The third way that God speaks to us today is through his written word, the Bible. This statement is not without controversy, but consider some of the remarkable truths about the Bible:
It was written over a period of approximately 1,600 years.
The Bible has 40 different human authors (1 Divine author).
It has 66 books written without contradiction.
It was written on three different continents with three differing languages.
It was penned by people of different ages, vocations, social statue, moods, and in a variety of locations.
It speaks with ease and authority of the known and unknowable, of the pleasant and unpleasant, of man's accomplishments and failure, of the past and the future.
It was written about hundreds of controversial subjects, yet from Genesis to Revelation the writers maintain incredible harmony.
In spite of its diversity, the Bible presents a single unfolding story: God's redemption of human beings.
The Bible is the single most published book in the history of the world.
The Bible has been the #1 best seller for nearly 300 years.
The Bible is the single most translated book in the history of the world (over 2,200 languages/dialects).
The Bible is the single most despised book in the world yet it survives.
From a historical perspective the Bible stands tall as well. The New Testament, for example, was written between 50-100 AD, the world possesses 114 fragments, 200 complete books, 250 New Testament manuscripts and 325 complete copies of the New Testament.
Plato's writings were done in 400 BC and the earliest copy we have of his writings are from 900 AD. One thousand three hundred years later! The world has 7 originals of this text. No one doubts that these are the words of Plato.
In contrast, the New Testament was written around 50 AD and we have original texts that appear just 50 years later. The world also possesses 5,366 copies!! Certainly if someone wanted to refute the claims of the New Testament, those contemporary to its words were still alive and could have done so. Yet the silence is deafening.
When a serious look is given to the Bible from a historical standpoint there is simply an incredible amount of evidence to suggest its authenticity. And as Josh McDowell states, "the evidence demands a verdict".
I believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God and was written to help me know, understand and develop a relationship with him. In it the overwhelming theme is Jesus Christ and his redemption of mankind.
If you happen across my notes here, please do not take the world's hearsay for such an important issue. If you look at all the facts, look at the historical documents, read the words of the Bible, and make an honest assessment, I believe that you will, as I have, conclude that this is truly the Word of God.
