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 be forgiven of our sins, have eternal life, and face this life with our Creator dwelling in us. Reading the Gospel, we'll supernaturally hear His call unless our hearts are in a selfish place not wanting to know or submit to the true God. You can read the book of John asking: "Who is Jesus? What is our problem? How does Jesus solve it?" Then, Romans 1-3.
Yet, the Word of God itself says most people won't believe this or will find it offensive. They'll resist God's pull demanding proof. We'll start with brief explanations of why I believe the Bible. Then, we'll expand it a bit. I've included links so that 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.
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him?" (Psa. 8:3-4)
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.
"We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Pet. 1:19-21)
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.
"Jesus answered them, 'Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.'" (Luke 7:22)
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
"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also." (1 Cor. 15:3-8)
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. Cold-case detective, J. Warner Wallace, says (1/2) their differing accounts make them more believable because that's how real, eyewitnesses talk.
Historical evidence for the New Testament is strong. It has way more manuscripts than about any other work. The copies are closer to the source than most other works. Over all manuscripts, scholars analyzed 2 million variations. They've found over 99% of variations don't change the meaning of the text at all. The rest don't counter a single one of the Bible's many teachings. Anyone whose ever played a game of telephone knows that 2 million variations with that level of accuracy is impossible. God protected His Word from corruption. The Gospels are also the most copied, closest to the source, and consistent of all historical works. We should treat them with more respect than any other work in ancient history.
We humans love our sins and hate submitting to God's authority. The flesh is hostile to God. Jesus warned His followers anyone sharing the truth would suffer greatly. From early on to today, Christians were persecuted with many jailed or tortured to death (powerful example). Entire nations are still hostile to the Gospel. Most wars came from such people and philosophies that opposed Biblical teaching. Yet, it's the Bible that many are banning.
In the U.S., liberal groups claiming to promote inclusion or defend religious rights attack or "cancel" Christians regularly. Hollywood movies cater to every niche imaginable, many disgusting or evil, with potentially billions to make on a Christian movie. Yet, they systematically avoid the Gospel while filling movies with blasphemy and twisted Bible quotes. Massive, global, and consistent opposition to this one message by powerful and popular groups shows that there is a Devil in the world. That he's so afraid of this one message tells you (a) the Gospel is true, (b) Christ will crush Satan with no contest, and (c) to cling to Christ even if it cost us our lives.
Measurable, Unlikely,
Global Impact
"This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matt. 24:14)
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 Regrets"Then they will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their good, and the good of their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from following them, to do them good. I will put my fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from me." (Jer. 32:38-40)
But 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.