Scientific Accuracy

Evidences for the Inspiration of the Bible: Scientific Accuracy

One of the amazing things about the Bible is its scientific accuracy and foreknowledge. The Bible is not a science textbook (that is not its purpose), but what it says concerning scientific matters is accurate – not only accurate, but far ahead of its time.

The Bible speaks of things that were unknown and undiscovered by man at the time the Bible was written.  When we consider some of the things written in the Bible that man did not know through his own discovery until hundreds or even thousands of years had passed, we draw the conclusion that mere man did not – could not! – write the Bible of his own knowledge.  This kind of foreknowledge demands an intelligence and wisdom that is higher and greater than man.

The Bible has never been proven wrong regarding scientific, archeological, or historical matters.  In fact, some “experts” in these fields have over the years questioned the accuracy of the Bible, only to discover, ultimately, that the Bible was true and correct after all.  Of course, that is no surprise to the Bible believer, and merely confirms the truthfulness of the Bible.  We don’t need science, archeology, or history to verify our faith in the Bible; but it is nice to know none of these fields can undermine that faith!

Consider some examples of the scientific foreknowledge of Scripture:

1. JOB 26:7: This verse speaks of “the north over the empty place,” an obvious reference to the intergalactic space stretching over and above the north pole (not seen by anyone’s naked eye when Job, the oldest book in the Bible, was written), and God having done this: “hangeth the earth on nothing.” Of course we know today that the earth is not sitting on some giant platform, nor suspended by gigantic cables or wires, as some ancients supposed; we know the earth floats freely upon nothing. But nobody living when the book of Job was written knew that.
2. JOB 38:16: This verse speaks of “springs of the sea” and the “search [recesses; trenches] of the depth.” But not until the 19th and into the 20th centuries did man, through natural means, learn about these great springs of fresh water flowing into the seas, and the great trenches, some many miles long, on the ocean floor. For centuries man supposed the ocean to be shallow and flat. Not so.
3. PSALM 8:8 speaks of the “paths of the sea.” Matthew Maury, seaman and scientist, in the mid-19th century discovered these sea paths, and in fact cited this passage in the book of Psalms as his motivation for even searching for such! His work earned him the title “pathfinder of the seas.” He was an extraordinary scientist, and firm Bible believer.
4. ISAIAH 40:22 speaks of God as the One “that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.” Of course we know today that the earth is spherical. But in the days of Isaiah, a book written some six hundred years before Christ, nobody knew that; man did not “discover” that the earth was round until relatively modern times; man, through his own supposition, imagined the earth to be flat with a literal “falling off” place. Such notions today seem ridiculous; but the earth being a circle must have sounded ridiculous when Isaiah was written!
5. ECCLESIASTES 1:6 tells us about cycles of the wind, which modern meteorology confirms, and today we hear daily about “jet streams.”
6. NUMBERS 19:7–22: God gave some very specific instructions to the ancient Israelites concerning purifying, cleanness, and uncleanness that, from a human perspective, made no sense at all in their day. But in our day, we understand the reasons for these instructions, having learned through scientific investigation and discovery: God was protecting His people from the spread of infectious disease by defilement. We admonish our children to wash their hands; yet a little more than a hundred years ago, doctors would perform surgeries without gloves, without sterilized instruments, and without hand washing, literally moving from one patient to another with bloodied hands and tools, and often more patients died from infection than from wounds. Yet, here is the Bible giving some simple instructions that protected ancient Israelites without their even being aware of it. Today, we know of bacteria and germs and disease, and things to do to prevent their spread, like washing and antiseptics. Yet no scientist or physician in Moses’ day, when these instructions were given, knew these things. Why the explicit warnings, then? Because the instructions were given by a wisdom and intelligence higher and greater than man.
7. LEVITICUS 13:45–46: Here the Bible gives instruction that would prevent the spread of leprosy, an incredibly contagious, dangerous, and ultimately fatal disease in Biblical times that could become epidemic when Biblical instructions were not followed. But as in the above point, no one in the time the Bible was written knew the reasons for disease spreading or why epidemic plagues came. Yet the Bible warns about it. Just a good guess, or a superior intelligence giving the instruction? There have been many ages in the history of mankind, often centuries after the Bible was written, when disastrous plagues claiming thousands of lives could have been avoided had people but followed Biblical injunctions.
8. LEVITICUS 17:11 tells us “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” We know that today. But in earlier days, the practice of “blood letting” for those who were sick was a common practice, and often, unfortunately, resulted in the death of the patient. One ill was thought to have “bad humours,” and “bleeding” a patient was thought to be of help; we know now that it often hastened death, instead. Modern physicians speculate that our first president, George Washington, probably died as a result of “bleeding” by his physicians, and most likely would have recovered if not for the “medical treatment” he received.
9. ACTS 17:26 speaks of God having “made of one blood all nations of men for the dwell on all the face of the earth.” We know today that race and skin color have nothing to do with blood type, and, in fact, compatible blood types are interchangeable among and between different races of man. Nobody knew that when Acts was written, except the Author of the book who had access to knowledge greater than what mere man had discovered.

These and other examples we could cite demonstrate that from a naturalistic standpoint, there is no way the Bible could have been written by a mere man, for the Bible foretells things about which man did not know for thousands of years after they were recorded. The Bible demands an intelligence and wisdom that is far superior to man’s naturalistic learning. Though the Bible doesn’t profess to be a textbook on biology, anatomy, physical chemistry, or other natural or medical sciences, what the Bible says concerning these matters is overwhelmingly advanced.

Never worry about the Bible being outdated, outmoded, or antiquated; man has demonstrated that he has had a difficult time keeping up with this Book which far surpasses and exceeds human wisdom and knowledge!

Remember: the Bible is always right!

By John M. Brown

Christian Evidences: Is Jesus the Son of God?

Introduction:

Are the “founders” of all world religions basically the same–– Jesus, Mohammed, Confucius, Buddha, and others? The answer is, No.

Actually, New Testament Christianity makes claims for and about Jesus Christ that are completely different from any other world religion: Christianity affirms that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God, God in the flesh when He walked among men! No other religion asserts that about its founder.

In Matthew 22:42 Jesus asked, “What think ye of Christ? Whose son is He?” Well, what do you say?

Christianity says Jesus is God’s Son.

What is the evidence?

Consider the New Testament, which is, among other things, a historical record.

1. THE CLAIMS OF JESUS. Jesus plainly claimed to be the Son of God (Matthew 16:15–17; Mark 14:61–62; John 3:16; 9:35–37). In making such a claim, Jesus would have to be liar, lunatic, or truly Lord indeed!

The Bible records God the Father affirming the same thing (Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Hebrews 1:5). Jesus claimed equality with God (John 5:17–18, 23–24; 8:19, 23–24, 58; 10:30–33; 14:1, 7–11). If Jesus is not the Son of God, then who is He? If He was only a man, what motivated Him to assert otherwise? His claims brought Him hatred, misunderstanding, persecution, torture, and death. With no political aspirations and neither fame nor fortune, He forsook all, denying Himself in order to do God’s will, and it cost Him His life. Jesus’ suffering is inexplicable apart from His claims.

2. THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS. Jesus’ followers claimed He was the Son of God (see John 1:49; Matthew 14:33; John 20:28; Acts 8:37; Acts 3:13, 26; 9:20; Romans 1:3–4; 8:3, 29, 32; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 15:28; 2 Corinthians 1:19; Galatians 1:16; 2:20; 4:4–7; Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 4:14; 1 John 1:3, 7; 2:22–24; Revelation 2:18). The term “Son of God” applied to Jesus appears all throughout the New Testament.

What motivated His followers? For several centuries, Jesus’ followers met hatred, oppression, and martyrdom for their profession. Why would His followers concoct a lie, suffer for the lie, go to prison for the lie, and die for the lie, if they knew their claims were untrue?

3. THE MIRACLES OF JESUS. No one in Jesus’ day denied He did miracles (John 3:2; 9:16, 31–33; Matthew 9:32–34; 12:24), as He demonstrated power of defilement, disease, demons, the deep, death, and nature itself.

Eyewitnesses saw His miracles, and history has recorded their testimony. And Jesus’ miracles verify His identity (John 20:30–31; Acts 2:22–24, 36; Acts 10:38).

4. THE PROPHECIES OF JESUS. Jesus fulfilled prophecies concerning the Messiah, the Son of God, in exact detail in His birth, life, teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection (see John 5:39; Luke 24:25–27, 44; Isaiah 53:7–8, with Acts 8:30–35).

No other religious leader can lay claim to the fulfillment of prophecy: false Christs, messiahs, and charlatans have arisen making many claims––but none can substantiate their claims as can Jesus!

5. THE LIFE OF JESUS. Jesus’ life was characterized by unusual compassion, wisdom, benevolence, purity, and devotion. Unlike any other, of His life no fault could be found (see John 18:38; 19:4, 6; Luke 23:13–16). His friends knew this (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22), as did His adversaries (Mark 14:55–56). His life was characterized by complete devotion to the will of God (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; Matthew 26:39).

Of Jesus only is the claim made of complete sinlessness (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15).

6. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. Jesus taught with a wisdom, insight, and understanding unsurpassed in His day, and ours too (Matthew 7:28–29; Luke 4:15, 32; John 7:45–46). His teachings, though old, are just as relevant today as when they were spoken.

How do we explain His amazing wisdom if He was “only a man”?

7. THE DEATH OF JESUS. Jesus’ death can be understood and explained only by His mission: to take away sins! Jesus predicted His death (Matthew 16:21; John 6:70–71; 13:21–22, 26) and amazing miracles that accompanied it: darkness, the veil of the temple splitting, the dead arising.

The death of Jesus is a historical event, but its accomplishment and meaning can only be understood in view of His identity.

8. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS. Jesus died, but some time after His death His tomb became empty, and remains empty to this day. Why? How? The answer of the New Testament is that Jesus rose actually, literally, bodily from the dead!

Jesus had predicted His resurrection (Matthew 12:38–40; 16:21; and many other places) and the Bible records the testimony of numerous eye witnesses, more than five hundred of them, who saw Jesus alive after His death.

If Jesus really, actually, bodily, literally rose from the dead, then He is the Son of God!

9. THE INFLUENCE OF JESUS. Has anyone influenced our world like Jesus of Nazareth? He never wrote a book, composed a song, built a sanctuary or a hospital, or raised an army, yet entire continents for centuries have been influenced by His life and work. No politician, teacher, or religious leader has affected as many lives as Jesus. His name stands above every name, and His teachings have transformed individuals, towns, cities, and nations! His amazing influence is testimony of an amazing identity.

10. THE CONSEQUENCE. If Jesus is not the Son of God, then the entire Old Testament is impugned, the New Testament is false, the whole system of Christianity is a mere human philosophy built upon fabrication, founded by an impostor, and perpetuated by fraudulent liars––there is no Savior, no salvation, and no hope of resurrection or life beyond.

But if Jesus is the Son of God, then He is Lord of all and must be obeyed. He only can make atonement for sin, save our souls, and provide life, hope, peace, joy, and fulfillment.

Now, what do you think of Christ––Who is He? Weigh your answer carefully.

By John Brown

Evidence the Bible is the Word of God, Part 2

Indirect Evidence for the Bible’s Inspiration

We have considered some “direct” evidence of the Bible being God’s Word; let us now consider some “indirect” evidence––evidence that, though secondary, still indicates that the Bible was written by inspiration of God.

1. THE EVIDENCE OF FULFILLED PROPHECY. Prophecy is the writing of history before it happens, and the Bible, unique among all “religious books” in our world, is filled with prophecy. With daring boldness, the Bible tells what would happen to individuals, cities, and nations, hundreds––even thousands––of years before those events happened. A study of Bible prophecy leads to the unavoidable question, “Who could have written such a book?”

The prophecies concerning Jesus alone––dozens and dozens of them, and fulfilled in exact, specific detail in Jesus’ life and actions––should prove to any reasonable, honest person that the writing of the Bible requires a foresight higher and greater than mortal man.

2. THE EVIDENCE OF SCIENTIFIC ACCURACY. While the Bible is not a science textbook (that is not its scope or purpose), what it says concerning scientific matters is accurate; in fact, in instance after instance, the Bible proves itself ahead of its time. It records many scientific truths hundreds of years before man, in his intellectual quest, discovered or proved them. Consider some examples:

a. The Bible says the earth is suspended in space (Job 26:7);
b. The Bible declares the earth to be round (Isaiah 40:2; Luke 17:26);
c. The Bible teaches all nations of men are of “one blood” (Acts 17:26);
d. The Bible asserts that “life” is “in the blood” (Leviticus 17:10–16);
e. The Bible announces the process of rain, evaporation and condensation (Ecclesiastes 1:2-7).

These and many other examples are, again, evidences of the Bible as a product of wisdom and intelligence higher and greater than man.

3. THE EVIDENCE OF MORAL TEACHING AND INFLUENCE. The Bible has lifted the moral standing of man among all peoples and nations where its influence has gone. And its influence on this world has been phenomenal!

The Bible has made better husbands, wives, children, neighbors, citizens––these have been produced where the Bible has been taught and practiced. Has any book influenced this world like the Bible? No one has been made worse by truly following its teachings; but millions have been lifted from misery, despair, hopelessness, greed, and hatred.

What other book has turned a hovel into a home, alcohol into shoes, drugs into groceries, or thieves into laborers, and liars into honest men? This is the amazing power of the Bible. What other book can wrest a human soul from the brink destruction and transport it into the bliss of hope? The Bible humbles the proud, enriches the poor, turns the hater into a lover of men.

4. THE EVIDENCE OF INDESTRUCTIBILITY. The Bible has been in existence for thousands of years, yet has never become obsolete––it is still read, used, studied, taught, practiced, and loved. No book has stood the test of time like the Bible. Critics have poured over the Bible in microscopic detail in efforts to destroy it, but still it stands. No other book has survived the centuries unaltered as has the Bible, and the very fact of its existence is an evidence of its divinity. It has survived empires, kingdoms, wars, dark ages, renaissance, modernism, and skepticism.

The Bible cannot be destroyed (read Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:24–25). Indeed, there is one thing upon which death and decay cannot lay its rotting finger: the living, penetrating, and incorruptible Word of God.

5. THE EVIDENCE OF THE WONDER OF THE BIBLE. Consider the wonder of its formation and unity (written by different people in different cultures and times, yet coming together to form one theme––a library of 66 books, yet one Book and one Author!). Consider the wonder of its age (it is the most ancient of books, yet always fresh and relevant) or the wonder of its interest (read and loved by all classes of man). Consider the wonder of its language (largely written by uneducated men, yet a literary masterpiece!).

The Bible is unique among all the literature of the world

6. THE EVIDENCE OF ITS EXISTENCE. That the Bible exists, no one, obviously, can deny. So we ask: how did it get here, and who wrote it? If God is not its author, then who is? Anyone denying the authorship of God must explain the existence of the Bible by some other means.

The evidences of Scripture point to an authorship superior to man, and the testimony of the Bible itself states that authorship is God.

Conclusion:

We invite all to examine the Bible––to examine its claims, its evidences, and its inspiration––and we’re convinced you’ll be driven to the conclusion that it is indeed the living Word of the living God.

By John M. Brown

Luke

There are four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – which give us four unique accounts of the life, teaching, deeds, and demands of Jesus.

Why four? Why not just one?

The Bible teaches a principle that any matter would be established by two or three witnesses (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:15; Matthew 18:16). In the case of Jesus and His identity, there are four testimonies.

Also, though each of the gospels set forth the same truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, it is obvious in reading that each was written to a different culture or people. Different audiences requiring different emphases require different approaches. Though the authors all set forth the same fundamental truth, they did so with respect toward those to whom they wrote. Thus, the four gospels complement each other perfectly. Matthew writes to a Jewish audience to show that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel; Mark writes to a Roman audience and shows Jesus as the suffering servant who is the powerful Son of God; John writes that all may believe Jesus is God’s Son (John 20:30-31).

Now consider THE GOSPEL OF LUKE.

The third gospel was written to Greeks by the physician Luke (Colossians 4:14), who also wrote the book of Acts (compare Luke 1:1-4 with Acts 1:1-2). Luke is an exceedingly historical book. He writes of things “most surely believed” among Christians, that which was confirmed by “eyewitnesses,” and with a purpose that we might know “the certainty of those things” concerning Jesus. Luke demonstrates that Christianity is based on reliable, accurate, certain, definitive facts. Luke shows how God entered into the course of human history to give His Son for the lost among men.

Luke shows us the Son of God who is also the Son of man. Jesus, the one who came to redeem all men, is the compassionate One – sympathetic toward and concerned about Jews and Gentiles, men and women, young and old, pagans and publicans, the respectable rich and the pitiful poor. Luke’s portrait is of a universal Savior!

Luke’s audience––the Greeks––emphasized wisdom and beauty, and so Luke shows us a picture of Jesus as the very ideal of wisdom and beauty. Luke shows Jesus as the perfect man, as the ideal man! Consider the following brief outline of the book:

1. JESUS THE PERFECT (IDEAL) MAN IN RELATIONSHIP, Luke 1:1 – 4:13

Jesus came into the world as its Savior, and grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially (Luke 1:30-33; 2:10-14; 2:52).

1. JESUS THE PERFECT (IDEAL) MAN IN AUTHORITY & COMPASSION, Luke 4:14 – 9:50

Jesus demonstrated His power in miracles, exercising authority over demons, disease, defilement, and even the mighty forces of nature, and showed His compassion toward His disciples, the infirm, doubters, and the bereaved.

1. JESUS THE PERFECT (IDEAL) MAN IN MESSAGE, Luke 9:51 – 19:28

Jesus taught with perfect wisdom, in parables and instruction, and discoursed concerning such subjects as prayer, hypocrisy, covetousness, faithfulness, repentance, the kingdom, forgiveness, and gratitude.

1. JESUS THE PERFECT (IDEAL) MAN IN PROVISION, Luke 19:29 – 24:53

Jesus made perfect provision – provision for the sins of all mankind. He provides salvation, and we see the preparation for that as He prays in the garden, is arrested and beaten, tried and crucified, and then ultimately risen and ascended!

Read and contemplate some examples of Jesus’ compassion and provision as He teaches about the Lost Sheep (15:1-10), the prodigal son (15:11-24), Zaccheus (19:1-10), and a repentant thief (23:39-43).

Luke shows us that this universal, compassionate offer of salvation is made possible only by and through Jesus, the Son of God who is also the perfect Son of man.

By John Brown

Inspired Evidence

INTRODUCTION

There are many religious books in the world—all religions have a book or “sacred” writings which guide them, and upon which they rely.

Then there is the Bible.

The Bible is here, and it has been here for literally thousands of years. That it is an ancient and highly regarded book, no one can deny.  But is it written by intelligence higher and greater than man?  How did the Bible get here? How did it come to be?  That is the question at issue. Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, that it is a revelation of the mind and will of the Creator Himself, that it was written by inspiration of God and is, therefore, without mistake or error (inerrant and infallible).

If we begin with the premise that there is a God (see the previous study on Evidence for the Existence of God), then consider the following concerning the feasibility that God could have revealed Himself to mankind:

1.    It is possible.  If there is a God, it is, of course, possible for Him to make Himself known to man, to communicate with His creation.
2.    It is probable.  Granted the goodness and wisdom of God, if it is possible for God to reveal Himself to man, it is probable to think He would do so.
3.    It is credible.  Granted that special Divine revelation is possible and probable, it is credible to believe that such has, in fact, been given.
4.    It is necessary.  The imperfections and limitations of man’s knowledge and wisdom call for the perfect light of infallible, Divine revelation.

Consider this study in outline form:  we shall consider evidence for the inspiration of the Bible under two parts—direct evidence and indirect evidence.

DIRECT EVIDENCE FOR THE BIBLE’S INSPIRATION

A.    THE CLAIMS OF THE BIBLE ITSELF.  The Bible directly, expressly, and clearly claims to be the Word of God in numerous places (see, for example, such passages as 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:9-13).  More than 2,000 times in the Bible the claim is made that the words spoken are the words of revelation from God Himself.  Is this true, or not?  It cannot be both. If the Bible is not Scripture, then its claims are false; if the Bible is Scripture, then it demands our attention, reverence, and obedience.

B.  THE CLAIMS OF JESUS CHRIST.  Jesus believed the Scriptures to be the Word of God.
In Matthew 4, three times Jesus said, “It is written,” and quoted from the Old Testament Scripture (Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:16; 10:20).  In John 10:35, Jesus said “…and the scripture cannot be broken.”  Numerous other times, Jesus quoted from previously written Scripture and described what He quoted as the Word of God.  One cannot accept Jesus as Savior and Lord and reject what He said about the inspiration, infallibility, and authority of Scripture!  If Scripture is not the Word of God, then Jesus lied or was deceived, and one guilty of deliberate fabrication or capable of such deception cannot be Lord of all!

C.  THE CLAIMS OF CHRIST’S APOSTLES.  Christ’s apostles—those chosen men who faithfully and sacrificially followed Him, passing on His teaching to all mankind—claimed to be speaking by inspiration and revelation from God.

Consider some examples from Paul:
“But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  For I neither receive it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11-12). “If any man think himself a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37). “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Ephesians 3:3-5).

Consider some examples from Peter:
“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). Peter here is speaking about the writings of a fellow-apostle, Paul, and notice that Peter calls Paul’s writing “scripture.”

The apostles claimed to be speaking, preaching, teaching, and writing that which came by direct revelation from God, the commandments of the Lord, and that what they wrote was scripture!  This was, in fact, exactly what Jesus had promised them, that the Holy Spirit would guide them into remembrance of what Jesus said, and into all truth (John 14:25-26; 16:12-13).  Jesus and these followers either told the truth, or they did not!

D.  THE CLAIMS OF OTHERS IN THE BIBLE
Numerous times in the Bible the writers and speakers claimed to be speaking forth from God Himself.

Consider the following examples:  Moses (Exodus 20:22; 24:3-4); Joshua (Joshua 1:1); Samuel (1 Samuel 3:4-14); David (2 Samuel 23:1-2); Isaiah (Isaiah 51:16); Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:9); Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:2; 3:27); Daniel (Daniel 9:20-22); Hosea (Hosea 1:1); Joel (Joel 1:1); Amos (Amos 1:1-3); Obadiah (Obadiah 1:1); Jonah (Jonah 1:1); Micah (Micah 1:1); Nahum (Nahum 1:1); Habakkuk (Habakkuk 1:1); Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:1); Haggai (Haggai 1:3); Zechariah (Zechariah 1:1-3); Malachi (Malachi 1:1).

There was no ambiguity, confusion, or doubt from these men regarding the source of their message:  they plainly claimed that what they spoke and wrote came directly to them from God.  Were these men deceivers or deceived, or were they in fact telling the truth?

CONCLUSION TO PART 1

The evidence is clear and compelling:  the Bible directly and unequivocally claims to be a message given directly from God Himself.

If there is a God, this is no difficult matter.  If there is a God, He could easily and readily communicate His mind and will to His creation, and He could cause that message to be faithfully recorded and accurately preserved.  If there is a God, not only could He do this, we would expect Him to—we would not suppose that God would leave us uninformed concerning His will, and directionless concerning our actions.  Therefore, “Thus saith the Lord” is to be anticipated if there is a God!

One must deal with the fact that the writers of the Bible specifically stated their writings came by revelation from God.  For the believer, this is no difficulty at all.  On the other hand, if one does not believe in God, then he must explain how the Bible came to be.  If it is not from God, then who wrote it?  And if it is not from God, why did all the writers claim it was?  Were they all mistaken, or were they deliberate liars?

In our next article, we shall consider some other very powerful evidences that the Bible is from God.  Stay tuned.

By John Brown

Evidences for the Existence of God

Some think “faith” means believing something that cannot be true, or that is incredible or unreasonable; to some, “faith” means believing the unbelievable.

But not so! Christian belief is based on evidence – credible, reasonable, resolute evidence. We arrive at certain determinations because we have examined the evidence and are forced to the logical conclusion. Then, when we join that conclusion with trust, we arrive at Biblical faith: conviction and commitment.

Is there evidence for God’s existence? Yes, indeed: credible, reasonable, and ultimately conclusive evidence that points to an intelligence and wisdom higher and greater than man. Consider some evidences for the existence of God:

1. THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSE & EFFECT (the Cosmological Argument). It is a fact that everything that begins owes its existence to some producing, beginning cause. The universe exists; how did it come to be? Of necessity, the universe owes its existence to a cause equal to its production. We all know that a building demands a builder, a design demands a designer, a watch demands a watchmaker - likewise, creation demands a Creator - an Originator - and the Bible says that Creator is God (Hebrews 3:4; 11:3). Our universe points to the existence of a Divine Maker (Psalm 19:1-4).

2. ORDER IN THE UNIVERSE (the Teleological Argument). It is a fact that order and collation pervade our universe, and they demand an intelligence and purpose as the cause of that order—an intelligence to initiate the order, and a power to purpose and sustain it. The incredible complexity of the universe and all life therein is amazing, and demands an amazing Designer. For example, one could look into the sky, see an airplane, and know there is a pilot guiding and steering the plane (though the pilot can’t be seen with the naked eye). The Bible calls the intelligence that sustains all life, God (Psalm 139:3-9).

3. MAN (the Anthropological Argument). Man’s intellectual and moral nature requires an intellectual and moral Being as its author. Man is the masterpiece of God’s creative acts (Psalm 139:14). For example, a surgeon can cut into flesh, and then stitch together the open wound; but an amazing designer, God, is behind the process which enables muscles, nerves, and skin to fuse back together. The surgeon, with all his training and skill, cannot make that happen. The Bible further teaches that a holy Lawgiver and Judge is responsible for the very conscience of man (Romans 2:14-15).

4. THE NECESSARY IDEA OF GOD (the Ontological Argument). Space and time are infinite and eternal; there must be an infinite and eternal Being to whom these attributes belong, for That which is made is a reflection of its maker. God made man, man reflects God, and has knowledge of God - his Maker. Man universally has a concept (an idea) about God; that fact demands God as the cause of that concept. Man’s instinctive hunger for the spiritual is evidence of the reality of the spiritual, and his intrinsic belief and knowledge of a Higher Power, of a Supreme Being, pervades every society and culture (unless man is persuaded otherwise). The reason man instinctively seeks God, according to the Bible, is because God placed within man this intuitive knowledge of His existence (Acts 17:22-23; Psalm 42:1). Atheism is the exception, not the rule, in any society or culture.

5. BASIC MORALITY (the Moral Argument). Man is a moral being, possessing an inner sense of right and wrong, and recognition of the responsibility to do right and avoid wrong. Unless his conscience has become seared, when man violates his conscience, he is subject to guilt, shame, remorse, and fear of punishment. Where did these feelings of right, wrong, justice, injustice, or fairness, which men (even children) possess, come from? The conscience of man points to a Designer of that conscience (Ecclesiastes 7:29).

6. BIOLOGICAL (the Life Argument). It is a scientific, biological fact that life can only come from life. All life must be traced back to a life-source. From nothing can come nothing. Life is here: what is its life-source? The answer is God (Psalm 36:9; John 1:1-5; 11:25; 14:6). The idea that life - any life - could have “evolved” from absolute nothingness is not only incredible, but also factually wrong. Frankly, it requires much more “faith” to think life was regenerated from nothingness, than to believe a Supreme Life-source originated all that exists.

7. THE BIBLE (the Scriptural Argument). Perhaps you haven’t considered this, but the existence of the Bible itself is an argument for the existence of God. The Bible is here - from where did it come? A careful, or even casual, examination of the contents of the Bible demonstrate it to be a Book beyond the ability of mere man to write; the Bible demands an intelligence and wisdom, insight and foresight, that is higher and greater than man. The Bible is a witness to the existence of God, and demands Deity as its Author (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21).

8. HISTORY (the Historical Argument). Human history points to an unseen hand, exhibiting numerous illustrations and examples that behind it exists a Higher Power moving, guiding, governing, shaping, influencing, and sometimes even controlling men and nations and events. It is the hand of God! Consider the history of Israel, or the history of the early church, or any other Biblical histories, and recognize that these argue for God’s existence and that some events cannot be rationally explained without acknowledging God’s guidance (Daniel 2:20-21).

9. JESUS CHRIST (the Christological Argument). Jesus Christ is evidence for the existence of God. Jesus never doubted His Father’s existence. He called God “my Father,” fulfilled prophecies, worked miracles, taught with words unequalled in humans, and arose literally and bodily from the dead after He was crucified. Can one explain any of that without God? All that Jesus was, said, and did attests to God’s existence (1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:18; John 14:9). How could Jesus be the “Son of God” if there is no God?

10. HARMONY OF EVIDENCE (the Congruity Argument). Congruity means “agreement, correspondence, harmony.” Any of the previously listed arguments are individually powerful. But more than just that, they are in agreement with each other, and have correspondence and harmony between them as they compliment each other. So as we examine these evidences, and see them build upon one another, we consider them in totality and realize they are overwhelmingly and positively conclusive: there is a God!

True Biblical faith is arriving at the inescapable conclusion that there is a God (Romans 10:17), and then putting our trust, which includes our love and obedience, in the one true God (Hebrews 11:1, 6).

There is a God, He is alive, in Him we live, and we survive.

From dust our God created man, There is a God, the Great I AM.

By John M. Brown

Introduction to Christian Evidences

Is Christianity logical and verifiable? Is it reasonable? Is it true?

We are going to begin a series on the evidences for Christianity. The Christian religion is an historical religion based on historical facts (see, for example, Luke 2:1-5 and Luke 3:1-2, where specific historical names, places, and events are mentioned). Christianity is not the same as mythology, superstition, supposition, or mere cultural tradition. Christianity is based upon facts.

Is it right to “check things out,” to investigate, to question? Actually it is wrong not to! (see John 7:16-17; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). God wants us to be sure, to ascertain, and to know the certainty of the things recorded in the Bible. Biblical faith is based upon an acceptance of the facts the Bible states (Romans 10:17).

There are many philosophies in our land today, about which the Christian must be aware.

1. RELATIVISM: The relativist believes there is no such thing as absolute or objective truth, that “truth” in only what each individual perceives it to be.
2. AGNOSTICISM: The agnostic believes one cannot know whether there is a God or not.
3. ATHEISM: Atheists deny the existence of God. However, the atheist cannot know for sure there is no God; he must believe that. Unless one had all knowledge or could be everywhere present, he could not know there is no God somewhere. So atheism is a belief system.
4. PANTHEISM: The pantheist believes that God is in all, and all is God; that God is the world, and the material world is but an illusion; man’s true self is God. These are the views of the New Age movement, as well as certain forms of Hinduism and Zen Buddhism. (This is what many in Hollywood seem to believe.)
5. SKEPTICISM : This is the belief that all things held to be true are questionable or doubtful, that nothing can be absolutely known for sure. Thus all religious beliefs, according to this philosophy, are unsure, and nothing is certain.
6. SUBJECTIVISM: This is the belief that all knowledge is subjective and relative, not absolute or objective.
7. THEISM: This is the belief that there is one eternal God, who is a personal Being and really exists; that the world is a created reality and that absolute truth exists and can be known; and that there is a moral standard determined by the laws of the Creator to which man is subject.

Let us ask some important questions:

1. DOES THE BIBLE TEACH THERE IS SUCH A THING AS ABSOLUTE TRUTH? The answer: Yes! The Bible affirms the reality and certainty of truth (see John 14:6; Psalm 100:5; Ephesians 4:15; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3-8). There is a distinction between truth and error, right and wrong.
2. CAN TRUTH BE KNOWN? Again the answer is “Yes!” The Bible affirms that truth can be recognized, learned, known, understood, and believed (see Proverbs 22:17-21; John 8:31-32; 2 Peter 1:12).
3. WHAT CAN WE KNOW? The Bible affirms that we can know God (John 17:3), that God exists (Psalm 46:10), that our Redeemer lives (Job 19:25), that Christ’s doctrine is of God the Father (John 7:17), and many, many other things!
4. SHOULD WE HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD? Again the Bible affirms, “Yes!” We can and should, in fact, we must, have knowledge of the things of God (see Habakkuk 2:14; Ephesians 4:17-18; 2 Peter 3:18). In many places in the Bible, “know” and “believe” are used together (see John 8:24, 28; John 10:37-38; John 17:21-23).

“Faith” is “belief.” But why do we believe what we believe? The only correct reason for believing what we do is because it is true!

Christianity is based on the testimony of eyewitnesses (see Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3; and many other passages). Apologetics is the field of study that means to make a defense. It is right, and it is required, that we make a proper defense of the things which we believe. The Bible tells us to “prove” (that is, to test, to examine, to scrutinize, to approve as right and worthy) in such passages as 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4:1.

Faith, as used in the Bible, is our confidence regarding what we hold to be true, and what we hold to be true is based on evidence (Hebrews 11:1). Thus faith is the assurance we have concerning that for which we hope, and the proof we have concerning that which is not seen with the naked eye. Faith is not a “leap in the dark” (as it has sometimes been described), but rather, faith is a step into the light; it is our conviction based on overwhelming evidence regarding what is true. Something is not true because we believe it; we believe it because we have assurance it is true!

We invite all to examine the evidence for Christianity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to express concerns. The purpose of this column will be to answer questions and give assurance. Christianity can be examined, tested, and verified – of this we are certain. There are many Bible verses cited above, and these are recorded so that you may look into the Bible and check for yourself what it says.

In the columns that will follow we will be looking at such questions as: Is there a God? Is the Bible really God’s Word? Is Jesus the Son of God? Is Jesus the only way of salvation? Are the things the Bible says about Jesus really true, and did they happen (like the virgin birth, His death for sin, His resurrection from the dead)? What is God like? What about heaven and hell?

Faith never has anything to fear from honest investigation. Indeed, the deeper you look into the evidences for Christianity, the stronger will be your faith. If you have questions, please ask. We will address your questions, your interests, and your concerns. If you are an unbeliever, all we ask is that you keep an open mind. Give us an opportunity to explain the Christian faith.

Our faith gives meaning, purpose, and direction to live. We invite everyone to come with us on this journey as we explore the reasons of belief.

By John M. Brown