Why I believe the Bible

In the title of this blog two words are important, viz “Bible” and “believe”. The word “Bible” refers to a physical book, a book with a long, proven and definitive history that cannot be denied. The word “believe” sums up the fact that I have made a conscious choice (in response to the work of the Holy Spirit of God) to base my faith on the revelation of God that we find in the Bible.

This is another way of saying that the reason I believe in the Bible is based on some objective, undeniable facts about the Bible, as well as some subjective beliefs about the Bible. Let me share my thoughts on these objective and subjective facts with you in point form. If you want to know more, download the sermon on this subject (1st August 2010, evening service).

The Bible: Objective facts

1. The Bible is very old. The first documents date back to 1200BC or older. The final “product” dates to the end of the 1st Century AD.
2. The Bible is unique. It contains the unique description of the history of Israel, with a unique message of the grace of God.
3. The Bible is well-preserved. There are thousands of ancient manuscripts that can be consulted to verify the actual contents and transmission of the Bible.
4. The Bible survived the odds by withstanding the many attempts to destroy it and crush Christianity.
5. The Bible is an “open” book. It was written by (normal) people, roughly 40 of them over period of 1400 years
6. The Bible is accurate. Archeological discoveries over the last few 100 years proved many of the names, places and events mentioned in the Bible
7. The Bible is popular. It is the best-selling book ever, having sold in excess of 3 billion copies. Its nearest rival is Mao’s Little Red Book that sold less than 1 million.
8. The Bible has a wide appeal. It is accepted and understood across cultural, geographical and chronological barriers

Subjective beliefs

• The Bible is powerful. Many people have had a life-changing encounter with God by reading and studying the Bible (Hebrews 4:12).
• The Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is God’s Word and God’s words to us.
• The Bible proclaims salvation by God through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. In it I read about eternal life with God in heaven.
• The Bible has a personal impact. It tells me how I can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and inherit eternal life. It also provides me with wisdom and guidance for daily living in this life here on earth.
• The Bible is always fresh. You can read it over and over and not get bored since there is always more to discover.
• The Bible is down-to-earth and contains a simple and straight forward message.
• The Bible provides guidance by giving me insight into God’s will and design for human life on earth.
• The Bible can handle my doubts about God and the Bible as we see from some of the Bible authors had doubts and were able (and allowed) to express them to God

Have you read your Bible today?