I hope you've already heard the Gospel. If not, please read it here. In it, Jesus told us He's the only way to know our true purpose, have inner peace regardless of cirumstances, and receive eternal life. The Word of God itself says most people won't believe this or will find it offensive. Although some hear His call, others want more reasons or evidence this came from God. That's what this page provides. Since I work a lot, I'll add more links below as I have time.
Let's start with a brief statement that shows the combined reasons to believe in the Bible. That is, the many forms of evidence. Then, we'll expand it a bit. Then, link to the details so you can explore whatever jumps out at you.
In short, the Bible is the Word of God as proven by thousands of years of
testimony by diverse sources, science confirming it, its ability to
predict the future, the miracles that follow it, its unlikely impact on
over a billion people (including me), and that it transforms all who
surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Inside and out. God promises then
delivers results only He can.
The Bible, or Word of God, is a collection of writings about historical and supernatural events that claims to come from God. The Word of God contains 60+ volumes written by more than 40 authors in three languages... across three continents... over a period of 1,500 years. These people came from all walks of life: fishermen, doctors, and kings; men and women. Most never met each other. Despite that, their testimonies combine into a consistent story about who God is, who we are, and His Plan for our lives.
To prove its divine origin, the Word of God uses nature, prophecies,
miracles, and its own impact.
God's Word says
that the universe itself will testify to His truth. He
started by making everything look designed. Even famous atheists marvel
at what looks like a fine-tuned, consistent design whose precision
outperforms all feats of human engineering. From fireworks shows to
natural events, billions of observations by humans have never shown
well-oiled machines or living things spontaneously emerging from chaotic
events. Working from what we observe, the obvious explanation is a
designer of unfathomable knowledge and power both designed and currently
maintains our universe. I drafted a short
article with more detail and links to check out.
God's Word repeatedly predicts future events hundreds of years in
advance. Unlike Nostradamus and horoscopes, these aren't vague claims that
could apply to almost anything. These prophecies are detailed claims about
individuals, countries,
the world today, and the coming
Savior, Jesus Christ. There's also prophetic types, or recurring patterns,
that hint at the future. God uses them to sign His work like some artists
do. Many of them describe the person and life of Jesus before He appears (examples).
Prophecies also predicted the coming Savior would perform miracles never
seen before. He'd wield control over nature, illness, and even death
itself.
Unlike other religious leaders, Jesus and His followers also performed many miracles: supernatural acts only God could enable. Both the nature and reporting style of the miracles read like eyewitness testimony, not mythical storytelling. Unlike other figures (esp today's), nobody disputed that Jesus could do miracles. Even His enemies testified to His unique power before trying to use that against Him. Crowds followed Him everywhere just wanting to see His power at work. His main followers (Apostles) worked similar miracles with a massive number of people coming to Christ as a result. The number of miracles peaked around that time to highlight its importance.
Miracles kept occurring, though. Historic writings show the early church succeeded against dozens of false religions partly because only Christians could perform those miracles. Even today, people across the globe report many answered prayers, some being miracles, after asking Jesus Christ for His help. One scholar surveyed them (great review/summary). For shorter and free read, see Lectures 4 and 5 from his Acts course.
Like before, there's a pattern of people with a lot to lose hearing the Gospel, reporting a miracle done in Jesus' name, and giving up all they have to follow Jesus Christ. That includes enemies of Christ. Then, other skeptics that know them believe it must have happened for real. Many of them end up receiving Christ as Lord and Savior. That's the same pattern we see in the Gospels.
The Best (and Worst) Eyewitnesses
The Gospels are built on eyewitness testimony. People trying to get a big
myth going would try to use sources that people in that time period would
find acceptable. They'd have likely been all men, competent, believable,
clear, and with matching stories. The people Jesus chose were nothing
like that. They're ordinary, honest people straining to put into
words events that changed their lives and the world forever.
Measurable, Unlikely,
Global Impact
Finally, the Word of God affected people in a way no other written work
has. Works of fiction or propaganda try to make their content appealing by
closely aligning to human
motivations and/or changing their message to fit local cultures.
Psychologists tell you people have to get something out of it. Marketing
experts tell you the message must fit the audience's expectations for best
results. We instead give everyone the same message from 2,000 years ago
that goes against most human motivations. If just a story, it should
disappear quickly.
Instead, the Word of God impacted around two billion people from all
backgrounds in over 197 countries. Thousands of people groups, men/women,
people who used to be transgender, straight/gay, rich/poor, atheists,
people who tried everything... all types impacted and transformed by Jesus
Christ through His Word. That makes the Word probably both the most
powerful and inclusive work ever made. These people also valued who they
found so much many even chose death over giving Him up.
As a book, the Bible was also the first book printed, was translated over 2000 times, and was or is the best selling book in history. It also massively impacted Western civilization and American culture. Against all odds, it got the very results God said it would. God still uses it the same way today. You just have to read it with a humble attitude, open mind, and ask Him to speak through His Word. You'll know it's different. You'll know He's speaking to your heart.
Personal Observations: Many Benefits, No RegretsBut maybe it doesn't matter to you. You feel like life is going well,
you're in control, and so on. You don't feel that you need
anything like that. I was a non-believer serving the general public, about
30,000 people, for a long time. I listened to what they said and watched
how they lived. Many who once didn't need God usually lost something or
someone of great value that had them really down. They finally asked the
hard questions. A paramedic told me even more did facing death. Christians
walking closely with God were noticeably different: they had an inner
peace, joy, and sense of purpose others didn't have. They even had that
facing horrible abuse and losses. Why were they consistent when people's
made-up beliefs usually fell apart?
When Jesus brought me
back to Him, He gave me the same gifts. I experienced a certainty
He's there that's unlike anything else. He also transformed my life for
the better at a time, COVID, where others just got worse. Everyone I met
walking with Jesus feels better off for it. My question for you is: why
wait until you're at your worst to seek the truth and have God in your
life? Why not seek Him while you're doing well so He can help you truly be
at your very best? And, if worse must come, why not prepare for and endure
it with Him?
Start by reading His Gospel.
Read it with a humble, open mind asking God to speak to your heart. His
Spirit will let you know His Word is true.
(Back to home page. Learn to
share, obey, study, and teach the Word here.)
Credits: This was originally highlights from "Why I Believe the Bible" by
Voddie Bauchum. Then, I redid it while keeping some of the best parts of
our brother's work. Public domain like everything else. Use and remix it.
Serve the Lord.