The Bible – Part Two
THE BIBLE: NOT AN AUTHORIZED COLLECTION OF BOOKS BUT A COLLECTION OF AUTHORIZED BOOKS
Scripture says of itself it was “God breathed.” The verb “breathed” translates the Greek. The expression uses language related to music. As an instrumentalist breathes the breath of air in one end of an instrument and it comes out the other end as a musical sound, so God breathed the breath of thought into the minds of authors and it came out though the human hand as written words. It came from God through man to humankind. It was God’s thought infused into each author’s own vocabulary. A “word” is simply a vehicle by means of which thought is communicated from one mind to another. Thus, the Bible, God’s Word, communicates from one mind, God’s, to another, the author’s. .
The exact spiritual means by which this was accomplished is a mystery.
Following are factors indicating the authenticity and reliability of the Bible as God’s Word.
* Prophecy fulfilled, such as:
Prophecy Fulfillment
Jesus Born in Bethlehem Micah 5: 2 Luke 2: 4 – 7
Time of birth Daniel 9:: 25 Luke 2: 1, 2
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7: 14 Luke 1: 26
Slaughter of children Jeremiah 31: 15 Matthew 2: 16 – 18
Crucifixion Isaiah 53: 12 Mark 15: 27
Buried with the rich Isaiah 53: 9 Matthew 27: 57 – 60
Resurrection Psalm 16: 10 Mark 16: 6, 7
The Bible consists of 66 books, written by more than 30 different authors, written over 1500 years, in four languages, in several countries, by men of every social strata, under varied circumstances. Yet, in all this conglomeration it has remarkable unity of thought.
* The historical life of the Book
No sooner than it was compiled attacks were made on it. Throughout its life every engine that human science, philosophy, wit, reasoning, or brutality has been unleashed against it.
* The psychological impact of the Book
If all psychologists were asked what are the basic needs of human beings a summary list of about 10 would be noted. They would include such needs as “love and affection,” and “belonging.” The Bible addresses all ten.
* The inexhaustible depth of the Book. Much is to be learned and much gained by each subsequent reading. George Muller has read it over 100 times and says it is more refreshing every time he reads it.
* The availability of basic manuscripts near the time of the writing.
Homer’s “Illiad” has 643 existing manuscripts the nearest to the event is 500 years. Caesar’s “Gallic Wars” 10 early manuscripts exist, the closest to the events is 1,000 years. Aristotle wrote around 343 B.C. The earliest copy is dated 1100 A.D. Only five manuscripts exist. The New Testament, 25,000+ exist with the closest being 25 years. The records regarding the first two are considered reputable. Those consisting of the New Testament are even more credible.