THE BIBLE
Background
Some uninformed Christians or sincere doubters question the authority of the Bible, believing that it is just a collection of myths and inaccuracies. Three things characterize almost everyone who has difficulty accepting the authority of the Scripture:
• They seldom, if ever, bother to read the Bible.
• They approach the Bible with prejudiced ideas learned from Bible critics and their writings.
• They are not acquainted with the Bible's "Author."
Can we trust the Bible? Yes!
Billy Graham says: "Long ago I decided to accept the Bible by faith. This should not be difficult for anyone to do. Most of us do not understand nuclear fission, but we accept it. I don't understand television, but I accept it. . . . Why is it so easy to accept all these man-made miracles and so difficult to accept the miracles of the Bible?"
What Is Our Authority for Believing the Bible?
1. The Bible itself claims to be the inspired Word of God:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16–17, NIV).
"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came
about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20–21, NIV).
2. Jesus and the apostles confirmed the authenticity of the Old Testament, quoting it scores of times in their writings and ministries. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" (Matthew 5:18, NIV). Peter quoted David's words to substantiate the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:29–36).
3. The historical church has recognized and used the Bible as God's