“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16 NKJV
Many people have been taught that a question like, “How do we know the Bible is true?” is never to be asked. It may have led to them being purely robotic in their beliefs, having no genuine convictions. But as believers, we must be convinced about the truth we profess, because only then can we truly convince others.
Apart from being the most sold book in the world, you see, the Bible is the written word of God. It was written by men from different walks of life and at different points in time, but altogether inspired by God. From Genesis to Revelation, all of these individual writings form a part of the whole message of God, as well as His plan for mankind.
The authenticity of the Bible determines the authenticity of Christianity as a whole, as it is from the Bible that we discover the person of God and the message of salvation through Christ, and also the foundations of our doctrine.
Several events in both the Old and New Testaments form a core part of Jewish history and culture to date. When in Egypt, God instructed the Israelites to observe Passover. This was to commemorate God’s deliverance of the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. This practice continues in Jewish culture today.
Similarly, the parting of the Red Sea and drowning of the Egyptian army and Pharaoh, are also significant events that are an undeniable part of history. We see in Joshua 2:9-13, that Rahab who was a Canaanite, heard about the wonders that the God of the Israelites had done, and professed her faith in Him. The news about the miracles that God did among the Israelites was widespread and known by even Gentiles.
Moreso, the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are verifiable historical facts. Apostle Paul attested to this truth in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, where he stated that Christ indeed died and resurrected, and was seen by more than five hundred brothers and sisters at the same time, many of whom were still alive at the time he wrote the letter.
We also know the Bible is true because it contains prophecies which were recorded thousands of years before they were seen to occur in history. In Numbers 24:5-7, Prophet Balaam foretold that Israel would have a king. Moses also foretold the same in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. Four hundred years later, Israel had her first king, Saul, after Moses and Balaam were long dead.
Furthermore, several Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah; His birth, childhood, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection, exactly as it was seen to occur centuries after. Many of these prophets lived decades and even centuries apart from each other.
Through history and prophecy, we find adequate proof that the Bible is not a mere fictional piece, but the Spirit-inspired word of God. The Bible can be trusted as accurate, detailed, and authentic.
Bible Reading Plan: Judges 16-18