Is The Bible Really a Message From God?

Lesson One

If there is a God desirous of communicating with us through the Bible, then it would be foolish not to be interested in what the Bible has to say Here are a few things the Bible promises:

eternal life to anyone who comes to God on His terms.
strength to face trials on a daily basis.
joy on earth and forever in heaven.

What are Some of the Issues to Consider?

Is the Bible inspired by God?

To what degree was the Bible inspired? Ideas? Words? Details?

Was the Bible recorded accurately?

Was it adequately preserved?

What should my response be to the Bible?

Is the Bible inspired by God?

2 Tim. 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work

To what degree was the Bible inspired? Ideas? Words? Details?

Matt. 5:18 – “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished.

Was the Bible recorded accurately?

2 Pet. 1:21 – For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Was the Bible adequately preserved?

Ps. 119:89 – Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.

God’s Miraculous Preservation

Early Records – Years of Event to 1st. Existing Manuscript

Gallic Wars – Julius Caesar 10 1000
History – Pliny the Younger 7 750
History – Thucydides 8 1300
History – Herodotus 8 1300
Iliad – Homer 643 500
New Testament 24,000+ 25

Many works of antiquity have simply disappeared over time. Even great works of history and literature have very few early manuscripts in existence.

Unlike the Bible, the earliest copies of other great works were actually completed hundreds of years after the originals.

What should be my response to the Bible?

Accept it as the Word of God
By faith, believe what you read in the Word
Realize that not believing the Bible is not rejecting man, but rejecting God

Accept it as the Word of God

1 Thess. 2:13 – And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God’s message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

Major Existing Manuscripts

By faith, believe what you read in the Word

Heb. 4:2 – For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.

To not believe the Bible is to reject God