THE BIBLE CHALLENGE
During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?"
What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God? Let us consider the following facts about the Bible:
First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of sorts it has history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic.
2nd, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.
3rd, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or worked together with one another in writing these books.
4th, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible, we have books that were written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.
And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.
So we have 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What’s more, this collection of books shares a COMMON STORYLINE, the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a COMMON THEME, God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a COMMON MESSAGE, salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. Also these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions.
After the above facts were shared a challenge was given. "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin and then try this test. Go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions. If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God.
It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.
The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don’t wait until you’re asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don’t even have to mention the Bible up front; just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books. After they say, "But that’s impossible!" you’ve got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God’s word with somebody!
Source: Ron Carlson, Dec 19th 2008