In the study of theology it is understood and assumed that God exist. Proving the existence of God is not necessary as God has revealed Himself to mankind through various ways that He chooses. The thesis of this article is not to argue for the existence of God, but to demonstrate who God is through His revelation to man. However, for the sake of laying an introductory foundation it is required that we briefly visit the issue of anti-theistic arguments of God.
Below is a list of the anti-theistic arguments and a brief definition of each:
1. Atheism: The doctrine or belief that there is no god or Supreme Being.
2. Agnosticism: The doctrine or attitude for the uncertainty of all claims to ultimate knowledge. This belief states that you cannot be certain of anything.
3. Evolution: The belief that life evolved and there is no creator.
4. Materialism: The philosophical theory that regards matter and its motions as constituting the universe, and all phenomena, including those of mind, as due to material agencies.
5. Polytheism: The belief in more than one god or many gods.
6. Idealism: Any system or theory that maintains that the real is of the nature of thought or that the object of external perception consists of ideas.
7. Realism: the doctrine that objects of sense perception has an existence independent of the act of perception.
8. Pantheism: The doctrine that god is the transcendent reality of which the material universe and human beings are only manifestations: it involves a denial of God’s personality and expresses a tendency to identify God and nature.
9. Deism: Belief in the existence of a god on the evidence of reason and nature only, with rejection of supernatural revelation.
10. Positivism: A philosophical system founded by Auguste Comte, concerned with positive facts and phenomena, and excluding speculation upon ultimate causes or origins.
11. Monism: Any of various theories holding that there is only one basic substance or principle as the ground of reality, or that reality consists of a single element.
12. Dualism: The doctrine that there are two independent divine beings or eternal principles, one good and the other evil.
13. Pluralism: A term used to describe the acceptance of all religious paths as equally valid, promoting coexistence.
As you can see, there are many arguments poised against the fact that there is one true God. This in itself shows the attempt of man to seek some type of belief or understanding of their self. Seeking other views other than the God of the Bible in a sense shows mans nature to not want any accountability or any reliance on a God.
Now that we have reviewed the arguments against the existence of the one true Biblical God, let us turn our attention to our basic thesis of this article to demonstrate who God is as He reveals Himself to man. Lewis Chafer writes: “God has spoken to man through nature, through the manifestation of His Son, and through the Scriptures of Truth.”
The first way in which God has revealed Himself to man that is worthy of consideration is through nature. The universe is the work of God. Since we begin with the basic presupposition that there is a God and that God created the world, then attention must be given to the study of the universe and science as it is through those aspects that we come to the realization of the existence of God and of the glory of God. “As their names denote, philosophy is the ‘love of wisdom’ and science is ‘the interpretation of nature’; therefore, no worthy philosopher will ignore the source of all truth and no sincere scientist will shrink from the investigation or right evaluation of the claims of naturalistic theism. The proposition that there is a God introduces at once the cause of all causes, the finality of all philosophy, and the alpha and omega of all science.” There are two basic classifications for the natural revelation of God. These classifications are known as: a posteriori and a priori. The first is inductive and the later is deductive. The a posteriori argument involves the fields of: cosmological, teleological, and anthropological while the a priori deals with the ontological argument. Let us first look at the a posteriori arguments.
The first of the a posteriori arguments to consider is the cosmological argument. This argument gives reference to the existence of God by looking at the cosmos or the universe. “The universe is a phenomenon or an effect which connotes an adequate cause. The cosmological argument adduces evidence that God exists and is the first cause of all things.” Basically the explanation is that every effect has a cause. Due to this law of cause and effect it is concluded that the universe itself must also have a cause which provides the most reasonable conclusion that an intelligent being specifically designed and caused the universe. It is the view of this author that the intelligent being referred to is the God of the Bible.
The next argument is the teleological argument. The Wikipedia Encyclopedia defines the teleological argument as follows: “An argument for the existence of God or a creator based on perceived evidence of order, purpose, design, or direction — or some combination of these — in nature. The word “teleological” is derived from the Greek word telos, meaning “end” or “purpose”. Teleology is the supposition that there is purpose or directive principle in the works and processes of nature.” This argument also makes perfectly good intellectual sense. To have a design there must be a designer. It is impossible for anyone to argue that the universe and all that is contained therein does not have a design. Since there is a design it is logical to conclude that there is a designer who has a specific purpose for the design. The complexity of this grand design is far beyond the ability of man to even conceive. All intelligent men would thus conclude that man could not have possibly designed and made the universe therefore, once again the logical conclusion would be that some intelligent power far beyond the knowledge and ability of man designed the universe as we know it. It is thus ascertained that God is that intelligent designer.
The final a posteriori argument to consider is the anthropological argument. This argument is very interesting and worthy of much consideration. The essential idea of this argument is that man has an innate knowledge that God exists. This is shown by the fact that man possesses the same qualities that is derived from the God described in the Bible. This innate knowledge has been recently studied by many scientists and the question is raised as to whether or not man has a built in knowledge of God and a desire to know God. National Public Radio displays the following statements in an article “Is this your brain on God?”:“The research raises the question, is God a delusion created by brain chemistry, or is brain chemistry a necessary conduit for people to reach God?” Some epileptologists believe that many of the great religious figures, such as Moses and St. Paul, had epilepsy. Now neurologists believe they’ve found the sweet spot for spiritual experience — in the temporal lobe. Some scientists say the temporal lobe, which is associated with emotion and memory, is the seat of spirituality. It’s also where epileptic activity takes place.” This discovery continues with this statement: “on a person’s ability to heal or stave off disease. Called “psychoneuroimmunology,” the idea is that thoughts affect your body. But now scientists — including those at the National Institutes of Health — are engaging in research to uncover whether a person’s thoughts can affect another person’s body. Centers around the world are tackling prayer and healing in a revolutionary way.” These studies, though early in its research, sparks a real interest in the possibility that the human brain actually has a built in sense that there is a God. The fact that there are so many religions and belief systems also shows that man has some type of inner desire to search out and know God. Is this just a coincidence or could it be that we were designed this way and science is on the verge of discovering this truth? John Calvin once wrote: “There is within the human mind, and indeed by natural instinct, an awareness of divinity. This we take to be beyond controversy. To prevent anyone from taking refuge in the pretense ignorance, God has implanted in all men a certain understanding of His divine majesty.” No matter how deep you dig into this argument it is concluded that the very existence and design of the human body provides a compelling argument for the existence of God.
The a priori argument differs from the a posteriori argument in that it is deductive rather than inductive. “The a priori argument is one which is based on something which has gone before as an assumed reality, an innate belief, or intuitive impression. To postulate as a premise that miracles are impossible with its syllogistic conclusion that there are therefore no miracles, is to advance and a priori assumption and the argument based on that assumption is a priori in nature.”
The only a priori argument as to the existence of God is what is known as the ontological agreement. Dr. Christopher Cone mentions the ontological argument in his book: Prolegomena. In his book he gives two basic premises for this argument, those premises and conclusion is as follows: “Premise 1: God has all perfections. Premise 2: Existence is perfection. Conclusion: Therefore, God exists.” This argument basically states that the very idea of existence proves that there is a God. The first cause of all things is God. The ontological argument is the opposite of idealism. Whereas idealism states that what is real is only an impression of the mind, the ontological argument states that there is a reality because of how the human mind works. This argues that because the human mind is capable of believing that God exists, then there must be a God.
The fact that God has revealed Himself to man in these natural ways shows His love for man and His desire that not any should perish but all should come to repentance. God shows Himself to all of mankind from the least to the greatest from the seeker to the saint. God has left no stone unturned and He has revealed Himself in such a way so that all may believe.
As compelling as God’s natural revelation may be, nothing is more beautiful than His revelation through His son, Jesus Christ. In order to understand this revelation fully one must come to grips with the fact of who Jesus is. Many people believe in Jesus and many religions teach about Jesus. This in itself attests to the historicity of Jesus. There are very few people who will say that Jesus was not real. Most all historians Christian and non-Christian admit the fact that Jesus did exist and that He was no ordinary man. In the book Evidence that demands a verdict by Josh McDowell it reads: “Many ancient secular writers mention Jesus and the movement He birthed. The fact that they are usually antagonistic to Christianity makes them especially good witnesses, since they have nothing to gain by admitting the historicity of the events surrounding a religious leader and His following, which they disdain.” In his book, Josh McDowell describes a whole list of ancient historians who admit to the life of Jesus, men such as: Cornelius Tacitus, Lucian of Samosata, Suetonius, Pliny the Younger, Thallus, Phlegon, and Mara Bar-Serapion among many others. One historian that is commonly known is the great historian, Josephus. Josephus was born just a few short years after Jesus died on the cross. In passage one of Josephus’ works on the identity of Jesus it reads: “About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Messiah. When Pilate, upon hearing him accused by men of the highest standing amongst us, had condemned him to be crucified, those who had in the first place come to love him did not give up their affection for him. On the third day he appeared to them restored to life, for the prophets of God had prophesied these and countless other marvelous things about him. And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.” There are countless numbers of other secular historians who make similar remarks concerning Jesus. The fact remains that Jesus did indeed walk on this earth, died on a cross, and rose again from the grave; it is a proven historical fact.
A great Roman writer named Pliny once wrote these words: “Oh, God, won’t you show us what you intended the world to be? Won’t you show us some way, what purpose you had for us? Could you give us a perfect example?” That perfect example that Pliny was looking for is found in the words of the author of Hebrews: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” There are several things to note concerning Jesus. First of all, Jesus is the incarnation of God. When it is said that Jesus is the incarnation of God, it is referred to the fact that Jesus is ‘God in the flesh.’ Basically, Jesus limited Himself in becoming a man in order to accomplish the work of redemption which in turn would bring glory to His name. Philippians 2:5-7 states: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” In John chapter one, we see how that Jesus is the Word that was with God and is God. God revealed Himself to us through Jesus so that we can relate to Him. He became one of us so that we can know Him in a personal way. A second point to note about Jesus is that He was born of a virgin. The Bible clearly states that Jesus was born of a virgin. The obvious question to consider is: why? The obvious question brings an obvious answer. If Jesus was born from the seed of man then He would have inherited a sin nature and therefore He would not be God. Jesus was born of virgin to display God’s miraculous glory and to become a sinless man so that the sacrifice on the cross would be a complete, pure sacrifice. Not only must we understand that Jesus is the incarnation of God and that He was born of a virgin, but we must also make note to the fact that Jesus is the Supreme Revelation. Jesus is the exact representation of God. Colossians 2:9 says, “For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” In other words, Jesus is all of God. He is the complete revelation of God to man. Hebrews 1:3 says, “Who being in the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person….” Jesus is the express image of the person of God; He is the exact representation of God. A fourth fact to understand about Jesus is that He is divine and human. Jesus is just as much man as He is God. A few Biblical references to note: In Matthew 4:1-11 we see Jesus in His humanity and in John 1:1 we see Jesus as God. This is one of those points that are far beyond our human comprehension. However, it is important to note that Jesus became man so that we can relate to Him and so we can know Him even with all the power in which He owns as God. Jesus is also the Promised Messiah The term Messiah means ‘anointed one’. God spoke through the prophets, telling the people about a coming Messiah. This Messiah would be two things: a great king for Israel and a suffering servant. The Jews understood and accepted the first prophecies but not the second. A sixth fact concerning Jesus to consider is that He is the High Priest. Hebrews 10:11-23 speaks of Jesus as the High Priest. He is the new eternal High Priest, giving us access to God at all times. A final fact concerning Jesus for our consideration is that Jesus is Lord and King. Philippians 2:9-11 the scriptures state: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus is our Lord and King! He is God’s revelation to man, the exact representation of God, He is our Savior, He is our Lord, and He is our King! To Him be praised who sits at the right hand of the Father our Savior, Our God, Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God!
Not only has God revealed Himself to man through nature and through His Son, but we also see the revelation of God to man through the scriptures. The scriptures are at the forefront of God’s revelation to men, for without the scriptures none would know and understand the Son and there would be therefore no knowledge of God’s redemptive plan.
In considering how God has revealed Himself to mankind through the scriptures we must make careful observations as to the evidence of the authenticity of scripture and to why the scripture should be held in such high regard as to the revelation of God. There are four basic evidences that point to the fact that the Bible is the complete Word of God. Those evidences are as follows: Archeological, Prophetical, Preservation, and Extraordinary Accuracy. Every born-again believer should have a general understanding of these evidences of scripture in order to establish their faith and provide answers to all who question the authenticity of scripture.
The first evidence to consider is Archeological Evidence. The study of archeology is vital in providing support to claims the Bible makes. There are many archeological evidences that have been found, so numerous that there are not enough parchments in the entire world that can contain the evidence at hand. For sake of being brief we will look at just a few of the many archeological evidences that provide substantial proof that what the Bible says is indeed true. One of the amazing archeological finds is that of the walls of Jericho. During excavations of Jericho between 1930 and 1936, Professor John Garstang found one of the most incredible confirmations of the Biblical account of the battle of Jericho. In all of the studies of ancient cities it is found that when a city was attacked, the walls would fall inward due to the forces pushing into the wall. The questions was always raised as to how the walls of Jericho fell flat in such a way that the children of Israel could walk directly into the city. During excavations of the site, some remarkable discoveries were made. John Garstang writes: “As to the main fact, then, there remains no doubt: the walls fell outwards so completely that the attackers would be able to clamber up and over their ruins into the city.” This fact is important because, as mentioned earlier, all the other archeological digs around ancient Middle Eastern cities reveal that walls of the cities always fell inward. In Joshua 6:20 we read: “the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city every man straight ahead, and they took the city.” Only the supernatural power of God could have caused the walls to fall outward as described in Joshua. More evidence found in archeological studies is the historicity of the patriarchs of Israel as recording in Genesis. There have been those who have denied that men such as Abraham even existed. Dr. Millar Burrows, a professor at Yale University states: “Everything indicates that here we have an historical individual. Abraham is not mentioned in any known archeological source, but his name appears in Babylonia as a personal name in the very period to which he belongs.” Dr. Burrows goes on to say, “The excessive skepticism of many liberal theologians stems not from a careful evaluation of the available data, but from an enormous predisposition against the supernatural…On the whole, however, archeological work has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of the scriptural record.” There are many other findings that give credence to the accounts given in scripture. Some of those findings are as follows:
1. Clay seals that bear the impression of the actual seal of Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah.
2. The seal of King Jeroboam
3. The seal of King Uzziah
4. The seal of King Hezekiah
5. The clay cylinder bearing the actual degree of King of Cyrus of Persia allowing the various captured natives of many different nations to return freely to their ancient lands.
Dr. Henry Morris writes: “Problems still exist, of course, in the complete harmonization of archaeological material with the Bible, but none so serious as not to bear real promise of imminent solution through further investigation. It must be extremely significant that, in view of the great mass of corroborative evidence regarding the Biblical history of these periods, there exists today not one unquestionable find of archaeology that proves the Bible to be in error at any point.”
Evidence pointing to the fact that the Bible is the complete word of God is that of Prophetical Evidence. There are so many prophecies that has been fulfilled that it is beyond the time and space for this particular article. There are over three hundred prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Jesus Christ. Every single one of those prophecies has been fulfilled in amazing detail. The odds of those prophecies being fulfilled is astronomical. As a matter of fact is has been discovered that the odds of just eight of these prophecies being fulfilled is 1×10 to the 17th power! This is one chance out of one hundred quadrillion. One example of how these odds work is as follows: Suppose we cover the entire state of Texas with silver dollars, to the depth of two feet. Take one of the silver dollars and mark an ‘X’ on it. Mix the coins (including the one with the ‘X’). Spend several years walking randomly around the state blindfolded, and then randomly pick up one of the coins. What is the chance that the coin you randomly picked up would be the one with the ‘X’? About the same as randomly fulfilling just eight prophecies. Jesus did not just fulfill eight of the prophecies; He fulfilled everyone to the smallest detail. George Konig of 100prophecies.org gives an explanation of just of few of the prophecies fulfilled by Jesus:
Jesus was betrayed by a friend
Bible prophecy: Psalm 41:9
Prophecy written: About 1000 BC
Prophecy fulfilled: About 31 AD

in Psalm 41:9, King David wrote a prayer asking for mercy in his last days. In this prayer, which Christians acknowledge as being inspired by God, David wrote about a betrayal at the hand of a close friend with whom he had shared bread. This foreshadowed something that happened years later with Jesus. As explained in Matthew 26:47-50, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of the 12 apostles, shortly after Jesus and the apostles had shared bread during the Last Supper. Jesus was crucified by the Romans a short time later.

Psalm 41:9:

Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
Zechariah foreshadowed the betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver
Bible prophecy: Zechariah 11:12-13
Prophecy written: Between 520 and 518 BC
Prophecy fulfilled: About 31 AD

In Zechariah 11:4-17, the prophet speaks of a payment involving 30 pieces of silver and of a good shepherd whose service is brought to an end. This foreshadows an event that happened to Jesus about 500 years later. As explained in Matthew 26:15, Judas was paid 30 silver coins for his betrayal of Jesus. Judas told the Romans when and where they could arrest Jesus without being surrounded by a large crowd of Jesus’ followers. As explained in Matthew 27:5-7, Judas later tossed the money into the Temple (the house of the Lord) and the money was used to buy a potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.

Zechariah 11:12-13:

12 I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.

13 And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”-the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD to the potter.
Jesus was spat upon and beaten
Bible prophecy: Isaiah 50:6
Prophecy written: Between 701-681 BC
Prophecy fulfilled: About 31 AD

in Isaiah 50:6, the prophet writes about a servant of God who endures abuse at the hands of sinful people. This servant offers his back to those who beat him, his face to those who rip out his beard, and himself to those who mock and taunt him. Christians historically have acknowledged this Old Testament prophecy as being fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who lived about 700 years after Isaiah. Jesus, as explained in the New Testament, was beaten, mocked and taunted shortly before his crucifixion by the Romans. In Matthew 26:67 (NIV translation), for example, it says: Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?”

Isaiah 50:6:

I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
God’s servant would be silent before his accusers
Bible prophecy: Isaiah 53:7
Prophecy written: Between 701-681 BC
Prophecy fulfilled: About 31 AD

In the book of Isaiah, chapter 53, Isaiah the prophet wrote about a servant of God. Many people believe that this was a prophecy about the life of Jesus Christ, who lived after the time of Isaiah. In Isaiah 53:7, the prophet said that the servant would be afflicted and accused, and that he would remain silent like a lamb being led to slaughter. As explained in Matthew 27:12-14, which was recorded about 700 years after the time of Isaiah, this is what happened to Jesus. He was falsely accused but remained silent and did not protest the accusations. Jesus was crucified by the Romans a short time later.

Isaiah 53:7:

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
God’s servant would die for our sins
Bible prophecy: Isaiah 53:4-6
Prophecy written: Between 701-681 BC
Prophecy fulfilled: About 31 AD

In Isaiah 53:4-6, prophet described a servant as being punished for the sins of others, and that others would be healed by the wounds of this person. As explained in the New Testament – such as in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – Jesus was crucified for our sins, and he was sinless. Christians believe that this ultimate sacrifice redeemed us all from sin in the same way that lambs and other animals were once sacrificed as a symbolic way of cleansing people from sin. All of us can be accepted into the Kingdom of God, as though we were sinless, if we accept Jesus as our savior. Christians believe that we are healed through the wounds that Jesus suffered.

Isaiah 53:4-6:

4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Zechariah foreshadowed the crucifixion of Jesus
Bible prophecy: Zechariah 12:10
Prophecy written: Between 520 and 518 BC
Prophecy fulfilled: About 31 AD

In the Old Testament book of Zechariah, chapter 12, the Bible said that there would be a time when people in Jerusalem would lament over the one who was “pierced,” as one mourns for the loss of a first-born son. (First-born sons were often viewed as the main inheritors of a family’s legacy). Christians traditionally have interpreted this passage as a reference to the return of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was pierced when he was crucified by the Romans about 2000 years ago. Christians believe that Jesus will return in the future to establish an everlasting kingdom.

The Talmud, which offers Judaism-related commentary about various Old Testament passages, makes a very Christian-like assessment of the prophecy found in the book of Zechariah:

“What is the cause of the mourning (Zechariah 12:10)? It is well according to him who explains that the cause is the slaying of Messiah, the son of Joseph, as it is written, ‘And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son.'” -Babylonian Talmud, Sukkah 52a.

Zechariah 12:10:

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
God’s servant would be “numbered with the transgressors”
Bible prophecy: Isaiah 53:12
Prophecy written: Between 701-681 BC
Prophecy fulfilled: About 31 AD

in Isaiah 53:12, the prophet wrote about a servant who would bear the sins of others and be punished side-by-side with criminals. Christians acknowledge that Isaiah’s description of this servant was a prophecy that was fulfilled during the life of Jesus Christ. As explained in the book of Matthew, Jesus, though sinless, was “numbered with the transgressors” and crucified along with two criminals.

Isaiah 53:12:

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
God’s servant would be buried in a rich man’s tomb
Bible prophecy: Isaiah 53:9
Prophecy written: Between 701-681 BC
Prophecy fulfilled: About 31 AD

in Isaiah 53:9, the prophet Isaiah wrote about a sinless servant being put to death with the wicked and buried with the rich. About 700 years after this was written, Jesus was put to death along with two criminals and was buried in a tomb owned by a wealthy man, as explained in the New Testament. The New Testament also says that Jesus was resurrected three days later and ascended into Heaven.
Isaiah 53:9:
He was assigned a grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
As you can see, there are many prophecies fulfilled concerning Jesus. This is just the tip of if the iceberg. There are countless other prophecies throughout scripture that have been fulfilled. This gives confidence that what God’s word says is true.
Evidence that proves the Bible to be true is Preservation. God has miraculously preserved His Word down through the centuries. Many have tried to destroy the Bible, yet it still stands. Kings and Queens have tried to stamp it out, yet it still stands. Religion has tried to hide it and cover it up, yet it still stands. No other book as withstood the test of time as the Bible. It has been preserved in supernatural fashion.
We also know the Bible to be true due to its Extraordinary Accuracy. The most amazing thing about the Bible is how the message of the Bible has never changed. Passed down from generation to generation on hand-written scrolls and then eventually printed once the printing press was invented. Over all those years, the Gospel message is still the same. By the supernatural hand of God, the Bible is the most accurate of all books ever written. Many have tried to disprove, but to this day, none of been able to do so. The evidence is before us. The verdict is out: The Bible is the complete Word of the Living God!
In looking at God’s revelation to man through the scriptures, attention should also be given to what the Bible says about itself. The first thing to consider is that the Bible is Divine in Origin. In other words, the Bible came from God Himself. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” The Greek term for ‘Word’ is “Logos’. John uses this term to refer to Jesus. To the Jewish mind, logos, refers to God’s active power. God spoke and history changed, God spoke and blessing or judgment occurred, God spoke and miracles happened. The Bible comes directly from God.
Another thing to consider about the Bible is that the Bible is the Breathe of God. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The word ‘quick’ means ‘alive’. God’s word is alive! In second Timothy 3:16 it mentions that the Bible is the ‘inspiration of God’. The word ‘inspiration’ comes from the Greek word: ‘theopneustos’ which means ‘God-breathed.’ The Bible is the very breath of God. In Genesis 2:7 the scripture mentions how that God breathed into man and he became a living soul. The breath of God brings life; therefore, the Bible brings life. No other book can change a life the way the Bible can. No other book can bring life to a sin-cursed soul. The Bible is truly God-breathed.
Not only is the Bible God-breathed but it is also Indestructible. Hebrews 4:12 mentions that the Bible is living and active. In other words, God’s word cannot be destroyed. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall never pass away.” Many have tried to destroy it. Many have tried to stamp it out. God’s Word has stood the test of time. It is indestructible.
The Bible also has Convicting Power. The text in Hebrews 4:12 tell us that God’s word is a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. God’s word reveals to us what is right and wrong. It shows us that we are sinners and that we need a Savior.
God’s Word is also Clear in its Message. The Gospel is not complicated. The message is only muddled when the mind and heart are muddled with sin. When people hear the word of God with an open and believing heart, its message is clear.
A final thing we see about the Bible is that it is the Believers Authority. God’s word is the authority we use to combat sin and Satan. Our entire belief system as Christians is based solely on the scriptures.
John Wesley once wrote: “I want to know one thing, the way to heave, how to land safely on that shore. God Himself has condescended to teach the way; for this very end He came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book. O, give me that book! At any price, give me the book of God! I have it. Here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be a man of the book.” God has revealed Himself to us through His Word. If we are going to know God, we must be people of the book.
Without God’s revelation to man it would be impossible to know Him. The Bible teaches us that no one has an excuse. God has revealed Himself to mankind through nature, through Jesus, and through His Word. The Bible also teaches us that ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’ For most of us, we understand God’s revelation in all three ways. Therefore, we are without excuse. We must humbly submit ourselves to Him and give our lives to Him for His glory. We should all be thankful that we can know God and have a relationship with Him. To God be the Glory!