THE BIBLE
“The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” Dwight L. Moody
The Bible, God’s Given Word
The Truth, the Spirit’s Sword
Light that guides us on the road
Fire that purifies the gold
Food that meets the soul’s deep need
Water that cleanses word and deed
Is the Bible true? This is a big question many ask but do not wait for an answer. The Bible is not a plain or simple history book. Nor is it a science textbook. It is a spiritual book that answers the spiritual questions every human should be asking. The Bible reveals the truth about human nature, the reasons why the world is in such a chaotic state, the answer to the question that can be summed up in this cry, “What must I do to be saved?” [see Acts 16:25-34]. In extreme times, we are more likely to turn to someone or something else that is stronger or has more authority. If a car is broken down, we seek out a mechanic or a suitable repair manual. The Bible brings us the way to get our lives ‘repaired’ and how to keep our lives ‘on the right road’.
2 Timothy 3:16 NIV All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
[the word ‘scripture’ is used in the Bible as a title for God’s inspired written words]
The Bible carries all the strength and authority of God to show you the way, the truth, and the life [see John 14:6]. If you want to know the time, you could make a rough guess, or I could ask someone with a watch. If this is not good enough for you, you can access the exact time according to the national standard atomic clock. If the information from that source is unacceptable, there is nothing else! The Bible is the ultimate and absolute authority on the Truth. The Bible has an agent, God’s Holy Spirit. He works along with the written Word of God and makes it powerful – unlike any other book. Unlike any other religious book. Anyone seeking the truth will realise that God’s Spirit at work in them through the words of the Bible.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
I am presenting to you the Bible as its own authority. It is usual for an author of non-fiction to quote some authorities for views expressed. The Bible does not do this. Instead, it points to the millions of witnesses to its truth. The millions of people who have found joyful, guilt-free, forgiven, transformed lives.
There was an advertisement for a wood preserving product which claimed, “It does what it says on the tin!” The Bible claims something like that – and more! If you follow the instructions of God’s Word, you will be saved! There are millions of people across the world, of all kinds of culture and language, who will tell you that the Bible is true, you can trust its words and build your life on its laws. The Bible is faithful, dependable, trustworthy and true.
Why, then, are people still questioning the truth, or accuracy, or reliability of the Bible? Asking, “Is the Bible true?” needs a degree of humility. If truth can only be what I am able to believe we become our own authority, our own god. Then you need to ask yourself, what good do my beliefs bring for other people? The Bible transforms people into better people, good people who bring good things to this world.
The failure of some who claim to be Christians is often used to justify not believing or accepting the Bible is Truth. Is there truth elsewhere? It seems not. The ‘elsewhere’ seems to have made truth a personal decision. You have your truth, I have mine. Truth is no longer an absolute thing. Truth has become bendable, modelled into whatever shape suits. This can result in confusion, anxiety and illness. I heard of a young woman in desperate mental anguish who visited a counsellor. She cried out, “There is no truth!.” It was reasonable to ask her, “Is that true?” In a world where truth, reliability and trust and in short supply are any of us qualified to question the truth of the Bible? Surely, we should approach such an ancient and well-tried book with integrity and respect.
Psalms 119:160 NIV All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
The Bible claims for itself that it is the communication from the Creator of all things to a ‘world’ that has rebelled against Him. It describes this rebellion, and it offers a way back to God. It is a combination of histories, prophecies, poems, and letters that give a gradual unfolding of God’s purposes, and which culminates in the appearance on Earth of God’s Son, Jesus the Messiah.
Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, (2) but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Hans Christian Anderson wrote many stories, like ‘The Ugly Duckling’. We do not accuse the author of telling lies. We understand that the story is intended to convey an important truth. David McCasland wrote a biography about the great athlete and missionary Eric Liddell. Do we dismiss the book as lies because it tells only some of Liddell’s life? James D. Watson wrote a scientific book entitled, “The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA”. Do we dismiss this book as nonsense because it is hard to understand? I could go on but have made my point, I think. It is not safe to discount things on the basis of personal, uninformed opinion.
The question, “Is the Bible true?” ought to be broken down into more specific questions, like, “Can the Bible do what it claims it can do?” “Is the Bible God’s Word?” “Did Jesus Christ really rise from death?” On the other hand I might ask you. “Do you truly want the answers?”
It is OK to ask questions. It is dubious to ask questions simply to hide behind them and avoid the decision that God presents to everyone.
Mark 1:15 NIV “The time has come,” he [Jesus] said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
I intend to show, in this book, the truth that supports this challenge. I offer you the opportunity to pursue and discover the truth with me. The Bible will be my reference book, Jesus Christ will be my focus, and truth, nothing but the truth will always be my aim.