Expert: Brenda Martin - 8/25/2005

Question
Is the bible the literal word of god -- i.e. spoken by him -- how do we know it to be the word of god?

Answer
Hi Don, The evidence I personally found impressive, convincing me that it is the "word of God " are—

1. What the Bible itself says as to its origin.

2. The Bible contains numerous prophecies reflecting detailed knowledge of the future, prophecies that must have come from a superhuman source. (2 Peter 1:20, 21)

3. The Bible displays wonderful internal harmony, although written down by 40 men over a period of some 1,600 years.

4. The scientific accuracy in contrast with other writings from those times.

5. The candor of its writers.

6. Its preservation in the face of vicious efforts to destroy it.

The Bible deserves consideration because it is by far the most widely circulated and widely translated book in all human history. Now statistics alone do not prove that the Bible is God's Word. However, we should certainly expect a written record that is inspired of God to be accessible to people the world over. After all, the Bible itself tells us that “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34, 35) Like no other book, the Bible has crossed national boundaries and has overcome racial and ethnic barriers. Truly, the Bible is a book for all people!

Reasons for considering the Bible

1. The Bible itself says it is from God, mankind's Creator --2 Tim. 3:16, 17:

2.  Bible prophecy explains the meaning of world conditions

Many world leaders acknowledge that mankind is on the brink of disaster. The Bible foretold these conditions long ago; it explains their meaning and what the outcome will be. (2 Tim. 3:1-5; Luke 21:25-31) It tells what we must do in order to survive the impending world destruction, with the opportunity to gain eternal life under righteous conditions here on earth.—Zeph. 2:3; John 17:3; Ps. 37:10, 11, 29.

3. The Bible enables us to understand the purpose of life

It answers such questions as: Where did life come from? (Acts 17:24-26) Why are we here? Is it just to live a few years, get what we can out of life, and then die?—Gen. 1:27, 28; Rom. 5:12; John 17:3; Ps. 37:11; Ps. 40:8.

4. The Bible shows how we can have the very things that lovers of righteousness desire most

It tells us where to find wholesome associates who truly love one another (John 13:35), what can give assurance that we will have sufficient food for ourselves and our families (Matt. 6:31-33; Prov. 19:15; Eph. 4:28), how we can be happy in spite of difficult conditions that surround us.—Ps. 1:1, 2; 34:8; Luke 11:28; Acts 20:35.

Surely a book that claims to be from God, that explains both the meaning of world conditions and the purpose of life, and that shows how our problems will be solved is worthy of consideration.

Evidences of inspiration

It is filled with prophecies reflecting detailed knowledge of the future—something impossible for humans--2 Pet. 1:20, 21:

Its contents are scientifically sound on matters that human researchers discovered only at a later date.

Its internal harmony is significant

This is especially so in view of the fact that the books of the Bible were recorded by some 40 men as diverse as king, prophet, herdsman, tax collector, and physician. They did the writing over a period of 1,610 years; so there was no opportunity for collusion. Yet their writings agree, even in the smallest detail. To appreciate the extent to which the various portions of the Bible are harmoniously intertwined, you must read and study it personally.

If you would like me to elaborate on any one of these points, I will be happy to do so.

All the best
Brenda