The Bible is Not Just Stories—It is Authentic History
Introduction:
Today, we’re going to talk about something foundational to our faith: the Bible. Not just as a spiritual guide but as a book that reveals the authentic history of God’s interaction with humanity. It is easy for some to dismiss the Bible as merely a collection of stories, myths, or allegories. But the truth is, the Bible is much more—it is the inspired Word of God, grounded in real events, real people, and real history.
As Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) declares: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” The Bible is not just a collection of moral teachings or spiritual reflections; it is God’s authentic and historical revelation to us.
Today, I want to walk you through four key points that reveal the Bible as authentic history: (1) The Bible’s Historical Accuracy, (2) Archaeological Evidence, (3) The Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus, and (4) The Bible’s Message Confirmed by the Sacraments. We will conclude with a call to action as we apply these truths to our lives.
1. The Bible’s Historical Accuracy
The first point we need to understand is that the Bible records actual historical events. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible provides a timeline of history—covering the creation of the world, the rise and fall of nations, and the lives of real people. The Bible’s historical accounts are accurate and consistent with external sources.
Let’s start with the Old Testament. The genealogies in Genesis, for example, are not just lists of names; they anchor the Bible’s narrative in history. Genesis 5 gives the genealogy from Adam to Noah, and this is not mythology but a lineage of real people. In Genesis 11, we see the genealogy from Noah to Abraham, connecting the biblical narrative to the origins of nations.
Consider the story of Abraham in Genesis 12. Abraham’s journey from Ur of the Chaldees to Canaan is grounded in geography. Ur was a real city in ancient Mesopotamia, and Canaan was a known region. These are not fictional places; they are real locations with real historical significance. The Bible’s historical accounts match the known history of the ancient Near East.
In 1 Chronicles 1:1-4 (NLT), we read another genealogy: “The descendants of Adam were Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah. The sons of Noah were Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” These genealogies trace real people who lived and had a direct impact on the development of humanity.
Timothy Keller said “The Bible is a reliable collection of historical documents written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin.”
When you read the Bible, remember that you are reading about real people, real places, and real events. This is not fiction; this is history. Trust in the reliability of Scripture as a record of God’s actions throughout time.
2. Archaeological Evidence
The second point I want to address is the wealth of archaeological evidence that supports the Bible’s historical claims. Archaeology continues to confirm the Bible’s authenticity. Excavations in the Middle East have unearthed cities, artefacts, and inscriptions that align with biblical narratives.
One significant discovery is the Dead Sea Scrolls. Found in the 1940s, these ancient manuscripts include copies of Old Testament books that date back to the second century B.C. The remarkable accuracy of these texts, compared to later manuscripts, affirms the reliability of Scripture over time.
Another example is the discovery of the city of Jericho. In Joshua 6, we read about the fall of Jericho as the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a city that was destroyed in the manner described in the Bible. The walls of Jericho indeed fell, confirming the biblical account.
In Jeremiah 32:9-12 (NLT), the prophet records a legal transaction: “So I bought the field at Anathoth, paying Hanamel seventeen pieces of silver for it. I signed and sealed the deed of purchase before witnesses, weighed out the silver, and paid him.” Archaeology has uncovered similar deeds from the ancient world, showing that the Bible’s legal and economic practices align with historical norms.
Lee Strobel said: “Archaeology has not produced anything that is unequivocally a contradiction to the Bible. On the contrary, there have been many opinions of skeptical scholars that have been codified into ‘fact’ over the years, but that archaeology has shown to be wrong.”
Archaeology continues to affirm the Bible’s reliability. This is more than just ancient literature; this is real history. As you read Scripture, know that it is grounded in reality, confirmed by evidence.
3. The Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus
The third and perhaps most compelling evidence of the Bible’s authenticity is the fulfillment of prophecy in the life of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament contains over 300 prophecies about the Messiah, all of which were fulfilled in Jesus. These prophecies were written hundreds of years before His birth and yet, they describe His life, death, and resurrection in stunning detail.
Consider Isaiah 53:5, which describes the suffering servant: “He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (Isaiah 53:5, NLT). This prophecy, written 700 years before Jesus’ crucifixion, describes His sacrificial death on the cross.
Or look at Micah 5:2, which foretold the birthplace of the Messiah: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf” (NLT). Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling this prophecy exactly as foretold.
In Luke 24:44 (NLT), Jesus Himself said: “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection confirm the accuracy of biblical prophecy.
To quote N.T. Wright: “The longer you look at Jesus, the more you will want to serve him in his world. That is, of course, if it's the real Jesus you're looking at.”
The fulfillment of prophecy is a powerful testament to the Bible’s authenticity. It shows us that God’s Word is reliable and trustworthy. When you read the Bible, know that it is not only a record of the past but also a revelation of God’s future plan for the world.
4. The Bible’s Message Confirmed by the Sacraments
Finally, the Bible’s authenticity is confirmed by the sacraments, particularly Communion. The Lord’s Supper, instituted by Jesus, is a tangible reminder of the reality of His death and resurrection. Every time we partake in Communion, we proclaim the historical reality of Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope of His return.
Paul recounts the institution of the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NLT): “For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.’” Communion is not just a ritual; it is a powerful reminder of the historical reality of Jesus’ sacrifice.
In Luke 22:19 (NLT), Jesus says: “He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.’” The sacrament of Communion connects us to the historical reality of Jesus’ sacrifice.
To quote preacher and author John Piper: “The sacraments… are not just symbolic rituals. They are the embodiment of God’s promises, given to us to strengthen our faith and assure us of His covenant with us.”
When we partake in Communion, we are participating in an act that points back to a historical event: the crucifixion of Jesus. The Bible’s message is not abstract; it is grounded in real events that continue to impact our lives today.
Conclusion:
The Bible as Authentic History
Church, as we close, let’s reflect on the incredible truth that the Bible is not just a collection of stories; it is authentic history. It records real events, confirmed by archaeology and fulfilled prophecy. The Bible is God’s inspired Word, revealing His actions in history and His plan for humanity.
Call to Action: I encourage you today to approach the Bible with renewed confidence. Trust in its reliability as both a historical document and a divine revelation. Let it guide you, teach you, and transform you as you live out your faith in Christ. The Bible is not just stories—it is God’s story, and it’s your story too.
