Can I Trust the Bible?
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We previously considered whether or not we can establish truth. Our position is that we must have a “why?” to our belief, and to have an answer for the objections to it. To do so, establishing truth is necessary, and we must rely on God to do so. Beyond that, we shone a spotlight on how impossible it becomes to establish truth WITHOUT God. Our faith is based on evidence, not merely a feeling.
While both atheism and theism are “faiths”, it is much more reasonable to believe IN God, than to disbelieve. Like it or not, this FACT confronts man and challenges him to make the proper response. It is the purpose of this study both to provide information regarding fundamental issues, and to urge your personal acceptance of the truth and your receiving it into your life.
Before we continue in answering further “tough questions”, we are going to devote this lesson to a consideration of the Bible–the source of all we can know about WHO God is.
God’s Existence is tied to the Bible.
God’s Existence is tied to the Bible.
Creation shows us about God; The Bible tells us about God.
While the natural world affirms a creator of Divine dimensions (we see “eternal power and divinity” by reading its pages), it does not provide an understanding of the nature and character of God.
To fill this void, God Himself has supplied a “REVELATION”, a verifiable and accurate record of Him and His purpose for and work in the world we know.
The Bible does not give us a complete picture of God or history. 2 Tim 3:14; Rom 1:16; 2 Tim 3:16, 17
we need to realize that the Bible does not, and is not designed to, provide a COMPLETE picture of either God or history. Its specific purpose is to accomplish the salvation of mankind (2 Tim 3:14; Rom 1:16), and it is entirely sufficient for that purpose (2 Tim 3:16-17).)
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
However, the Bible is one of the most enduring proofs of God’s existence.
At the basis of reality, every “effect” demands a cause, a sufficient cause. The Bible, as an “effect”, requires a “cause” which is capable of producing it. Careful examination of it makes us realize that we are unable to find in either mankind or the natural world a “designer” (an intelligence) capable of bringing it forth.
(I suppose the atheist would assume the same foundation for its existence that he does for the existence of the world and all life – just take enough random elements of matter, “shake them up” enough times, and up pops the world and all living things. Just so, take the 26 letters of the alphabet [which, by the way, had to come from somewhere, too], shake them up enough times, and up pops the Bible.)
In order to reject the Bible, we are asked to ignore much solid evidence–found within its pages and supported by external findings–of its true origin.
We are asked, even as in rejecting God Himself, to basically accept the idea that an adequate explanation can be found within human intelligence and natural law for both God and the Bible. These ideas cannot explain “god”. Let us ask now if these ideas can explain the Bible.
The Bible Makes Specific Claims of Itself.
The Bible Makes Specific Claims of Itself.
This book is actually a collection of 66 books, written by about 40 different writers, written over a period of 1600 years (a millenium and a half!).
It is significant to note that most of these writers did not know each other; they came from a wide variety of earthly backgrounds, and wrote regarding a broad range of circumstances and events, without any discernible common thread or purpose.
In many cases, one writer did not know what others HAD written, or what some others WOULD write!
While it is not a part of this study to determine the purity of the Bible text, it is fair to say that even Biblical critics are generally agreed that we have the same text as is contained in the original writings. The point of our study now is to test these writings for their credibility.
How the Bible is described: Dan. 10:21; Hos. 8:12; 2 Tim. 3:16; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; 1 Pet. 1:23
“Bible” (Greek, “biblia”–the books)
“Scriptures” (Latin–“the writings”)
The “writings” of God
But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.
Ho 8:12 I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange
2 Tim 3:16 –“..all scripture is given by the inspiration of God..”
–“the word of God”
Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12; 1 Pet 1:23
The Bible Claims:
“inspiration” 2 Tim 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This is claimed in the Bible to be “word” inspiration, not “thought” inspiration. 1 Cor 2:11-13
For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
The words of the original text were the words which God chose, not man.
God leaves no room for man to insert his reasoning, or to expand on that of God. Jn 8:58; Gal. 3:16
Within the text, reasoning is based on “words” – not merely “words” as opposed to “thoughts”, but even the tense of the words (Jno 8:58 – “...before Abraham was, I am..”), and the number (Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.)
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.
Men were “moved by the Holy Spirit” 2 Pet 1:21; Heb. 1:1; 2:1-4
for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
(Thus, both Old and New Testaments claim to come from the mind of God, through men who were “inspired” by Him.)See also Heb 1:1; 2:1-4
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
There is Clarity, Consistency, and Reason in the Bible.
There is Clarity, Consistency, and Reason in the Bible.
According to the Bible, God is:
In the 1900 years since the completion of divine revelation, man has not been able to improve on the idea of God produced in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. This picture of Him is consistent throughout the whole of Scripture. He is given to us as a personal God–He loves, hates, sees, acts, and is constantly mindful of His creation.
Self-existent – Exodus 3:13-14; John 8:58; Rev 4:8
Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”
And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
Eternal, omnipresent – Heb 1:10-12
And:
“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.”
Unchangeable – Jas 1:17; Heb 13:8
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Omnipotent – Gen 1:1-2; 17:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Omniscient– Heb 4:13
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Infinitely Holy – Revealed fully in Christ.
No humanly devised deity has ever “measured up” to truly divine characteristics and conduct. And there is no discord in the ENTIRE picture given of God in the Bible. (Keep in mind–40 DIFFERENT writers, great variety in time, circumstances and station, but NO conflicting sounds.)
In every case, man-made Gods are found to be inferior in some way: arbitrary, capricious, limited in power, etc.
According to the Bible, man is:
The Bible picture of man is also consistent throughout. One is given the same idea of man throughout (Not true of ANY human philosopher!)
Personal; Moral; In the image of God; Given power of choice between right and wrong.
He is described as a TRIUNE being (body, soul, spirit – 1 Thess 5:23)
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is shown to have an “inner man”, and an “outer man” - 2 Cor 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
God appeals to man’s intellect, emotions, and will. Satan appeals to lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life – Gen 3; Matt 4; 1 Jn 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
According to the Bible, salvation is a constant need and the Bible provides a consistent solution. Mark 12:30-31
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
SIN –consistently shown as rebellion against God, and what separates man from God
Man–consistently shown as unable to save Himself.
Salvation is always moral, never forced. God invites, man chooses.
The Bible reveals a unified definite plan for salvation: repentance and obedience from men; forgiveness from God.
From start to finish, there is obedience to law, sin, penalty and sacrifice. The entire plan points to obtaining salvation by the divine sacrifice, uniquely the work of God!
According to the Bible, morality is timeless.
It is the “science” of right and wrong. In the Bible, we have an ethical standard in the light of Christian teaching.
Righteousness is commanded throughout; sin is always condemned.
creation – (“very good” – Gen 1:31) Gen 2-3 “knowledge of good AND evil...”
flood – the wicked are destroyed; Noah (righteous) saved Gen 6:9
the nations – punished, destroyed, but ALWAYS because of their own wickedness! (Gen 15:16; Lev 18:24-30; Deut 9:4,5)
Sodom, Gomorrah – extremely wicked, but would have been spared if enough righteous men had been there. Gen 18:20,21; 32
Its specific teachings show us true morality and guide us. Ex. 20-23; Ps. 89:14; Matt 5-7
Ten commandments Ex 20-23 (STILL the basic reference to any semblance of human morality)
This was God showing Israel His basic standards of how to live right.
Psalms – Presents a degree of morality much higher than any human production (cf. Ps 89:14 , etc.)
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Mercy and truth go before Your face.
These are God showing us the depths of how much we need Him and our hopelessness without him.
Sermon on the mount – Matt 5-7
Inner purity is always demanded, not only outward morality. Lev 17:11; Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:6-8
Israelite ritual served to develop a sense of righteousness (sin was always condemned) that was associated with repentance and forgiveness. The blood was for atonement: Lev 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’
When ritual replaced inner righteousness and holiness it was condemned. Amos 5:21-24 ; Micah 6:6-8
“I hate, I despise your feast days,
And I do not savor your sacred assemblies.
Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings,
I will not accept them,
Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings.
Take away from Me the noise of your songs,
For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments.
But let justice run down like water,
And righteousness like a mighty stream.
With what shall I come before the Lord,
And bow myself before the High God?
Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings,
With calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
Ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
God dealt impartially with sin among His own – David, Moses, etc.
According to the Bible, there is a clear unity in its message. Gen 3:15; 12:1-3; 2 Sam 7:12-14; Isa 2:1-4; 53; Acts 17:30; Matt 19:8
Structural unity
The two Testaments
both needed for complete message, they complement one another.
both contain history, law, prophecy
both unite to tell the story of Jesus!
This theme is maintained throughout!
God is Supreme!
Man is fallen from original “good” state (is guilty of SIN, in need of a Savior )
Man is unable to save self– God is the Savior!
Progressive unity
While maintaining its overall design to identify and supply the information needed to reveal God and His plan to save man, there is a progression:
from the obscure to the clear. The story of Messiah opens up gradually as you read and understand!
Cf. Gen 3:15; 12:1-3; 2 Sam 7:12-14; Isa 2:1-4; 53
from the earthly to the spiritual
Temple; sacrifice; ritual; blessings; eternal home
from the external to the internal
While both outward conduct and inward commitment are included in both Testaments, a distinct shift in emphasis occurs as more revelation is provided
Starlight, Moonlight, Sunlight “dispensations” (Acts 17:30; Mt 19:8)
More understanding, stricter adherence to God’s law demanded as the divine revelation neared completion.
Organic unity
ALL parts of the Bible are essential to the completeness of the whole! Cf. Job (suffering); Song of Solomon (all aspects of love); Esther (providence of God); Ruth (lineage of Messiah)
Four gospels – each complements the others (Jewish emphasis; Human emphasis; Divine emphasis)
Ten commandments – demand the Sermon on the Mount
O. T. prophecy – demands gospel narratives
Leviticus – demands Hebrews
Mosaic code – demands ethics of the epistles
First chapters of Genesis – demand last chapters of Revelation
According to the Bible, great prophecies were shown in great detail. (The Messianic Promise)
Most liberal claims with reference to time of writing places all of O.T. hundreds of years before the N.T. (Septuagint [Greek] version of O.T. conservatively dated 100 B.C. The Hebrew from which it was translated had been in existence many years before). There are over 300 references in the Old Testament to Christ, his life and work, his death, and his resurrection. Allowing for the most skeptical dating of the O.T., these statements were made hundreds of years before their fulfillment. The probability of even a few of these being accurate is very small, and the likelihood of them all happening by chance is beyond belief.
To be preceded by a forerunner – Isa 40:1-3 [Matt 3:3]
Born of a virgin – Isa 7:14 [Matt 1:19-23]
Birthplace of Jesus – Micah 5:2 [Matt 2:1]
As a babe, called out of Egypt – Hosea 11:1 [Matt 2:14-16]
To make his entry on a donkey, the foal of a donkey – Zech 9:9 [Matt 21:2-5]
Not to speak in His own defense – Isa 53:7 [Matt 27:12-14]
Soldiers parted his garment, cast lots for his vesture – Ps 22:18 [John 19:23, 24]
Was with the rich in His death – Isa 53:9 [Matt 27:57-60]
In carrying out God’s purpose for Him, Jesus obviously could choose to act in ways to fulfill scripture (as He himself said on occasion), but many of the things predicted of Him were not under His control as a man–see above very incomplete list–so, “fulfilling scripture” was not up to him in these circumstances.
The Bible is historically trustworthy.
Note: A book does not have to be inspired to be historically accurate, but no book can be accepted as inspired that is NOT historically accurate. If the Bible is inspired, it must be historically accurate. This does not PROVE it is inspired, but it supports the claim of inspiration.
It is impossible to test the Bible historically at every point, due to the lack of external materials. Whenever compared with existing external evidence, the Bible documents are historically accurate.
Examples:
treasure city of Pithom (Exodus records the building of a city of bricks WITH straw, WITH stubble, and WITHOUT either). This city was discovered in 1883 by Prof. Naville. It was examined in 1908 by Prof. Kyle. He describes its construction as conforming to the above facts.
the city of Jericho–it was destroyed and rebuilt about 10 times. Excavations show:
the first city was small and compact, could have been walked about in one hour. It also shows that the walls fell outward from some catastrophe.
41 of the kings mentioned from Abraham to the end of the Old Testament have been found in non-Biblical documents.
Belshazzar (Dan 5) offered Daniel the position of third ruler.
Tablets show he was ruling as co-regent while his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar, was away on a campaign, and thus the highest position he could offer Daniel was that of “third ruler”.
On a number of occasions, historians have challenged facts suggested by Bible information, only to have them verified later by further discovery. No Bible statement of any significance has been PROVEN wrong by known historical fact.
The Bible is Scientifically Accurate. Acts 7:22; 17:26; Gen. 1:1; 2:7; 1:9-10; Ecc. 1:7; 1 Cor. 15:39
The Bible does not put itself forth as a book of “science”, but it does deal in some scientific matters. When it does so, its scientific statements and teachings are accurate. A conflict between true science and the teaching of the scriptures has never been established. It is remarkable in that it does not contain the scientific errors common to the time of its writing, and wherever it deals in facts of science, it is in harmony with what we know of science.
Moses was “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22), but none of their superstitions or scientific fallacies are found in his writings (cf. “The world began from a flying egg”; “man came from the white worms of the Nile”, etc.– but, Gen 1:1; 2:7)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
“waters in one place” (bed) Seas..Gen 1:9-10 (Plural “seas”, but all connected, so one “bed”). This was certainly not a part of the “science” of Moses’ time.
Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
“seas not full” – Eccl 1:7 286,000 cubic miles of water flow annually into the sea, have done so for as far back as men know, but it is not full. NOW, we know the mystery of evaporation and the cycle of water – not known then!
All the rivers run into the sea,
Yet the sea is not full;
To the place from which the rivers come,
There they return again.
“one blood” – Acts 17:26 Suggests a knowledge of human nature (ALL men, of all COLORS, interbreed, have same blood. Cannot normally tell race or color by examining this common blood.)
And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
various kinds of “flesh” – 1 Cor 15:39 ...a statement scientifically true.
All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.
The Words of the Bible are the Words of God.
The Words of the Bible are the Words of God.
The Bible could not be the work of the human mind. it is the “word of God”. 1 Cor 2:12-13
It is important to remember that the very WORDS of the Bible (the original text) are the words of God. (1 Cor 2:12-13 ). “...in words which the Holy Spirit teacheth...”
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
God expects us to give due respect to EVERY word! 1 Thess 2:13
Biblical teaching sometimes is determined by the singular or plural (Gal 3:16), or by the tense of the verb (John 8:58).
The care with which we study the Bible, and the weight we give its words, will be determined by how convinced we are of it as the work of God:
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
1. Its Unity
Unity of style, brevity, getting to the point, and giving the most important information is the common style of every one of the 66 books that make up God's word. Although the Bible addresses thousands of topics, most of them quite controversial, yet each one of the forty writers, though from different time periods and cultures, come together in complete unity of doctrine: (Genesis 19:5-7; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:10). There is also the unity of the over-all story. Details mentioned early in the Bible, are the same details mentioned in books written thousands of years later (Genesis 3:1-4; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Genesis 19:26; Luke 17:32). Surely this is a book that came from one Mind: God's.
2. Its Historical Accuracy
The Bible mentions real people, real places and real events. Many things that skeptics one challenged and claimed were fiction, such as the existence of the Hittites, writing in the time of Moses, the city of Babylon, Pilate as governor of Judea at the time of Christ, or Gallio, procounsul of Achaea (Acts 18:12-17) have now been confirmed by archaeology. The Bible is also accurate in all the little details. In the book of Acts, Luke, the writer, gives correct titles for the following officials: Thesslonica—“politarchs”, Ephesus-“temple wardens”, Cyprus—“proconsul”, Malta—“the first man of the island”. Each one of these titles has been confirmed by Roman usage. In all, Luke names thirty-two countries, fifty-four cities, and nine islands without making a single error. Today, young people are often told by skeptics that the Bible is filled with errors, but what they are not told is how consistently the overconfident skeptics in the past were completely wrong. As William F. Albright noted, “The excessive skepticism shown toward the Bible by important historical schools of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, certain phases of which still appear periodically, has been progressively discredited. Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details” (Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell, p. 65). In other words, the Bible is not a book that becomes less relevant and weaker as new discoveries surface, but only gains credibility.
3. Its Scientific Accuracy
Not only does the Bible contain a lot of good science, it states things as fact long before the scientists discovered it, including the earth being a circle (Isaiah 40:22), the earth being suspended in space (Job 26:7), the ocean currents (Psalm 8:8), or the truth that matter is not eternal and the universe had a definite beginning (Hebrews 1:10-12). While many human theories are in conflict with the Scriptures, and have always been, the Bible and the facts of the universe have always been in agreement.
4. Its Detailed and Fulfilled Prophecies
It would be impressive if the Bible had only one detailed prediction about the future that came true. But what is even more impressive, is that the Bible contains many, not only for nations, but for individuals as well. I have been impressed with both the sheer number and minute detail found in the prophecies. For example, 700 years before Jesus was born, here is what Isaiah said about Him:
· He would be pierced: 53:5
· He died for our sins: 53:5,6
· He was scourged: 53:5
· He was silent before accusers: 53:7
· He was buried in a rich man’s grave: 53:9
· He would be resurrected: 53:10
· Many would be saved because of Him: 53:11
· He was numbered with the transgressors: 53:12
· He interceded for the transgressors: 53:1
Isaiah 53 is just one of many prophecies. The prophecy is all the more impressive when one considers what a daunting task it would be to give only ten specific predictions about someone who would be born seven hundred years from our own time, including such things as how they would die, and what others would say to them during that time (Psalm 22:8), how others would specifically treat them, and what they would accomplish in life. No other book on the planet comes even close to the Bible in this area of fulfilled prophecy.
5. Its Truthful Style
The Bible is not a book of flawless heroes, rather it describes its characters accurately, complete with both their failures and their sins. The adultery of king David is mentioned, the apostasy of Solomon, the fear of Abraham, and even the misdeeds of Moses (Numbers 20:12) despite the fact these are heroes of faith.
6. Its Moral Teachings
The Bible is both very deep and broad in the subjects it discusses. It is far from superficial, and when it comes to morality, it gets right down to the heart of the matter (Matthew 5:22, 28). The instruction on how to maintain happy marriages and other relationships is not dated, and though it is an ancient book, it does not favor one gender over the other. Rather, it is uniquely balanced (1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:22-33; Titus 2:4-5). No other book has a higher level of morality. As someone noted, “The book that sums up the best morality of all time, is best explained as God’s book”.
7. The Survival and Accuracy of the Biblical Text
The Bible has survived thousands of years despite repeated attempts by both individuals and empires to suppress and destroy it. The Jewish people were surrounded by enemies in the Old Testament and were overrun by both the Assyrians and Babylonian Empires, and then subjected to the Persian, Greek and Roman Empires—yet through all this, the Old Testament survived. In 303AD, a decree was issued by the Roman Emperor to destroy all Christian places of worship and to burn the Scriptures—yet the New Testament not only survived, but is the single best authenticated work of the ancient world. We have more than 24,000 ancient manuscript copies or portions of the New Testament in existence today. In second place, are the writings of Homer, of which only 643 manuscripts still exist. What Jesus and others said about the Scriptures still describes the reality of the situation some 1900 years after the New Testament was finished, that the word of God would abide (1 Peter 1:23-25; Matthew 24:35).
8. The Character of Those Who Accept It
Something has to be said about the Bible based on simply looking at the type of people who accept it and act upon it, versus those who either reject it or give it lip service. As was true in the First Century, those who accept and do God's will are noble-minded people (Acts 17:11) and make this world a much better place.
9. Changed Lives
In over fifty years of living I have never seen book or any kind of media so drastically change people’s lives for the better than the Bible. This very congregation is filled with living and walking examples of the fact that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16).
10. What Jesus said about it: Matthew 5:17-18; John 17:17; 10:35
Some might consider this circular reasoning, but it isn’t. Jesus was not or is not just some relative or man on the street, rather, even many people who do not believe He is the Son of God, would still consider Him one of the most impactful individuals in history, an expert on God and more, and someone whose point of view is not to be lightly dismissed. Jesus has had more impact than any human being on world history. His teachings are simply amazing, containing the highest and uplifting standard of morality and ethics known to the human race.
Questions
1. If there is a God then it is reasonable to assume He would communicate with mankind?
2. Can you think of why God would select a written form of communication?
3. Does the Bible claim to be the Word of God?
4. About 1000 years ago the argument was formulated which claims that Isaiah chapter 53 is describing the nation of Israel as the servant rather than the Messiah. Please respond:
5. What about all the claims which attempt to throw suspicion on the Bible such as, it is has been accurately translated or that books have been removed?
When it comes to the existence of God, Scripture assumes God’s existence to be made crystal clear by all the evidence within the Creation around us (Psalm 19:1-2; Romans 1:20).
The Danger of the Ordinary
“C.S. Lewis, in his classic book The Screwtape Letters, provides a great insight into this tendency we have to take for granted the amazing world around us. Lewis has hit on a tendency many of us have. In our fast-paced lives, we rarely stop and observe the world around us and, therefore, tend to consider every amazing facet of this beautiful universe as ordinary” (Geisler and Turek, p. 110).
1. The Complexity of the Human Body: Psalm 139:14
The human brain is able to process more than one million messages per second, Beyond being the warehouse for one's knowledge, it of course gives us the ability to reason, to produce feelings, to dream, plan, take action and relate to other people. Evolution says that everything is the result of mindless and random chance. Yet the human eye and brain are both far more advanced than our most sophisticated computers and cameras, which are the products of years of research and engineering, for among other actions, it can distinguish between seven million colors, has automatic focusing and handles 1.5 million messages simultaneously.
2. The Universe Exists---What Caused It?
Years of scientific discovery have actually set the stage for this reason to acknowledge God's existence, for science has discovered a truth which God revealed long ago: that matter is not eternal (Hebrews 1:10-12 Where did the universe originate? Can something come from nothing? Ponder this: If there ever had been a time when nothing existed, then there would be nothing now. It is a self-evident truth that nothing produces nothing. In view of this, since something exists now, it must follow logically that something or Someone has existed forever. Here we only have two choices. Either everything miraculously came from nothing, (life spontaneously generated), or God miraculously created everything (Genesis 1:1). Which miracle is most likely? Which miracle does the evidence support? Has matter existed forever or has Immaterial Intelligence existed forever? Matter creating matter is an illogical, unscientific answer; this is readily seen in the very fact that scientists assign an “age” to the universe (which includes all the matter that composes it). An age admits a “beginning” or starting point and proves that matter is not eternal. This universe that exists either came from Mind, or it came from Matter. When one explores the complexity and wise design of the universe, the only reasonable and scientific conclusion the honest mind can reach is that an Omniscient Mind with Omniscient power has always existed.
3. The Precise Laws that Govern the Universe: Job 38:33
While it may seem that much of life is uncertain, we often forget about how much of life is quite certain— things that remain the same day in and day out: gravity remains constant, so do mathematical equations, the fact that a hot cup of coffee left on a counter will cool down, the earth will rotate in 24 hours, and that the speed of light remains the same. In other words, how do we explain the existence of so many unchanging laws in nature? Why is the universe so orderly, and so reliable? Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize winner said, “Why nature is mathematical is a mystery…The fact that there are rules at all is a kind of miracle” (The Meaning of It All: Thoughts of a Citizen-Scientist, p. 43). The existence of a great engineer who planned the universe is the only logical explanation for the precise and consistent laws that govern the universe (Colossians 1:16-17).
4. The Foundation of Scientific Discovery
As scientists do their research, they are operating on two assumptions, both of which tie back to the existence of a Creator who planned and governs the universe. First, that the above mentioned laws do not change—and will not change. Second, that the laws and principles that govern the universe are both logical and can be discovered and understood by the human brain. "The first Cause of infinite complexity, must be omniscient." Henry Morris
5. The Existence of DNA
In every cell of our body, there is an incredibly precise and detailed instruction code, much like a computer program. Computer programs are made up of ones and zeros; in a similar way the DNA code in each of our cells is made up of four chemicals that scientists have abbreviated as A,T,G, and C. Just as an engineer designs a computer program, our DNA instructs our cells with a three billion-lettered program that tells the cell what to do. These are more than just chemicals, they are chemicals that instruct. One cannot find precise information like this, without Someone intentionally constructing it.
· Darwinist Richard Dawkins admits that the information found in just the cell nucleus of a tiny amoeba is more than all thirty volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica combined, and the entire amoeba itself has as much information in its DNA as 1000 complete sets of this encyclopedia.
· The complexity of DNA is not the only problem facing Evolutionists who claim that life just happened. DNA relies on proteins for its production but proteins rely on DNA for their production. So which came first, proteins or DNA?
· Life, all life contains a message---DNA---that is expressed in chemicals, but those chemicals cannot cause the message any more than the chemicals in ink and paper can cause the sentences on this page. A message points to a great author.
6. The Precision of the Universe
Solomon noted that when God created the universe, He used wisdom (Proverbs 8:27-31), that is, the universe and the earth were planned, rather than just thrown together in haste. Rather than just creating a rock that would float around in space, Isaiah says that God formed the earth to be inhabited (Isaiah 45:18). The countless exacting conditions that are necessary for life to even exist and be sustained on this planet shout the existence of an Intelligent Designer. “The rotation of the earth on its axis, for instance, is 1,000 mile per hour at the equator. If it were 100 instead, the days and nights would be ten times as long, the result of which would be the burning up of all vegetation each long day and the freezing of each surviving sprout each long night. The sun, the source of light, has surface temperatures of 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit; the earth is far enough away for the right warmth, not too far, yet not too close. If the sun gave less radiation, the result would freeze us all, and if more, it would roast us all. The slant of the earth is at an angle of 23 degrees, which gives seasons, and if not so tilted the movement of the vapors of the sea would turn continents into ice. If the moon were set at less distance from the earth tides would submerge all continents twice daily, and the mountains would erode away. If the crust of the earth were ten feet thicker, there would be no oxygen and all life would die, and if the ocean were a few feet deeper, no life could exist. If the atmosphere were thinner … meteors which hurl from their orbits and dart toward the earth and which now burn... in the atmosphere, would shoot to ground and set fires over the whole earth, all of which is proof that life was created, is governed by mathematical laws, and is not an accident.” (Bulwarks of the Faith, Vol. 11, pages 332, 333. F.E. Wallace. Certainly the design and care with which the laws of physics, the universe, our galaxy, our solar system, and the planet Earth were crafted demands an Omniscient, Omnipotent Creator.
· As time goes on scientists keep finding more details about the universe that had to be just right in order for anything to exist or for life to exist on the earth.
· There are currently over 100 constants that have to be just right for life to exist.
· Many of these have to be exact. For example if the gravitational force were altered by 0.—followed by 38 zeros and a 1 percent, our sun would not exist.
· If Jupiter were not in its current orbit the earth would be bombarded by material from space. Jupiter is like a cosmic vacuum cleaner that prevents asteroids and comets from hitting earth.
· Even a slight alteration in the speed of life would prevent life from earth.
· On earth, oxygen comprises 21 percent of the atmosphere. 25 percent would be too much.
· Even earthquakes are necessary for life. Such movements enable nutrients on the ocean floors to be recycled back into the continents.
7. Precision Everywhere—Even on the Smallest Level
“Scientists have found that within the cell, there are thousands of what can be called ‘biochemical machines.’ All of their parts have to be in place simultaneously or the cell can’t function. Things which were thought to be simple mechanisms, such as being able to sense light and turn it into electrical impulses, are in fact highly complicated” (Is There Really a God? How Would You Answer? Ken Hamm).
8. Without God---Everyone is Wrong, Not Just Christians
The Christian standard of morality God has called us to has made a world of difference in the quality of life for those who embrace it and even those who themselves do not embrace it, but live in close proximity enough enjoy the ripple effects of those who do. Friendships and marriages are far richer, better decisions concerning their finances and earthly well-being and health are enjoyed. Atheists can be quite short-sighted in their wishful thinking their God not exist:
· The founding documents of this country are erroneous, for those documents insist that we have a Creator and that all men are created equal.
· The great causes of the past, such as the Revolutionary War, The Civil War, and the fight against oppression in the Second World War---were not great causes after all, for without God-given virtues, there is no value in selflessness, sacrifice, valor or goodness.
· All movements based on “rights”, such as human rights or the Civil Rights Movements or the right for women to vote were likewise meaningless and a waste of time. In a universe without God, “rights” do not actually exist for humans or animals, for without God-given virtues there is no such thing as fairness or kindness. All causes or movements against oppression are similarly illogical, including movements against child abuse, wife abuse, and sex trafficking. Remember, without God—there are no wrongs. There is nothing absolutely wrong about oppressing others in a universe without God. If humans are just evolved animals, then the natural violence seen in the natural world is neither wrong nor right, it's just, well, "natural".
· If God does not exist, then most of the laws in this country are based on an incorrect foundation that people have special value. Thus, it is pointless to argue that one should put one's child in a car seat, or that certain people need to be in prison so that the innocent can be protected.
· Most of what has been written about such attributes as “love”, “sacrifice”, and “patience” is pointless. They are just empty words.
· Much of what has been written about “marriage”, “the family”, “motherhood” and “fatherhood” is also pointless.
· If God does not exist, both conservatives and liberals are wrong. People who are against the death-penalty often mention the danger of an innocent person being executed. So what if an innocent person is executed? Without God, and without man being made in God’s image—there is no more tragedy here than there is when a gazelle is taken down by a cheetah.
· All environmental movements are without a real meaningful foundation. It only makes sense to take good care of this Creation, if we are stewards of something quite special that belongs to someone else (Psalm 24:1; Genesis 1:28). The argument that we need to leave a better world for our children or grandchildren only makes sense if they have value beyond simply being related to us.
· Most of what has been written about such events as 9/11 or other tragedies would also be equally incorrect without God, for if we are all just evolved animals, such events would no more tragic than a herd of deer dying off because of a cold winter or a school of fish dying because too much dirt washed into the river during a flood. Without God, all the tragedies of the past—were not tragedies.
So why do both conservatives and liberals, and people of every race and political party use the same language or concepts? Why do they all talk of “rights” and speak of things that we “ought” to be doing. Why do all fight against what they perceive to be “injustices” against what they perceive to be “fair"? Because deep down we are realize that men are created in God’s image and as a result all men really do manifest His moral nature (Genesis 1:26).
Questions
1. Often people never really think about the logical ramifications of there being no God. If there is no God—then what else does not exist?
2. Does the Bible offer any “proofs” for God’s existence?
3. Does nature offer any proofs?
4. What do we mean when we talk about the “precision” of the universe?
5. What are “all or nothing systems”?
Know Why You Believe
Know Why You Believe
The Enduring Word/Lesson 6
Now and then some people will argue that the Bible has been corrupted over the centuries, that it has been inaccurately translated and that entire books that should be in it are missing from it. Yet I don’t find any of these theories agreeing with the facts or the Scriptures.
How Big is Your God?
One cannot really believe in God and hold to the above view, because it doesn’t make any sense that God could create the universe out of nothing (Genesis 1:1), part the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and raise people from dead, but at the same time be powerless to keep His book from being corrupted. If God can preserve 66 books (the number in the Bible) then He certainly could have preserved 67 if it had been His desire.
Godly and Inspired Men of the Past
Godly and Inspired Men of the Past
All had the same view of Scripture, all the spiritual men in the Old Testament viewed Scripture as being completely reliable and true.
· It is perfect: Psalm 19:7
· It is right: Psalm 19:8
· It is pure: Psalm 19:8
· It is right about everything: Psalm 119:128
· Truth is the common trait of all Scripture: Psalm 119:160
· Scripture is a light for our path: Psalm 119:105
Now of the above statements could have ever been made if the Bible has been or would be corrupted. Interestingly, the Old Testament prophets predicted many things, but they never predicted that the Scriptures would become unreliable.
1 Peter 1:23-25
In the above verse the word of God is described as being imperishable seed. The term imperishable means, “not subject to decay or corruption”. Added to this, the word of God is also described as being living and enduring. Both of these words are in the present tense, reminding us that the word of God is something that remains, lasts, persists, and continues to live. The word of God that is declared to be imperishable is the message that had converted these people, that is the gospel message (1:25), which includes the writings of the apostles, or what we today call the New Testament and the Scriptures (3:2; 3:15-16).
The Corruption Assumption
The Corruption Assumption
The first thing that needs to be said is that there is absolutely no proof that the Bible has been tampered with and corrupted over the centuries. Consider the following observations on this point:
· There is a definite problem with the issue of credibility when fallible and mistake prone men seek to attack the infallibility of God’s word, when men with agendas, preconceived ideas, and axes to grind, seek to attack the objective truth (John 17:17), when sinners (Romans 3:23)try to convince us that the message of a holy God is tainted (Psalm 19:8).
· What is gained in claiming that the Bible has been corrupted? If the Bible has been corrupted then man is not some how suddenly free from God’s jurisdiction, rather man finds himself condemned without any hope of salvation, for a corrupted Bible would be another gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), and it would be a false witness as well (1 Corinthians 15:15). Faith in a corrupted message is worthless, and would mean that everyone is still in their sins and without hope of salvation because without an uncorrupted Bible no genuine message of salvation exists.
· Such an accusation is a definite attack upon the wisdom and power of God. “It seems to be no small reflection on the wisdom of the Divine Being, to say that He first influenced the writing of a set of books and afterwards permitted them by chance, or the negligence of men, to be irrecoverably lost. If they were not serviceable to instruct and direct mankind in the methods of attaining the great ends of being, why were they at first given?” (Introduction of the Scriptures, Thomas Horne, Volume 1, p. 56). See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 1:16; Hosea 4:6/
The Primary Audience
The Primary Audience
Those who claim that truths have been removed from the Bible and errors have crept in, forget that the books of the Bible were not written centuries after the events described within them took place. Rather, the audience that witnessed the events is also the audience that read about the same events. For example, the generation that experienced the events in Exodus through Deuteronomy actually had Exodus through Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 31:24-26; 31:22, 31:30; 32:1). We see the same thing in the lifetime of Joshua (Joshua 24:25-26). Before Joshua dies there was a complete record of the events that took place during his lifetime, and that was added to the law of God that already existed (Joshua 1:8). Thus, there isn’t any time for myths, legends or corruptions to enter the Biblical text. It did not take centuries for people to figure out what the Biblical books were, rather, the writings of Moses were accepted as God’s word in his day (Exodus 24:3; Joshua 1:8).
If fact, Daniel, a contemporary of Jeremiah, accepts Jeremiah’s writings as Scripture (Daniel 9:2), and Peter accepts Paul’s writings as Scripture as well (2 Peter 3:15-16). There is no long gap of time between when the events in Exodus through Joshua actually happened and when they were written down, which means these recorded events could not be viewed as mythical or merely stories handed down from a distant past (since legends take many generations to develop), rather they were current events. Many of the people that would read the book of Joshua, had lived through the actual events that were recorded in the book. The same is true for those who would be the first to read or hear what was in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, Deut. 4:10 “remember the day”. Therefore the events in these books would have to pass the test of being accepted by the very people who had lived at the time these events were taking place. The eyewitnesses to the events recorded in Exodus through Joshua, accepted as accurate the description of those events. Should that not tell us something? The same is true in the New Testament.
When Paul writes about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the various eyewitnesses who saw Jesus after He was raised, Paul reminds the readers that many of these people are still alive (1 Corinthians 15:6), and thus could verify the truthfulness of what he was writing. Within twenty years after the resurrection we have congregations formed in the principle cities of the Roman Empire, and in these churches the books of the New Testament were being read (Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27; 1 Timothy 4:13). These books were not locked up, but rather were exposed to public investigation.
Hot Off the Presses
God’s people, in most cases, did not have to wait decades for God’s word to be recorded, rather, they frequently had the most up-to-date information, for example:
· Theophilus, a Christian in the First Century had a written version of not only the entire life of Christ (Luke 1:1-4), but the history of the early church as well (Acts 1:1).
· The Colossians had not only a letter written to them, but had equal access to the letter written to the Ephesians (Colossians 4:16).
· The gospel of Luke was being circulated far and wide, for Paul quotes from it in writing to Timothy (1 Timothy 5:18).
· Paul’s writings were being circulated among the early Christians and were considered to be Scripture (2 Peter 3:16).
The Evidence
From: The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel, Chapter 3
· What the New Testament has in its favor, especially when compared to other ancient writings, is the unprecedented multiplicity of copies that have survived”
· “We have copies commencing within a couple of generations from the writing of the originals, whereas in the case of other ancient texts, maybe five, eight, or ten centuries elapsed between the original and the earliest surviving copy”
· “In addition to Greek manuscripts, we also have translations of the gospels into other languages as at a relatively early time—into Latin, Syriac, and Coptic. And beyond that, we have what may be called secondary translations made a little later, like Armenian and Gothic. Even if we had no Greek manuscripts today, by piecing together the information from these translations from a relatively early date, we could actually reproduce the contents of the New Testament. In addition to that, even if we lost all the Greek manuscripts and the early translations, we could still reproduce the contents of the New Testament from the multiplicity of quotations, sermons, letters, and so forth of the early church fathers”
· “The quantity of New Testament material is almost embarrassing in comparison with other works of antiquity”
What some Scholars say…
· “There is no body of ancient literature in the world which enjoys such a wealth of good textual attestation as the New Testament” (F.F. Bruce).
· “In no other case is the interval of time between the composition of the book and the date of the earliest manuscripts so short as in that of the New Testament” (Sir Frederic Kenyon)
· “The New Testament, then, has not only survived in more manuscripts than any other book from antiquity, but it has survived in a purer form than any other great book—a form that is 99.5 percent pure” (Norman Geisler and William Nix).
Questions
1. Why do people claim that the Bible has been corrupted?
2. Is mankind off the hook, not accountable to God if the Bible has been corrupted?
3. Does the Bible read like a book that man has messed with, edited, removed portions, added portions and rewritten?
4. Does the Bible itself ever address the issue of whether or not it is a reliable document?
5. What is impressive about the manuscript evidence that exists behind our New Testaments?
6. What was significant about the finding of the Dead Sea Scrolls?
Know Why You Believe
Jesus and Scripture/Lesson 10
“It is my firm conviction that the present cries of a return to the theology of Jesus are for the most part not genuine. Very frequently non-conservatives, and all too frequently conservatives, have desired to claim the Savior while at the same time deviating in varying degrees from His view of Scripture. One hears much these days about the words and deeds of Jesus. ‘Away with Paul, give me Jesus’, this is the cry. Jesus and Paul are not in conflict. Paul’s view of inspiration of Scripture expressed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, finds perfect agreement with Christ’s view expressed in Matthew 5:17-18 and John 10:33-35. Let us return to the teachings of Jesus but let us not forget what He taught about the Scriptures” (The Saviour and the Scriptures, Robert P. Lightner pp. 1-2).
· Some have argued that the person and work of Christ are the most important of all Biblical studies, while the person and work of Christ is central, it must be remembered that unless the Biblical record about Him is infallible we have no sure way of knowing whether or not we are believing right things about Him, or even who He is and what He accomplished.
· Neither does it make any sense to discredit the authority of the Bible and at the same time to seek refuge in its teachings on other matters.
· If Jesus is the apex of God’s revelation to mankind, “He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27), then what He said about that revelation is of the utmost importance.
Attempts to Undermine His View of Scripture
· Jesus was Ignorant:
It is claimed that when Jesus became man, He gave up all His Divine attributes, became a mere man, and thus fell victim to the prejudices and errors of His own age. He became a man of His time, so naturally His views about the Old Testament were those of His time. Yet someone has noted that if Jesus could be mistaken on matters which He regarded as of the strictest relevance, it is difficult to see exactly how or why He either can or should be trusted anywhere else. Yet the Scriptures teach that in becoming man, Jesus still remained God (John 14:9; 5:23); and thus still remained omniscient (John 2:25; Matthew 22:18).
· The Accommodation Theory:
This is the view that Jesus accepted the misconceptions of His contemporaries and instead of unsettling them by questioning their conception of the inspiration of their Scriptures, He allowed the gentler processes of the passing of time to gradually bring home to them the imperfect nature of the Scriptures. Yet even a casual reading of the words of Jesus reveals the error of such a view. Jesus did not hesitate to undermine current, yet erroneous views (Luke 13:1ff; Matthew 16:13ff).
· He Misquoted Scripture?
Another argument that Jesus quoted Scripture rather loosely and thus such proves that He did not believe in verbal inspiration, yet in Matthew 5:17-18 He plainly stated that even the smallest aspect of Scripture is the word of God. The same view can be seen in Matthew 22:32 where Jesus bases His entire argument on the tense of one word in a single passage. In addition, “It is also significant that no one ever questioned His references or accused Him of misquoting Scripture” (Lightner p. 9). Neither should it be overlooked that Jesus frequently quoted from the Septuagint, which was a Greek translation of the Old Testament. This establishes the fact that Jesus believed that inspiration did not merely adhere to the original manuscript, but to copies and translations as well.
His Exclusive Use of Scripture
· Even though His contemporaries viewed Jewish oral tradition as being authoritative, Jesus rejected such Jewish traditions, and clearly placed such traditions as being opposed to the word of God, “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8); “Thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition” (7:13). In this last verse, notice that Jesus knew that the tradition under consideration had been “handled down” accurately, but that did not make it Scriptural.
· While there were many Apocryphal writings in existence when Jesus was upon the earth, He completely neglected them.
· Jesus’ list of Old Testament books was identical with the accepted Scriptures of the time, “The Law of Moses, and the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44).
How He Viewed Scripture
· Scripture is of Divine Origin:
He spoke of Scripture as being the commandment of God (Mark 7:8,9,13), and this statement is significant here since Jesus is contrasting Scripture (the commandment of God) with the traditions of men. Thus Jesus is making a clear distinction between God’s word and man’s word. Scripture was also the product of the Holy Spirit, “Then how does David in the Spirit” (Matthew 22:43). “That the Jews of Christ’s day accepted the Old Testament as the divine deposit of truth is a generally accepted fact. They never argued with Him and He never argued with them on this point. In spite of all His criticisms of their views on other things He never debated with them over the divine origination of their Scriptures” (Lightner p. 40). Paul makes the same point when He clearly says that the Jews had been entrusted, not with human opinion, or some error and some truth, but rather with the oracles of God (Romans 3:2; 9:4). In addition, while Jesus condemned His generation frequently, He never charged them with tampering with the text
· Scripture is Enduring:
In at least three passages Jesus speaks of the eternal character of Scripture (Matthew 5:17-18; 24:35; Luke 16:16-17). “This comparison of Scripture with the continuance of the physical creation elevates the Scriptures to such an extent that they cannot be accounted for apart from a supernatural origin” (Lightner p. 15).
· Scripture is Prophetic in Character:
Jesus not only taught that He was the fulfillment of Scripture (Luke 24:44), but “what oftentimes appeared to be an occasional happening He said came to pass ‘that the Scripture might be fulfilled’ (Mark 14:49; John 13:38; 17:12). The truth which the Lord wanted to convey by His oft-repeated ‘that it might be fulfilled’ was the certainty of the Scriptures. No detail, however insignificant or even unnecessary of a literal fulfillment it may have appeared to others, ever escaped His notice or sanction” (Lightner p. 16).
· Nothing is to be Ignored:
“But these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:23). Observe Jesus’ line of argument here. He does not argue that tithing was unnecessary, or certain laws in Scripture take precedence or even conflict with others and a choice has to be made, but rather, both things ought to have been done because they are both in Scripture.
· He Obeyed Scripture:
Often Jesus Himself submitted to the authority of Scripture, even in extenuating circumstances (Matthew 4:4; Matthew 16:21-23). If the Son of God, God in the flesh obeyed Scripture even under the most difficult circumstances, then disobedience to the word of God is never justified under any circumstance.
· He Accepted the Miracles in Scripture:
He endorsed the Genesis account of Creation (Matthew 19:4), the Flood (Matthew 24:37-39); the burning bush (Mark 12:26); the supply of manna (John 6:32); the serpent in the wilderness (John 6:14); the famine of Elijah’s day (Luke 4:25); the cleansing of Naaman the leper (Luke 4:27); and Jonah and the great fish (Matthew 12:40). Consider for a moment Jesus’ statement in Matthew 19:4 “Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female”. Thus, Jesus clearly links the origin of the human race to God as is recorded in Genesis 1. Adam was not a mythical person to Jesus. Jesus viewed the events described in the Old Testament, even what many people would consider to be some of the most fantastic events, to be real historical happenings, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster” (Matthew 12:40); “The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment” (12:41); “The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment” (12:42); “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37). “He referred to persons, places, events, institutions and many happenings and never once did He take them in any other way than as actual historical circumstances” (Lightner p. 110).
· Argument from Silence:
“The above evidence is enhanced by the amazing fact that Christ nowhere even so much as alludes to an error in Scripture. He never hesitated to speak out against other errors, yet He never uttered a word to indicate that He supposed their Scriptures were not true” (Lightner p. 75).
· Moses Wrote the Law:
In contrast to modern critics, Jesus clearly stated that Moses was the human instrument that God used to record Genesis through Deuteronomy (Matthew 8:4 “The offering Moses commanded”; 19:8 “Moses permitted you”; Mark 10:3 “What did Moses command you?”; “Have you not read in the book of Moses” (Mark 12:26); “They have Moses and the Prophets” (Luke 16:29); “Did not Moses give you the Law” (John 7:19).
· Scripture is Truth: “Thy word is Truth” (John 17:17)
· God’s Word is Sufficient:
“The fact that He used the Old Testament and applied it under every circumstance is evidence that He acknowledged it as that which could be trusted and relied upon for every circumstance of life. If He, the Son of God, resorted to the Word of God for every need of His own life, certainly it may be assumed that He accepted it as sufficient also for others” (Lightner p. 53).
Questions
1. How did Jesus view Scripture?
2. What about the claim that when Jesus became man He gave up Divine omniscience and became limited and ignorant?
3. What about the claim that Jesus accommodated His teachings to the culture?
4. What about the claim that Jesus would have taught on certain things, but the culture wasn’t ready for it yet?
5. What about the point of view that we need to talk more about Jesus and less about what the Bible says?
6. What about the claim that Jesus and Paul, Jesus and Peter or Jesus and the other writers of the New Testament were not in agreement?