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How Do We Know the Bible Is the Word of God?

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A few weeks ago, we did a series on what the Bible says of itself—that it is the Word of God. Today we consider the questions:

How do we know the Bible is what is claims to be – the Word of God? The Bible claims to be God’s communication to humanity; but is this claim true?

There Are Two Basic Approaches

There are two different approaches that are taken when it comes to arguing for the Bible to be the Word of God. First, there are those who believe that the Scripture is self-authenticating. The Bible is true because it says it is true and the Holy Spirit bears witness to this truth. No other argument is necessary.

A second approach believes that the claims of Scripture have sufficient evidence to back them up. Those who hold this view believe there is overwhelming evidence to convince anyone that the Bible is what it claims to be – the Word of God.

Approach 1: The Bible Is Self-Authenticating

To many people the issue of the Bible’s authority is something that should not be debated. The authority of the Bible must be believed because the Scripture says so. This is usually argued in the following ways.

1. Let The Bible Speak For Itself

The Bible should be allowed to speak for itself. It clearly claims to be God’s Word. It doesn’t need defending. If we attempt to defend the Bible, then we are placing some other standard as the ultimate judge. Whether it is scientific or historical accuracy, human reasoning, or some other standard, what we are doing is placing Scripture under that standard. What Scripture says should be our ultimate standard and everything should be judged by its claims.

The problem with humanity is that sinful, finite human beings still must evaluate any evidence offered for the truthfulness of the Christian faith. Again, it places some sort of human standard as the final authority. Evidence gathered from other sources may be useful but it has nothing convincing to say about the truth of Christianity.

2. The Bible Can Testify On One’s Own Behalf

In a court of law people have a right to testify on their own behalf. Since the Bible is the Word of God, the author, God, should be allowed to testify what sort of Book the Bible is. This is particularly true because the Bible says that God cannot lie. His testimony should be received as final.

3. The Witness Of The Holy Spirit Demonstrates Its Truthfulness

However, the Bible does more than merely claim to be God’s Word. The witness of the Spirit shows the reader that the Bible is the Word of God. When the truths of the Bible are personally applied, the credibility of the Bible is demonstrated. Paul wrote.

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all (2 Corinthians 3:2).

Paul said that people would see the Bible at work in the lives of the people. This was its testimony. When the truths are lived out in one’s life we find that they work.

As a person reads the Bible they find the Holy Spirit giving confirmation that what they are reading is God’s Word. Therefore we not only have the claim of Scripture we also have the witness of the Holy Spirit that these things are true.

Arguing in a circle?

Those who criticize this approach say that it is circular reasoning – it is assuming what it should be proving. By quoting the Bible to prove the Bible does not prove anything. Why should the claims of the Bible be believed? There are many religious books that claim to convey truth. In addition, adherents can be found who will testify as to the power of the truths in these books to change their lives. How can anyone know which claims, if any of them, are right and which claims are wrong? Religious experience alone is not a valid test.

Approach 2: Examine The Evidence

A second approach to the truth of the Bible’s claims is to examine the evidence about the truthfulness of Christianity. The Bible’s claim to authority is not in and of itself proof of its divine authority. Arguing that the claims of the Bible are more persuasive than the claims of all other religious writings does not always work in real life. There will be those who are not convinced of the Bible’s claims. What should we do with these people?

There Are Three Lines Of Evidence

The Bible never argues for the existence of God – it takes it for granted. But the New Testament does argue about the truth of its claims through three lines of evidence. They consist of miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. When the evidence is considered the verdict become clear – the Bible is the Word of God.

Do What Jesus’ Followers Did

Because the claims of Scripture do not constitute any type of convincing proof we should argue the same way in which Jesus disciples argued. They presented compelling proof to the people that Jesus was the Christ. For example, on the Day of Pentecost Peter told the crowd.

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through him in your midst, just as you yourselves know – this man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put him to death. “But God raised him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for him to be held in its power. “For David says of him, ‘I saw the Lord always in my presence; for he is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken. ‘Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue exulted; moreover my flesh also will live in hope; Because you will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor allow your Holy One to undergo decay. ‘You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence’ (Acts 2:22-28).

In this one passage we find Peter appealing to the three different lines of evidence – the miracles of Jesus Christ, the fact that He came back from the dead, and that his resurrection was a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Since this is the way that the New Testament writers argued the claims of Christ, we should do the same.

Taste And See For Yourself

A person can know the Bible is God’s Word by first examining the claims of Scripture, considering the evidence for those claims, and then personally accepting the challenge of Scripture to “taste and see” if these things be true. The psalmist gave the following challenge.

O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the one who takes refuge in him (Psalm 34:8).

Summary

While the Bible claims to be the authoritative Word of God there have been two basic approaches as to how anyone can know these claims are true. One approach believes that the Bible should be taken at its Word and not defended. The Holy Spirit will show the truth of its claim to anyone who is interested in knowing. Nothing else is necessary. This way the Bible is not made subject to any other type of authority.

On the other hand, there are those who point to evidences that God has provided to argue for the truth of Scripture. These include miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Taken together they constitute overwhelming evidence for the truth of God’s Word. Christians employ both methods in defending and proclaiming Scripture.

Comments

  1. I believe the Bible is the word of God,because God said it is.However not all people believe it to be,That is why we need to show unbelievers the evidence in the scriptures so they will see the Bible is the authentic word of God!

    • Anthony,
      Showing the none believers scripture to support the authenticity of God’s word is is great, but to live the word as Paul suggests in 2 Corith in my opinion is much more powerful. I call it the living knowledge.

  2. There is so much more to the defense of the Bible’s authenticity. If it is indeed a supernatural book then it should have a supernatural origin. This is a great way to defend this Holy book. Here are six signs of it’s supernatural origin: 1) Fulfilled prophecy. Just look at Daniel alone and you can see this point clearly. Daniel’s prophcey about entire empire’s and leaders is so spot on that critics try to argue that it was written after the fact 2) There is incredible unity throughout scripture. This book was written by more than 44 authors, during a wide range of events and it’s unified in it’s message. 3) It answer’s the BIG questions; where did I come from, what’s the problem with evil, what happens when I die? 4)The Bible points to history. If this book was written by God then He better get His facts straight- and He does. You can actually go to places in the Bible. You can litterally read Scripture as a histroy book, the events match up with what is historically accurate. 5) It saves lives. When the Bible is read and the message of it is applied to the person’s life, the person is changed and lives are saved. 6) The Bible is a fighter. It has survived through years of persecution. Trial after trial the Bible still continues to thrive. It remains on the top seller list over and over again. If it wasn’t the divine word of God, it would have expired years ago.

    • Excellent comment. The miracles, the consistency of the story of each book in the library called the Bible, and the eye witness testimony of those who were there, clearly indicate that this library originated outside of man. Yet through every word of it, Jesus Christ Messiah is the focus, and center, and the all-in-all. Without Him, I do not know if there would have been a reason for Scripture to exist. But He is!

    • Your last point – The Bible is a Fighter, firefighter brings to my mind Leviathan of Job.42. That’s my picture, your picture, the Church’s picture, Job’s own portrait. For want of anything better in nature God is lifting up the Leviathan and demonstrating his lesson to Job.

      LEVI – A – THAN. To me that means a cut above Levi, the Church led, taught, shepherded by a cut above Levi consecration Ministers. Only such can say my commandments, my gospel, My God shall supply all your needs…
      Pl read the chapter again and again and discover the pros and cons. Can’t see the tree for the forests; He dis-covereth the forests (Ps.29). If you agree shout ” Halle…lujah” to God’s wisdom, if you don’t pl. excuse my foolishness. Any how i don’t think God would conclude the high drama on a flimsy note!
      Green grace be with you.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew

  3. A great gift was given the world at Pentecost when, in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8 said, “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment…” The “heart” work of convicting the world about the truth and authenticity of Christ and His Word has already been done and needs no help from man. Beyond that, each person must by his/her own free will accept by faith that conviction, for, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6 Saints of Christ are commissioned with the task of watering that truth with a demonstration of love for God and fellowman. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” John 8:31 And when we do that, the lost will respond in faith to believe the truth of God’s Word and fruit is birthed to the Kingdom of God.

  4. Hebrews 1:3
    Who being the brightness of HIS glory
    and the express image of HIS person
    AND UPHOLDING ALL THINGS BY THE WORD OF HIS POWER
    when HE had by HIMSELF purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high

    2 Corinthians 10:3-6
    For though we walk in the flesh we do not war after the flesh
    (4) for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strongholds
    (5) casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth
    itself against the knowledge of GOD and bringing into captivity
    every thought to the obedience of CHRIST
    (6)and having in readiness to revenge all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled

    Romans 1:28
    And even as they did not like to retain GOD in their knowledge
    God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient

    2 Corinthians 10:18
    For not he that commendeth himself is approved
    but whom the LORD commendeth

    Isaiah 2:22
    Cease ye from man whose breath is in nostrils
    FOR WHEREIN IS HE TO BE ACCOUNTED OF

    2 Corinthians 3:5
    Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves but our sufficiency is of GOD

    2 Corinthians 3:9
    For if the ministration of condemnation be glory much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory

    Proverbs 8:8
    All the words of MY mouth are in righteousness there is nothing froward or perverse in them

    Ephesians 6:14
    Stand therefore having your loins girt about with truth
    and having on the breastplate of righteousness

    Ephesians 6:17
    And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit
    which is the word of GOD

    LOVING THE LORD

    • Brother Steve, thanks for quoting such gems- eg. ministration of…. glory!
      Can you please explain, define The Ministry After the Order of Melchisedec?
      This seems to be the given NT ministry Standard.
      Or who is this Melchisedec AKA Melchizedek?
      Your cullings bless me.Thanks.
      Grace be with you all.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew

  5. COME & SEE THE PLACE WHERE HE LAY(Matthew.28:6)

    How can the blind see, deaf adders hear? It is the sheer mercy, goodness, grace of God.
    But our compassion can make a difference (Jude.1:22)in their lives. Sometimes God sends a ‘melt down’ in you for someone. Then do something and it works. It is God who puts a division, difference(Exodus,8:23; Exodus.11:7)
    There are different methods of teaching.
    Look & Learn is the simplest.
    Look & Live
    Taste and See
    This Taste & See is heuristic, discovery method!
    Eureka! Eureka! I have found (John.1:41). The Archimedes’ Principle?
    Hindu legend has Dhritharaashtra’s Aalingana- Dhritharashtra’s embrace, when this blind man crushes his enemy to death through subtilty.
    But our Jesus crushed death to death, not the enemy but the ENMITY!(Eph.2:15).Death, captivity, is swallowed up in victory.
    So the lesson is during such glorious moments of melt down embrace that person & destroy the blindness, enmity, unstop his ears in the name of Jesus, as ambassadors for Christ.
    The GIANT PRINT EDITION of the evidence is my own life, story.Yet man suppresses, but nature expresses (Romans.1:18-20).
    Human Pride vs Humility.
    See for yourself the two distinctive life styles of Nebuchadnezzar, the beastly and the blessed, the religious and the irreligious, the rational and the irrational!(Daniel.4:32-37) Amen.
    Poor and needy one,
    mathew

    • Bro. Eddie, thanks. I watched the video. It’s good.
      Can you pl. shed some light on the ID of this seemingly Mystery Man, Melchisedec?

      Also what is meant by The Ministry After the Order of Melchisedec? This seems to be the Global Standard for the NT Ministry.
      Grace be with you.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew

  7. Great topic BLB!! This has been an issue I have been wrestling with for years…how can we say that the Bible is the Word of God?

    At risk of sounding like a Roman Catholic…a person has to admit the New Testament at least needed a church for its books to be recognized as authoritative…in other words, the church can before the Bible. (That is not to say that the Roman Catholic Church is the church that compiled the Bible…it is clearly not, if one studies history). But you have to remember that the Bible is the church’s book…it is written by believers mostly for other believers (or people who would hopefully become believers…see John’s gospel). That said I think one of the best points made on this topic was made by the late Francis Schaeffer…if you can get a copy of his “The God Who is There”…Schaeffer makes a great point that ultimately what is important is not that the Bible is the Word of God (although that is very important)…the most important thing is that God is actually there. It is senseless to speak of a “Word of God” without God actually being there to speak. One thing the Bible does clearly testify to is that God really is there and He really does say things. I think if we spent more time meditating on that fact our little worlds would be rocked.

    • The Bible was in fact compiled by the Roman Catholic church.
      How could you say otherwise. It was compiled at the councils of Rome and Carthage in the years 350 to 400.

    • Jehovah Shammah. God is a Spirit (John.4:24)
      MUST worship in spirit and in truth. Whoever invented the Bible what use is it all if you don’t worship in spirit and in truth? See Mary was one of the 120 in the upper room. Amen. The Lord is there. Are you there or afar off. When God and man meet history happens. God, who at sundry times…spoken to us (Heb.1:1). He commands John, “Write: for these words are true and faithful.”(Rev.21:5). Amen.
      Grace be with you all.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew

  8. I really enjoyed this posting; never heard it explained that way before! Thank you, Chris, and Pastor Don!

    The Scripture that came to mind as I read, regarding the two approaches to defining Scripture to an unbeliever as God’s Word was: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17) I take this to mean that we are to speak from Scripture in explaining God’s Truth to others, but I personally have no problem at all referring to history and science to back up those Truths. I don’t feel that doing so cheapens the fact that God said what He did, as though I’m questioning or doubting Him…I feel that history and science simply confirm what He said.

    For myself, I already believe it by faith (as in Approach #1), but when I hear of an archaeological find that confirms a truth of Scripture, or a news report confirms a Bible prophecy, my faith is deepened.

    My own experience could be the reason for my way of seeing this. Before I was a Christian, I took a class called “Where the Bible Came From”, and the mix of Scripture and history were instrumental in my coming to Christ.

    • God of Glory thundereth, besides apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists. Pl. see Ps.19; 29. Some hear, some do not. I don’t know why that orthodox thief on Calvary didn’t hear. Yet ” God’s truth marches on…triumphantly. Now the Spirit of Truth is striving with every one. Yet some resist, grieve, quench (Rom.2:4-6) Amen. Thanks.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew

  9. It’s easy for me to believe that the Bible is the Word of God because I have been born again from above. John 3:16 That being said I should never expect an unbeliever to believe that the Bible is the Word of God simply because Scripture says they won’t get it. “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

    Does this mean I shouldn’t speak of spiritual things in the bible to unbelievers? By all mean no! Who am I to know who God is drawing to His Son? John 6:44 and God’s word does not come back empty when it goes forth Isaiah 55:11

    However, I think it would be wise to observe through consistent prayer where God may be leading us to share His Word with others so we are not just throwing pearls to swine. Matthew 7:6
    I have found in my personal experiences of sharing my faith that when someone comes to me with questions then they are usually seeking the truth. It’s different than me trying to force feed truth to someone who isn’t interested. As a follower of Christ I believe we are more credible if we are able to clearly define why we believe what we believe and using key memorized Scriptures shows you respect the authority of the Bible as the Word of God. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have, but do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15

    “All Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so the the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 1 Timothy 3:16

    “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

    “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

    Peace, love and grace,
    Paul

    • What’s in a name?
      You very well deserve the name
      Brother, Paul no shame!
      Thanks.1Cor.6:5.
      Grace be with you all.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew

  10. The Bible alone is insufficient. In 1 Timothy 3:15, the church is the pillar and foundation of the truth. The bible never anywhere says it is the only authority. Nowhere does the Bible command a bible to be made. Nowhere in the Bible is the word Bible. The Bible was, is and always will be a gift of the church, the Roman Catholic church to the world. Nowhere in the Bible does it say which books belong to it and nowhere does Jesus command, or anyone else command that a Bible be made. Jesus never says to read anything. The only command of Jesus to write is in Revelations to write to Angels. The Bible is a gift of the Roman Catholic church to the world, period.

    • Brother, is Paul’s Epistle to the Romans
      a relevant Epistle to the Roman Catholics too?
      Is the Acts 1:14 Mary the virgin Mary or some other Mary, ” Mary Mary, quiet contrary..?
      Green grace be with you all.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew

    • Really Bradlee,Matt4:4 man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.Thus sayeth the LORD is the only authority. Nowhere in the bible is the word grandparents,yet they are everywhere. The oracles of GOD were committed to the jews. Romans 3;2.lUKE 24:44 THE creator of all declares and puts His seal of approvel upon the old testament it is saying here which books belong. The rest of what you say is just foolishness.

  11. Genesis 14:18
    And Melchizedek king of salem brought forth bread and wine
    AND HE WAS THE PRIEST OF THE MOST HIGH GOD

    Hebrews 7:1
    For this Melchizedek king of salem
    PRIEST OF THE MOST HIGH GOD
    who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him

    Psalm 110:4
    The LORD hath sworn and will not repent
    Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek

    Hebrews 5:6
    As HE saith also in another place
    thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek

    Hebrews 5:9&10
    And being made perfect HE became the author of eternal salvation
    unto all them that obey HIM
    (10)Called of GOD an high priest after the order of Melchizedek

    Hebrews 7:2
    To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all
    FIRST BEING BY INTERPRETATION KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
    AND AFTER THAT ALSO KING OF SALEM
    WHICH IS KING OF PEACE

    1 Timothy 6:15
    Which in HIS times he shall show who is the blessed and only potentate
    THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS

    Hebrews 10:21&22
    And having an high priest over the house of GOD
    (22)Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water

    Psalm 85:10
    Mercy and truth are met together
    Righteousness and peace have kissed each other

    Romans 14:17
    For the kingdom of GOD is not meat and drink
    but righteousness and peace and joy in the holy spirit

    Isaiah 32:17
    And the work of righteousness shall be peace
    and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever

    James 3:18
    And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace

    John 14:27
    Peace I leave with you MY peace I GIVE unto you not as the world giveth GIVE I unto you
    let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid

    Proverbs 8:8
    All the words of MY mouth are in righteousness
    There is nothing froward or perverse in them

    Psalm 119:172
    My tongue shall speak of thy word
    For all thy commandments are righteousness

    Psalm 119:138
    Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful

    2 Peter 2:5
    And spared not the old world but saved Noah the eighth person
    A PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
    bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly

    Titus 2:11&12 For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men
    (12) teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world

    Isaiah 26:10
    Let grace be shown to the wicked yet he will not learn righteousness
    In the land of uprightness he will deal unjustly and will not behold the majesty of the LORD

    Proverbs 11:4-6
    Riches profit not in the day of wrath
    BUT RIGHTEOUSNESS DELIVERETH FROM DEATH
    (5) THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE PERFECT SHALL DIRECT HIS WAY
    but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness
    (6) THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE UPRIGHT SHALL DELIVER THEM
    but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness

    Proverbs 8:20
    I lead in the way of righteousness
    in the midst of of the paths of judgment

    Proverbs 8:7
    For MY mouth shall speak truth
    and wickedness is an abomination to MY lips

    Proverbs 8:32
    Now therefore hearken unto ME o ye children
    for blessed are they that keep MY ways

    Proverbs 8:35
    For whoso findeth ME findeth life
    and shall obtain favor of the LORD

    John 6:68
    Then Simon Peter answered HIM
    LORD to whom shall we go
    THOU HAST THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE

    John 14:6
    Jesus saith unto him I AM THE WAY
    THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE
    no man cometh unto the FATHER but by ME

    LOVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

  12. Thanks brother, you answered discreetly, though you are non-committal.
    John.6:67 is a sure sign of the true Church of God. She never locks in the flock by giving free food , shelter,jobs, clothing, medicine, worldly things, positions. They compass the seen, temporal, terrestrial. Hence Deu.2:3. Enough is enough. A time for everything, a time to…. March forward, NORTHWARD (Ps.48:2). All promotion comes from NORTH (Ps.75). Amen.
    Poor and needy one,
    mathew

  13. Galatians 1:10
    For do I now persuade men or GOD
    or do I seek to please men
    for if I yet pleased men I should not be the servant of CHRIST

    Colossians 1:10
    That you might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing
    being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of GOD

    Genesis 41:39
    And Pharaoh said unto Joseph
    for as much as GOD hath showed thee all this
    there is none so discreet and wise as thou art

    Proverbs 9:9
    Give instruction to a wise man
    and he will be yet wiser
    teach a just man and he will increase in learning

    Proverbs 15:12
    A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him
    neither will he go unto the wise

    Proverbs 26:12 Seest a man wise in his own conceit
    there is more hope of a fool than him

    John 14:21
    He that hath MY commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth ME
    and he that loveth ME shall be loved of of MY FATHER and I will love him and will manifest myself to him

    1 Timothy 6:3&4
    If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesome words even the words of our LORD JESUS CHRIST and to the doctrine which is according to godliness
    (4) He is proud knowing nothing……

    LOVING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

    • Amen& Amen.
      Yet you did not address the 2 Questions;
      1) Who is this Melchisedec?
      2) What is meant by The Ministry after the Order of Melchisedec?
      Thanks.
      Grace be with you all.
      Poor and needy one,
      mathew