 steps or…back 10 steps?’ ‘It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward 10 steps;’ said Hezekiah, ‘rather let it go back 10 steps.’ Then Isaiah called upon the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back 10 steps. ” II Kings 20:1-11.

Miracles in the New Testament

By Jesus Christ

The gospels describe 35 miracles done by Jesus, but they also indicate that he did many more, certainly hundreds and probably thousands during his ministry. He did three kinds of miracles: healing diseases and birth defects, exercising authority over natural law, and raising people from the dead.

Jesus Displays Authority Over Disease and Birth Defects

“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord if you are willing you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man, ‘I am willing,’ he said. “Be clean!’ Immediately he was cured…” Matthew 8:2,3.

“Jesus came into Peter’s house and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him.”Matthew 8:14,15.

“Two blind men followed him (Jesus), calling out, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith it will be done to you;’ and their sight was restored.”

Then they brought him (Jesus) a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’ ” Matthew 12:22-23.

“Once more he (Jesus) visited Cana in Galilee…. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death…. The royal official said, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’ Jesus replied, ‘You may go. Your son will live.’ The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, ‘The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.’ Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he and his household believed.” John 4:46-53.

“Now there is in Jerusalem…a pool, which…is called Bethesda…. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ ‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me…’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” John 5:2-9

“As he (Jesus) went along, he saw a man blind from birth.”… Jesus said: …”While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. ‘Go,’ he told him, ‘Wash in the pool of Siloam’…. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.” Later the man said to skeptical religious leaders: “One thing I know, once I was blind, but now I see. Also he said: “We know God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” John 9:1,3,5-7,25,31-33.

Jesus Displays Authority Over Natural Law

“He (Jesus) got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘ You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and waves obey him?'” Matthew 8:23-27.

“Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side (of the lake)…. He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came…the boat was already a considerable distance from land…. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said…. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.'” Matthew 14:22-27.

“The disciples came to him and said: ‘This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowd away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied: ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,’ they answered. ‘Bring them here to me,’ he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” Matthew 14:15-21.

Jesus Displays Authority Over Death

A ruler came and knelt before him and said” ‘My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.’ Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples…. When Jesus entered the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said: ‘Go away. The girl is not dead, but asleep.’ But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.'” Matthew 9:18,19,23-25.

“Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out – the only son of his mother and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her, When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’ Then he went up and touched the coffin and those carrying it stood still. He said: ‘Young man, I say to you, get up!’ The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.'” Luke 7:11-16.

Miracles by the Apostles of Jesus

Not only did Jesus do miracles, he also gave this power to his disciples. “When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.” Luke 9:1. Here are some of the miracles done by the apostles after Jesus ascended into heaven.

“A man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate…where he was put every day to beg…. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money…. Then Peter said: ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them to the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God.” Acts 3:2,3,6-8.

“He (Peter) found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. ‘Aeneas,’ Peter said to him, ‘Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.’ Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord (in faith).” Acts 9:32-35.

“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha…who was always doing good…. About that time she became sick and died….” They urged Peter to come at once. “Peter went…and was taken upstairs to the room…. Peter sent (everyone) out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said: ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers…and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa and many people believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:36-42.

“In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out: ‘Stand on your feet!’ At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.” Acts 14:8-10.

“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left thm.” Acts 19:11,12.

While Paul was preaching, a young man sitting in a third story window, fell and died from the fall. “Paul went down…and put his arms around him, ‘don’t be alarmed,’ he said, ‘He is alive!'” Acts 20:7-10.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: We have presented evidence to show that the New Testament writers were historically accurate as attested to by secular writers and non-Christian sources. Based on this testimony and that of the New Testament, we believe Jesus Christ actually died and rose from the dead. (More evidence on this subject is presented in another article on this web site, “Why Christians Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ”).

His miraculous resurrection validated his claim to be God the Son and have Divine authority. He taught that the Old Testament is from God, “imperishable, infallible, inerrant, historically reliable, scientifically accurate, and has ultimate authority.” ²⁶ Also Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit…will teach you (the apostles) all things, and will remind you (the apostles) of everything I have said to you (the apostles).” John 14:26, and “will guide you (the apostles) into all truth.” John 16:13. As Geisler and Nix point out: “Christ promised that all apostolic teaching would be Spirit directed. The New Testament books are the…authentic record we have of apostolic teaching. Hence, the New Testament…(is) the authoritative record of Christ’s teachings,” ²⁷ and therefore inspired by God. Thus the resurrected Christ affirmed both the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God.

The Testimony of the Holy Spirit: The Bible says: “Anyone who believes in the Son of God (Jesus Christ) has this testimony (the inspired writings of the apostles) in his heart. 1 John 5:10. Also, it says: “When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice.” John 10:27. These verses tell us that the Spirit of God speaks to the hearts of believers to affirm that the Bible is the Word of God. It is a common experience among believing Christians to sense that God is speaking to them when reading the Bible. While such experience does not qualify as objective evidence for unbelievers, the witness of the Holy Spirit is quite convincing for believers. ²⁸

The Transforming Power of the Bible: I believe it is safe to say that millions of people over the centuries have been changed for the better through exposure to the text and teachings of the Bible. People who have committed heinous crimes have been changed to become law-abiding citizens. Prison Fellowship, the ministry founded by Charles Coleson, has seen many conversions of this nature. The Bible has helped people to overcome alcohol, drug and sexual addictions which were destroying their lives. Those under the positive influence of the Bible and who attend church regularly experience less depression, have fewer suicides, commit less crime, and have fewer divorces. They are also more satisfied, more at peace, have better marriages, have better self-esteem, live longer lives, and even enjoy better physical health. ²⁹ Such changes in people’s lives do not prove the inspiration of the Bible. However, if the Bible is God’s inspired message of love, hope and faith to mankind, we would expect it to have such positive effects. What we can say, is that these transformational changes in people who are exposed to the Bible, are consistent with the belief that the Bible is inspired by God.

The Influence of the Bible: As Geisler and Nix point out: “No book has been more widely disseminated and has more broadly influenced the course of world events than the Bible. The Bible has been translated into more languages, has been published in more copies, has influenced more thought, inspired more art, and motivated more discoveries than any other book…. The influence of the Bible…in the Western world is clear…and the influential role of the West on the course of world events is equally clear. Similar influence may be seen in vast regions of the Eastern world….” ³⁰ The Bible also provides the highest moral and ethical standards. These include the principles of love and forgiveness, mercy and kindness, the golden rule and the Ten Commandments. I heard a story about a man from India who was reading about Jesus in the New Testament. When he came to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), he was so astonished by the superior level of Jesus’ moral teaching that he became convinced that this must be from God and became converted to Christ. While the widespread influence of the Bible is not a stand-alone proof for a belief in the divine inspiration of Scripture, it is supportive of this belief.

The Indestructibility of the Bible: ³¹The Bible has been attacked throughout history, yet it has endured. These attacks have come from political leaders, modern Bible critics, atheists, science, psychology, philosophies and political systems. However, Jesus said: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35. (KJV) If we grant that the Bible is inspired by God, then we would expect God to protect and preserve it for all generations. Its preservation then, supports the Bible’s claim to be the Word of God.

Definition

As used here, the word “canon” refers to the collection of the 66 books included in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, all of which are considered to be inspired by God. The idea of a canon raises a question which some may ask: How do we know the correct books, the ones that are really inspired by God, are the ones included in the Bible? This is a fair question which needs to be examined.

Principles of Recognition

Geisler and Nix list five “principles for discovering canonicity.” ³² They are as follows:

1. The book was written by a prophet or an apostle.
2. The writer had credentials from God. These included one or more of these: God designated a person’s prophetic status and/or gift, their prophetic status was confirmed by miracles, and the prophet’s predictions were confirmed by their fulfillment.
3. The book told the truth about God, man, history, and everything else. It was accurate and factual. It was 100 percent credible.
4. The book had the life-transforming power of God. The Bible says it is “living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12), “able to make you wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15), and “useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16). As we discussed before, many lives have been transformed by the influence of the Bible.
5. The book was “received and accepted by the people of God for whom it was written.” ³³ There was a clear recognition by the people of God, the Jews in the Old Testament and the Christians in the New Testament, that the book was from God when it was given to them by a prophet or an Apostle.

Method of Recognition

New Testament scholar, Bruce M. Metzger, Ph.D. explains the process of identifying the books which were included in the canon of the Bible. ³⁴ The selection process was not based on the authority of the Jewish community or of the Church, but rather on the authority of the documents themselves. He said: “The canon is a list of authoritative books (not) an authoritative list of books. These documents did not derive their authority from being selected; each one was authoritative before anyone gathered them together.” The Jewish people of the Old Testament and “the early church merely listened and sensed (recognized) that these were authoritative accounts.”

Dr. Metzger suggests a musical analogy. I paraphrase: Suppose a listener is asked to listen to piano music by Bach and Beethoven on the one hand and by Joe Schmo on the other hand, and asked to identify which are genius and classical and which are not. There would be no hesitation; the classical compositions would be known immediately. Similarly, when the people of God were given canonical books to read, it was obvious to them that these were the Word of God, because the qualities contained in them were consistent with the principles of recognition.

Old Testament Canon Formation

Geisler and Nix tell us that there were three steps in canonization: 1) The writings are inspired by God, 2) they are recognized as inspired by the people of God, and 3) they are collected and preserved by God’s people. ³⁵ The books of Moses, the first five books of the Bible, were accepted immediately by the Jewish people. The astounding miracles done in Egypt and the wilderness were proof enough that God was speaking through his servant. After Moses, other prophets followed. From Moses to the Jew’s forced exile to Babylon were Joshua, Samuel, Nathan, Isaiah, Jeremiah and others. During and after the exile period were Daniel, Ezekiel and the Minor prophets. As new prophetic books were written and accepted by the people of God, they were collected and kept in a safe and sacred place. In this way the canon of the Old Testament was gathered and protected from Moses to Malachi (the last O.T. prophet). By 400 BC, all the books of the Old Testament were written and accepted into the canon by official Judaism. ³⁶

Throughout the succession of prophetic ministry, later prophets acknowledged the Divine authority of the books written before them by earlier prophets. The fact that they were aware of and referred back to earlier books helped to provide a continuity of history and message. Even so, “no one person or group put the Bible together,” ³⁷and the individual writers could not have seen the design of the whole of the Bible story. Further, the Old Testament writers could not have possibly seen the full meaning of their writings as fulfilled in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament. Thus we believe it was the hand of God which inspired, created, and coordinated the unity of message which is found in the Bible.

Were there controversies over which books should be included? Yes. Most Old Testament books were accepted immediately and never questioned. A few took longer to be accepted because of minor concerns which were later resolved. These were:³⁸

1) The Song of Solomon. It was thought to be too sensual by some, but later was understood to provide a beautiful picture of love and marriage.

2) Ecclesiastes. It was thought to be too skeptical, but it actually shows how mankind looks at life without God and then concludes that a person should honor and obey God.

3) Esther was questioned because the name of God is not in the book. Nevertheless, the book shows God’s providence at work delivering his people.

4) Ezekiel was thought to be too anti-Mosaic, but it is actually in harmony with Moses’ teachings.

5) Proverbs. There was one supposed contradiction, but upon examination, it was not.

There were also books which were rejected by everyone. These books were religious writings which sometimes contained truth but also contained fanciful stories, outright errors, heresies and false claims to authorship. ³⁹Essentially they were fraudulent and unworthy of canonical status. The technical term for these Jewish books is pseudepighapha. The Greek pseudo meaning “false” and epigraphein meaning “to inscribe,” are combined to mean “to write falsely.” ⁴⁰

Finally, there were Apocryphical books which were rejected by some and accepted by others. Generally speaking, the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and eastern Orthodox churches accept them and the Protestant churches reject them as canonical. Personally I do not think these books are canonical, but I respect the views of other Christians who accept them. Reasons given for rejecting these books as canonical by Geisler and Nix are as follows: ⁴¹

1. These books do “not claim to be inspired by God.”
2. These were “not written by prophets of God.”
3. They have “historical errors and theological heresies.”
4. They do “not have the life-transforming power of God.”
5. They were “not accepted by…(official) Judaism.”
6. They were “not accepted by Jesus”…or “by the Apostles,” neither of which quoted from them.
7. They were “not accepted by the early church of God who never canonized them.”
8. They were “rejected by the great Catholic translator of the word of God ( Jerome).”
9. They were “not written during the (Old Testament) period of the prophets of God…which ended by 400 BC.”

New Testament Canon Formation

The New Testament canon was written by the apostles of Jesus or by those who were close to them and who wrote under their authority. The apostles, who were eyewitnesses of Jesus life and teaching, were the final authority for which writings were canonical while they were living. After that, the principles of canonical recognition had to be applied by the church. “By the end of the first century all 27 New Testament books were written and received by the local churches. By 200 AD…all 27 books…were cited” by the church fathers, showing that “these books were considered part of the inspired canon” ⁴²by the church at large. Because of distance and travel time requirements between Jerusalem and Rome (for example), some New Testament books were not known to be canonical to all churches until confirmation of apostolic authority could be determined, delaying acceptance of a few New Testament books by some churches.

Most books in the New Testament were accepted immediately. A few were questioned for a time, then later included. These were: ⁴³

Hebrews. The concern here was that the author was not named, and so there was a question if he had apostolic authority. However the author knew the apostles who confirmed the message to him.

James. There was a supposed conflict between his teaching on works and the apostle Paul’s teaching on justification by faith alone. Since good works are the natural outflow of gratitude and transformation when a person is justified by faith, this is easily resolved.

2 Peter. The writing styles of 1 Peter and 2 Peter were different, so it was questioned whether Peter wrote 2 Peter. It turns out that Peter used a scribe to write 1 Peter and wrote 2 Peter himself, accounting for the differences in style.

2 and 3 John. Although the writer identifies himself only as “the elder,” the style shows it was written by the apostle John.

Jude. Jude quoted from non-canonical books, but this did not confer canonical status on them, it just means he found some truth in them which was relevant to his topic.

Revelation. Revelation was accepted during the second century, but rejected 200 years later because of false doctrinal beliefs. Later it was accepted again with the understanding that it was truly apostolic, written by the apostle John.

Some books which appeared in the second and third centuries were rejected by all. Other books were accepted for a time, but upon closer examination were rejected by the church. These books have been described as banal, fraudulent, fanciful, absurd, impious, heretical, and as historically inaccurate.⁴⁴ Some may have devotional value, but they do not claim inspiration and did not originate with the apostles. The technical term for these first century books is pseudepighapha, just as it is for the Old Testament non-canonical books. The meaning of this term in Greek is “to write falsely.”

It is our belief that the New Testament canon is complete. Jesus promised his disciples he would help them remember everything he taught them. Matthew 28:18. The New Testament is the record we have of the apostles’ teaching, so we conclude God has already fulfilled this promise. Also we consider the warning in Revelation 22:18-19 not to add anything to the words God has given or to take away from them, to apply to the entire canon of Scripture.

Inspiration Defined: There are two primary passages in the New Testament which describe inspiration. The first is: “All Scripture is God-breathed (Inspired) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16. The other is: “No prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20,21. As Geisler and Nix have described, these passages show that the inspiration of the Bible “contains three essential elements: Divine causality, prophetic agency, and written authority.” ⁴⁵

God Involves Man: It is God who moved on men by his Spirit to write; He was the primary cause of the words being written. At the same time, the prophets and apostles who wrote did so using their intellect and normal use of language, so that in the end the words were theirs as well as God’s. Because God was the “mover” of inspiration, the text then was “God-breathed” and therefore the authoritative Word of God.

The Words Inspired: It is important to note that it was the words that were inspired and not the writers. The writers wrote at the direction of the Holy Spirit, not of their own accord. Therefore it was the written words that carried the authority of God. ⁴⁶

The Originals Inspired: Inspiration applies to the original writings, but not necessarily to every copy or translation, because these might be corrupted.⁴⁷ Inspiration does apply to a copy or translation if it is exactly the same as or equivalent to the original. Today, since words in our English Bibles are essentially equivalent to the original texts, we may consider our Bibles inspired and authoritative. ⁴⁸

The Bible is Inerrant: The inspiration of the Bible implies that there are no errors contained in the original texts. Since the Bible claims to be the very Word of God, and since “God cannot lie” (Hebrews 6:18) and his “Word is truth” (John 17:17), it is logical to conclude that the Bible is God’s inerrant truth. This means that although the Bible is not primarily a book of history or science, when it discusses history or science or any other topic, the information is accurate. ⁴⁹

The Word of God: If the Bible is the Word of God, we would expect it to state this clearly – and it does!, Moses wrote repeatedly, “The Lord said” in the first five books of the Bible. Samuel referred to the written Scriptures as “the Word of the Lord.” 2 Samuel 22:31. David wrote: “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2. Jeremiah wrote: “Then the Lord…touched my mouth and said to me, ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth.'” Jeremiah 2:9. Jesus referred to “every word that comes out of the mouth of God,” and called the Scriptures “the Word of God.” Matthew 4:4 and 15:6. In Hebrews it says: “The Word of God is living….” Hebrews 4:12. Thus, from Genesis to Revelation the Bible claims to be the “God-breathed” authoritative Word of God.

Eternal and True: The Bible also claims to be eternal and true. In the Old Testament it says: “Your Word, O Lord is eternal.” Psalm 119:89, “I the Lord speak the truth.” Isaiah 45:19, and “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8. In the New Testament Jesus said: “I tell you the truth…not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen will by any means disappear from the Law….” Matthew 5:18, and “Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35. Peter called the Word of God “imperishable.” 1 Peter 1:23.

For All Generations: The use of phrases here and elsewhere such as “stands firm in the heavens”, “stands forever”, “will not pass away”, “cannot be broken”, and “imperishable” tells us that the Bible claims to be an eternally durable, true and fully preserved work of God. This means the Bible is not just an ancient book written for people who lived long ago, it is God’s book to mankind for all generations.

Summary

Here is what have we have said about the Bible.

First, it is a book written by about 40 authors, over 15 centuries, which discusses many profound topics, and yet does so with an agreement and a consistency which would be impossible if God had not inspired the words on its pages.

Second, the some 24,000 ancient New Testament Bible texts we have today date back as far as 30 to 60 years from the actual events. Their number, agreement, and dating make it possible for us to confidently know the words of the original Bible manuscripts. Therefore the Bible we have today is basically the same as the original.

Third, a number of ancient sources give us strong reasons to believe the Old Testament is reliably the same as when inspired by God.

Fourth, the writers of the Bible wrote as truth tellers, even facing persecution and death as a result, making their claims more credible.

Fifth, Bible prophecies from Abraham to Jesus, many spanning centuries, clearly required the foreknowledge of God to accurately predict events before they occurred. Such prophecies demonstrate that the Bible is His book and that the Bible’s words are His words.

Sixth, archaeological findings show the Bible to be accurate with regard to historical places, events, customs and language.

Seventh, the many miracles of the Bible show that it is God who is at work doing things men cannot do and it is He who is speaking. Miracles validate the spoken words of Jesus Christ and the written words of Bible writers as being Divinely inspired.

Eighth, the resurrection of Jesus Christ validates his claim to have Divine authority and he affirmed both the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God.

Ninth, the testimony of the Holy Spirit to believers, the transforming power of the Bible, the influence of the Bible and the indestructibility of the Bible all support the belief that the Bible is God’s Word.

Tenth, the books of the Old and the New Testaments were recognized as inspired by the people of God because they were written by prophets or apostles who were confirmed by God with miracles and signs as well as because the Scriptures themselves evidenced life-transforming power in peoples’ lives.

Eleventh, the inspiration of the Bible originated with God as he used human writers to produce words with Divine authority.

Twelfth, the Bible claims to be the Word of the living God from Genesis to Revelation.

Conclusions

In view of what we have discussed, what are we to conclude?

First, we conclude that the Bible is truly the Word of God. The evidence is compelling: it is reliable because it was accurately transmitted over the centuries; it is authentically God’s Word because it bears the marks of Divine revelation; it is authoritative because it is God who is speaking.

Second, the Bible is reliable and authoritative in matters of truth, faith, knowledge (about God, man, and everything else), worship, wisdom, morals, and guidance. It therefore has authority over our lives.

Third, the Bible is eternally true. It does not change. It proceeded from the mind of God and is therefore in agreement with the nature and purpose of God.

Fourth, it has authority over all other books. Its truth is not changed or diminished by the teachings of other books and ideas. Since the Bible is from God and therefore true, whatever disagrees with it is false and not from God. The Bible is God’s standard for truth for all time. It is the standard against which all other ideas are to be measured.

Fifth, God has a blessing for those who believe and follow the teachings of the Bible and a warning for those who don’t. Revelation 22:7,19 says: “Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” and “If anyone takes words away from this book…, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city.” We will all be judged by the way we respond to the truth he has revealed.

Sixth, God wants to communicate with us. He wants us to know about him and his ways. He wants to bless and guide us. He wants to know us and for us to know him. This is incredibly wonderful news.

Seventh, it makes sense to read the Bible, to pray to God and ask him to reveal himself to us through its pages – to show us what he expects of us, what truths we are to learn, what knowledge we are to obtain, what wisdom to receive, what acts to perform and how we are to worship him.

1. McDowell, Josh. A Ready Defense. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1993, p 27-28.
2. Strobel, Lee. The Case For Christ. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998, p 25.
3. Ibid. p 23.
4. Geisler, Norman L. and Turek, Frank. I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2004, p 296-297.
5. Strobel, Lee. The Case For Christ. p 35.
6. McDowell, Josh. A Ready Defense. p 43-46.
7. McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Vol. 1. San Bernardino: Here’s Life Publishers, Inc., 1991, p 39-50.
8. Strobel, Lee. The Case For Christ. p 83-90.
9. Ibid. p 91-92.
10. Ibid. p 93.
11. Ibid. p 93.
12. Ibid. p 95.
13. McDowell, Josh. A Ready Defense. p 47-48.
14. McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Vol. 1. p 50-52.
15. Ibid. p 58-59.
16. Ibid. p 56-58.
17. Ibid. p 53-55.
18. Ibid. p 56-58.
19. Ibid. p 55-56.
20. McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Vol. 1. p 170-173
21. McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Vol. 1. p 274-314.
22. McDowell, Josh. The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Vols. 1 & 2, updated. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1999, p 168-202.
23. McDowell, Josh. The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Vols. 1 & 2, updated. p 167-168.
24. McDowell, Josh. A Ready Defense. Chapter 8.
25. McDowell, Josh. A Ready Defense. Chapter 9.
26. Geisler, Norman L. and Nix, William E.. From God To Us: How We Got Our Bible. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2012, p 47-48.
27. Ibid. p 55.
28. Ibid. p 79.
29. Kennedy, D. James and Newcomb, Jerry. What if the Bible Had Never Been Written? Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 1998, p 39-40.
30. Geisler, Norman L. and Nix, William E.. From God To Us: How We Got Our Bible. p 82.
31. Ibid. p 83.
32. Ibid. p 93-98.
33. Ibid. p 95.
34. Strobel, Lee. The Case For Christ. p 72-73.
35. Geisler, Norman L. and Nix, William E.. From God To Us: How We Got Our Bible. p 100.
36. Ibid. p 111-114.
37. Ibid. p 81.
38. Ibid. p 118-120.
39. Ibid. p 116-118.
40. Got Questions Ministries. What are the pseudepigrapha? www.gotquestions.org
41. Geisler, Norman L. and Nix, William E.. From God To Us: How We Got Our Bible. p 127-128.
42. Ibid. p 137.
43. Ibid. p 150-153.
44. Strobel, Lee. The Case For Christ. p 71-72.
45. Geisler, Norman L. and Nix, William E.. From God To Us: How We Got Our Bible. p 17-18.
46. Ibid. p 17.
47. Ibid. p 17.
48. Ibid. p 18-19.
49. Ibid. p 32.

Note: All scripture quotations are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.