Is the Bible the Inspired Word of GOD?
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1. Is the Bible the inspired word of God?
2. What is the Way, the Truth and the Life?
3. How do I get saved?
4. What do I pray?
5. To Whom do I pray?
6. What does "The Trinity" mean?
Do you have any of those questions? All of
them? Keep reading.
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1. Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?
Written by: Ron Carlson
Date: Dec 19th 2008, 15:39
During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university
student asked me, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?"
Now this is a very interesting question; and probably one of the most important
questions any Christian could ask themselves.
What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the
inspired word of God?
In answering this student's question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts
about the Bible:
First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception
than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a
Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a
collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books
contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and
apocalyptic just to name a few..
Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came
from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and
others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.
Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is
another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one
another in writing these books.
Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages.
In the Bible we
have books that were written in the ancient languages of
Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic;
a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which
each of these books were written.
And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and
Europe . Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural
circumstances of God's people.
Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents.
What's more, this collection
of books shares a common storyline- the creation, fall, and redemption of God's
people; a common theme- God's universal love for all of humanity; and a common
message- salvation is available to all who repent of their sins
and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.
In addition to sharing these
commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions.
God's word truly is an amazing collection of writings!
After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the following
challenge: I said to him, "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of
God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test." I said to the student, "I challenge you to go to
any library in the world, you
can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages,
written on 3 different continents.
However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme,
and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions." I went on to say, "If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God." The student's reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's impossible!"
"But that's impossible!" It truly is impossible,
for any collection of human writings..
However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40
different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.
The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don't wait until you're asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don't even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books. After they say, "But that's impossible!" you've got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God's word with somebody!
Legend:
The words in red are those of Jesus
2. What is the Way, the Truth and the Life? John 14:6
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me.
Now, here is how you know what context that is in...
John 14:1-5 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also
in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I
have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go
and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I
am going.”
Jesus the Way to the Father
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how
can we know the way?”
John 14:6-7 New International Version (NIV)
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes
to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[a]
my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
3. How do I get saved?
Know who The Lord Jesus Christ is and Accept Him as your Saviour.
- Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God the Father in heaven. The God of Israel. The only Living God. The God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and 3 days later was resurrected and defeated death,
hell and the grave.
4. What do I pray?
First Note:
- We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God; that He came to earth as a man in order to live the sinless life that we cannot live;
that He died in our place, so that we would not have to pay the penalty we deserve.
- We confess our past life of sin -- living for ourselves and not obeying God.
- We admit we are ready to trust Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
- We ask Jesus to come into our heart, take up residence there, and begin living through us.
Prayer of Salvation - It Begins With Faith in God
When we pray the prayer of salvation, we're letting God know we believe His Word is true.
By the faith He has given us, we choose to
believe in Him. The Bible tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw
near to God must believe that he exists and
that he rewards those who seek him."
PRAY THIS
"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you.
I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away
from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again.
I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive,
and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in
my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You,
and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
Prayer of Salvation - I've Prayed It; Now What?
If you've prayed this prayer of salvation with true conviction and heart,
you are now a follower of Jesus. This is a fact, whether or not
you feel any different. Religious systems may have led you to believe that you should feel something
- a warm glow, a tingle, or some other mystical experience. The fact is, you may, or you may not.
If you have prayed the prayer of salvation and meant it, you are now a
follower of Jesus. The Bible tells us that your eternal salvation is secure!
"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and
believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).
Welcome to the family of God! We encourage you now to find a local church where you can
be baptized and grow in the knowledge of
God through His Word, the Bible.
5. To Whom do I pray?
God the Father in heaven. The God of Israel. The only Living God. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
6. What does "The Trinity" mean?
1. God the Father
2. Jesus Christ the Son(God incarnate)
3. The Holy Spirit(Once Jesus left earth and returned to Heaven in Spirit He sent His Spirit back to believers who accept Him in order to lead, guide, direct and strengthen them to overcome Satan and his demons, minions and warriors in the spiritual world and in the flesh.
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