THE BIBLE

From God or Man?



        There are many proofs that the Bible is a Book which comes from God. Some of the most convincing evidence of inspiration is found within the Bible itself - its great teachings; its fulfilled prophecies; its unity of theme and freedom from real contradictions. But there are also convincing proofs of inspiration to be found outside the bible. Consider these...

  1) Its Antiquity. The very age of the Bible shows it must be from God. Parts of this Book were written 1500 years before Christ. That makes the Bible one of the oldest pieces of literature known to man. One scholar has observed: "...all the prophets from Isaiah to Malachi, had given us a view of future events and passed away before the philosophies of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were announced." The Bible is a Book whose Author is as ancient as eternity; whose contents are as old as time; and whose composition dates from the beginning of the development of writing.

  2) Its Indestructibility. The fact that the Bible has survived both the ravages of time and the attacks of its enemies shows it is more than an ordinary book. Throughout history, no other book has been so hated, opposed, assailed or ridiculed. Though opponents have done their worst to destroy the Bible, their efforts have been futile - the Bible still stands because it comes from God!

  3) Its Influence. Where the Bible has gone it has been a positive force for good. Its value and influence have been recognized by the great minds of history.

Napoleon called it "a book surpassing all others." Abraham Lincoln described it as "the best gift God has ever given to man." Charles Dickens regarded it as the "the best book that ever was or ever will be known to the world." The fact that no other book has had such an influence is an indication that the Bible comes from God.

  4) Its Accuracy. The Bible has never been proven to be scientifically or historically inaccurate. Many statements in the Bible which were once questioned by sceptics have been verified by modem historical, archaeological and scientific discoveries. Sir Isaac Newton expressed his confidence in the unfailing accuracy of the Bible when he wrote, "I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatever."

        The Bible is the miracle of the ages. It cannot be explained in merely human terms. Its amazing qualities prove that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..." (2 Timothy 3.16.)

        But the Bible will not profit us if we do not study it and live it. The most demanding, most complicated activity we face is building a worthwhile life. Without counsel and instruction we are bound to have trouble. Fortunately, we have been given instructions for living from the Creator of life Himself. The scriptures thoroughly furnish--or"completely equip"--us for living. (2 Timothy 2.15.) Yet many go through life paying no attention to what God has written. No wonder so many lives are in chaos!

        God in His goodness has given us the instructions we need. Let us give earnest heed to His Word! (Hebrews 2.1.)

        Last eve I passed beside blacksmith's door,
        And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime:
        And looking in, I saw upon the floor
        Old hammers worn with years of time.
        
        "How many anvils have you had," said 1,
        "To wear and batter all those hammers so?"
        "Just one" said he, and then with twinkling eye,
        "The anvil wears the hammers out you know."

        And so, thought I, the anvil of God's Word,
        For ages sceptic blows have beat upon;
        Yet though the noise of falling blows was heard,
        The anvil is unharmed...the hammers gone!