Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?

By Jason Carlson and Ron Carlson , 5/25/11
 
During a question and answer session at a  recent speaking engagement, a university student asked me, "Why do you believe  that the Bible is the inspired word of God?"
 
Now this is a very interesting question,  and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask  themselves.  What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians  believe it is literally the inspired word of God?
 
In answering this student's question, I  encouraged him to 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 genres:  history,  poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic, just to name a  few.
 
Second, 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.
 
Third, these 66 books were written over a  period of 1,500 years.  Yet again, this is another reminder that many of  these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these  books.
 
Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were  written in 3 different languages.  In the Bible we have books that were  written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of  the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were  written.
 
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.
 
Think about the above realities:  66  books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 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.
 
In addition to sharing these  commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or  contradictions.  God's word truly is an amazing collection of writings!
 
After I had shared the above facts with  this student, I offered him the following challenge.  "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, then I challenge you to a test, I  challenge you to 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  1,500 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."  I went on to say,  "If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is  not the inspired word of  God."
 
The student's reply was almost  instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that's impossible!"
 
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 1,500 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!

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