The Bible is a coherent and reliable book

"He who has examined these proofs will put his life on this fact: God himself is the truth." John 3:33

There is both external and internal evidence of the veracity of the Bible.

But this book may be true, it is not very useful if you let it sleep on a shelf.

Among the external evidence is the number of copies made of it around the time of its writing. This is one of the criteria used by historians to judge the authenticity of a book and to ensure that no mistakes have been made in its transmission from generation to generation. There are more than 5,366 Bible manuscripts dating back to less than 70 years after its completion.

The external evidence is also archaeological. Historians have long claimed that the Hittites, a tribe mentioned in the Old Testament, did not exist. A hundred years ago, an archaeologist by the name of Hugo Wrinkler discovered 10,000 clay tablets on the site of the former capital of the Hittite Empire. The existence of the Hittites is now attested by history.

There is also internal evidence of the veracity of the Bible, such as eyewitness accounts. If I receive second or third hand information, I have reason to doubt it. But if it is reported to me by an eyewitness, I can trust that things have happened as he describes them to me. In court, if a prosecutor has the testimony of two or three eyewitnesses, he is likely to win his case.

The Bible contains many accounts of eyewitnesses. Moses was present when the waters of the Red Sea separated. Joshua witnessed the fall of the wall of Jericho. The disciples saw the risen Jesus in the upper room.

The Bible is also remarkable for its consistency. It was written over a period of more than 1,500 years, on three continents and by over forty authors - men as diverse as kings, shepherds, fishermen and tax collectors. And yet she tells a single story from the first to the last page : that of the love of God for man and the salvation of Jesus Christ who came to earth. This unity is an irrefutable proof of the divine origin of these writings.

But this book may be true, it is not very useful if you let it sleep on a shelf. To have an impact on your life, you have to open it and read it. It is written in John 3:33 : "He who has examined these proofs will put his life on this fact: God himself is the truth."

Action for Today

Are you asking questions about the Bible ? What can you do today to try to find answers ? Where do you usually store your Bible on returning from worship or biblical study ? Do you think that simply placing it in a different location would help you to open it more often ?

Rick Warren

Source (The Thought of the Day)