It's Inspiration and Reliability
by Ross Chenault
The Bible is a unique book. It is the most influential book in the history of mankind. It is the most published, the most translated and the most quoted book in history. The Scriptures claim to be given by the inspiration of God, or “God-Breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). The writers of the Bible “spoke from God” as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). For this reason, it is often referred to as the word of God.
The Bible is not one book, but 66 different books, written over a 1600 year period by over 40 different authors, in three different languages on three continents. These authors included kings, priests, fishermen, shepherds, politicians, prophets, scribes, poets, and more.
The Bible deals with many controversial subjects, yet it is still perfect in unity and harmony. It is the story of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. The Bible answers the deepest questions in life, including questions about death, eternity, and man’s purpose.
Isaiah 40:8- The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
Luke 21:33- Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will be no means pass away.
When the Bible says it was “God-Breathed”, this means that God personally guided the writers of the Bible to write down His words and thoughts—revealing His will and divine character. The Scriptures express the very thoughts of God. He did not merely dictate to the writers, but cooperated with their various personalities, vocabularies and literary styles.
2 Timothy 3:16- All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Acts 1:16- Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David.
2 Peter 1:21- For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
The Old and New Testaments
The Old Testament contains God’s Law. The Law shows us our sin, (what we should and should not do), and the consequences of God’s judgment. As stated in Deuteronomy 27:26, “Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of the law by carrying them out.”
The New Testament contains the Gospel, or “good news” of salvation. It reveals the rewards of turning from sin, and receiving God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 For the Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
There are hundreds of references from the Old Testament that are quoted in the New Testament. The unity of the two Testaments of the Bible has been stressed by Christian scholars. Jesus Christ was clearly the unifying theme. St. Augustine said the following:
“The New Testament is veiled in the Old Testament, and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New Testament.”
Others have said this in slightly different ways:
“The New is in the Old concealed, and the Old is in the New revealed.” “The New is in the Old contained, the Old is in the New explained.”
“Christ is enfolded in the Old Testament but unfolded in the New.”
Before the time of Christ, believers looked forward in expectation. Today believers can see the realization of God’s plan in Jesus Christ.1
Fulfilled Prophecy
The Bible is full of prophecies where God informs us of future events. These prophecies cover a variety of subjects. Many have already been fulfilled, and many are yet to be fulfilled. The fact that not even one of these prophecies has ever been proven false demonstrates the remarkable inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The most noteworthy prophecies concern the coming of Jesus Christ as our Savior to redeem us from our sin.
Isaiah 46:9,10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.
2 Peter 1:19- We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
1 Peter 1:10,11- Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
Romans 1:2 The Gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding His Son, who as to His human nature was a descendant of David.
There are 48 major Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah which are fulfilled in Christ. Each prophecy was written many hundreds of years before they were fulfilled. Following are 20 of these prophecies.:
Prophecies of Christ
Old Testament Prophecy Fulfillment in Christ
1. Genesis 3:15 Born of the seed of a woman Galatians 4:4
2. Genesis 49:10 Of the tribe of Judah Luke 3:32-33
3. Isaiah 7:14 Born of a virgin Luke 1:26-27, 30-31
4. Micah 5:2 Born in Bethlehem Luke 2:4-7
5. Hosea 11:1 Flight to Egypt Matt. 2:14-15
6. Isaiah 53:3 Rejected by his own John 1:11
7. Psalm 41:9 Betrayed by a friend Luke 22:47-48
8. Zech. 11:12,13 Sold for 30 pieces of silver Matt. 26:15, 27:5-7
9. Isaiah 53:7 Silent to accusations Mark 15:27,28
10. Psalm 35:19 Hated without reason John 15:24,25
11. Isaiah 53:12 Crucified with transgressors Mark 15:27,28
12. Zech. 12:10 Hands pierced John 20:27
13. Psalm 22:7,8 Scorned and mocked Luke 23:35
14. Psalm 69:21 Given vinegar and gall Matt. 27:34
15. Psalm 109:4 Prayer for His enemies Luke 23:34
16. Psalm 22:18 Soldiers gambled for his coat Matt. 27:35
17. Psalm 34:20 No bones broken John 19:32,33, 36
18. Zech. 12:10 Side pierced John 19:34
19. Isaiah 53:9 Buried with the rich Matt. 27:57-60
20. Ps. 16:10; 49:15 Would rise from the dead Mark 16:6-7
* Adapted from H. Wayne House, Charts of Theology and Doctrine 2
These Messianic prophecies demonstrate a knowledge of the future that is too specific to be labeled a coincidence. God has given us sufficient evidence of His existence and of the divine inspiration of the Bible by means of fulfilled prophecy.3
The Books of the Bible
Jesus Himself, and the writers of the New Testament, both witness to the Old Testament canon. Jesus confirmed the Old Testament’s authority many times in His teaching, and He promised an authoritative New Testament through His disciples.4 The word canon comes from the Greek and Hebrew words meaning a “measuring rod,” or “standard.” Applying the word canon to Scripture signifies the recognition of the books or writings which are inspired by God, and therefore included in the canon, or books of the Bible.
Luke 24:44,45- “…All things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”
John 14:25,26- “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
John 17:20- “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”
2 Peter 3:15,16- Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which some things are hard to understand, which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the Rest of the Scriptures.
Divine Earmarks for Books of the Bible
Careful guidelines were used by councils of rabbis and early Church leaders. The books of the Bible were collected, arranged and recognized as inspired Scripture in accordance with these guidelines.5
By the time of Jesus and the apostles the thirty nine Old Testament books were firmly established and accepted by Jewish leaders as inspired by God. The twenty seven books of the New Testament were recognized through early Church councils as being inspired by God. The words of Jesus and the writings of the apostles were recognized as having authority of divine inspiration equaling that of the Old Testament Scriptures.6
It is important to note that it is God who determines which books were to be included in the Bible. Man merely discovered or recognized which writings were inspired by God. In their book, From God to Us: How We Got Our Bible, Norman Geisler and William Nix made the following observation:
“It is the inspiration of a book which determines its canonicity. God gives the divine authority to a book and men of God receive it. God reveals and His people recognize what He reveals. Canonicity is determined by God and discovered by man.”7
False books and writings were a threat to the believing community. This made it necessary for the people of God to carefully review which books and writings were from God. In fulfilling this role they had to look for certain earmarks of divine authority.
Several questions had to be asked, such as: How would one recognize an inspired book if he saw it? What are the characteristics, which distinguish a divine declaration from a purely human one? Several criteria were involved in this recognition process.8
The guidelines used in accepting or rejecting books to be included in the canon of Scripture were as follows:
1.Is it authoritative—does it claim to be of God? 2.Is it prophetic—was it written by a servant of God? 3.Is it authentic—telling the truth about God, men, etc? 4.Is the book dynamic—does it possess the life-transforming power of God? 5.Is it received or accepted by the people of God for whom it was originally written—is it recognized as being from God?9
Josh McDowell made the following comment about the process the early Church used to form the canon of Scripture:
“Skeptics often charge: How can Christians believe to be the Word of God twenty-seven books designated as Scripture by fallible men at a fourth-century council? But this question presents a distorted view of the New Testament canon. Long before councils were ever convened, Christians, especially local church elders, were constantly collecting, evaluating and deciding which of the many writings of their day carried the authority of the apostles… Thus as Donald Guthrie puts it, “Te content of the canon was determined by general usage, not by authoritarian pronouncement".
Christians today can be thankful that the final formation of the New Testament canon was such a long and difficult process. The close scrutiny to which the New Testament books were subjected before being universally accepted as authentic should give readers today increased confidence in the reliability of these books and the things which they report and teach.”10
Reliability of Bible Manuscripts
Old and New Testament documents have been subjected to the same standard test of reliability used for other historical literature. These tests are commonly known as the Internal, External and Bibliographical tests of evidence. If one will judge the New Testament documents with the same tests or standards applied to any one of the Greek classics, the evidence overwhelmingly favors the New Testament.11
Internal Evidence (Eyewitness Testimonies)
The internal test asks whether the document itself claims to be actual history written by eyewitnesses.12 The evidence points out that the New Testament was written within the lifetime of contemporaries of Christ. People were still alive who could remember the things He said and did.13
2 Peter 1:16- For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were EYEWITNESSES of His majesty.
1 John 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning… which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you… that which we have seen and hear.
Acts 2:22- “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know.”
Luke 1:1-4- "Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which are most surely believed among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us."
There is no doubt the Scriptures were written by eyewitnesses, such as the apostle Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke, and also the book of Acts. Noted archaeologist Sir William Ramsay devoted many years to the archaeology of Asia Minor. He testifies to Luke’s intimate and accurate acquaintance with Asia Minor and Greece at the time of his writings.14 Ramsay made the following statements concerning the accuracy of the writings of Luke:
“Luke’s history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness… Luke is a historian of the first rank… this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians.”15
External Evidence (Archaeology and Early Church Fathers)
The external test asks whether material external to the document (in this case, archaeology or the writings of the early Church fathers) confirms the reliability of the document.16
Researchers and archaeologists are constantly making new discoveries that confirm the historical accuracy of the Bible. So far, the finding of archaeology have verified, and in no case disputed, historical points of the biblical record.17
In the past century, archaeology has confirmed hundreds of specific statements in the Old Testament that historians previously doubted because they knew of no supporting evidence in other historical literature.18
One example is the skepticism of some anti-biblical scholars concerning the Hittite civilization mentioned in the Old Testament. For hundreds of years these scholars were skeptical of the existence of the Hittites, but in the past 100 years archaeology has proved the “Hittites not only existed but had a vast empire.”19 Today, the University of Chicago offers a PhD in Hittite Studies.
Another example are the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were considered by some to by mythological for many years, until they were found to be mentioned in archaeological excavations. While thousands of archaeological discoveries have confirmed the Bible, not a single one has ever dis-confirmed it.”20
In terms of early Church fathers, virtually the entire New Testament could be reproduced by the writings of early Church fathers. There are over 36,000 citations of early Church fathers, who wrote within 200 years of the apostles. From these citations, all but eleven verses of the New Testament could be reproduced.
Bibliographical Evidence (Manuscript Copies)
The bibliographical test seeks to determine how many manuscript copies we have of the document, and how far removed they are in time from the originals.21 A manuscript is a handwritten copy of the Bible.
The scribes who wrote the Old Testament were very meticulous in their copying of Old Testament books. Since they believed they were copying the very words of God, they went to incredible lengths to prevent error in their copying.
“The whole process of recopying the Bible was controlled by strict religious rituals. The scribes carefully counted every line, word, syllable, and letter to ensure accuracy. As a result of their diligence, the Old Testament in our Bible today is virtually identical to the autographs (handwritten originals). Bible scholars have demonstrated this by comparing ancient copies of the Bible with more recent copies.”22
There is more evidence for the reliability of the text of the New Testament as an accurate reflection of what was initially written, than there is for any ten pieces of classical literature put together.”23 The number of available manuscripts of the New Testament is much greater than any other writings of ancient literature. The earliest existing copies of the New Testament were written much closer to the date of the originals than is the case in almost any other document from ancient literature. The following information reveals this fact:24
Author Written Earliest Copies Time Span No. of Copies
Caesar 100-44 B.C. A.D. 900 1,000 yrs. 10
Plato (Tetralogies) 427-347 B.C. A.D. 900 1,200 yrs. 7
Thucydides 460-400 B.C. A.D. 1,000 1,300 yrs. 8 Sophocles 496-406 B.C. A.D. 1,550 1,400 yrs. 100
Catullus 54 B.C. A.D. 1,550 1,600 yrs. 3 Euripides 480-406 B.C. A.D. 1,110 1,500 yrs. 9
Aristotle 384-406 B.C. A.D. 1,100 1,400 yrs. 5
Although no other ancient document even comes close to the New Testament, there are more copies of Homer’s Iliad than any other ancient book. There are 643 existing copies of the Iliad with a 500 year time span between the time it was written, and the earliest copy.
Over 24,000 handwritten copies of the New Testament exist, (including early copies in Latin and other languages). One fragment of the Gospel of John is dated at 125 A.D.—some 35 years from the time it was written, estimated at 90 A.D.
Author- Written Earliest Copies Time Span Copies
Homer 900 B.C. 400 B.C. 500 Years 643
New Testament 45-90 A.D. 125 A.D. 35 Years over 24,000
There are over 5,330 existing Greek manuscripts and fragments of the New Testament. Some of them are dated within 100 years of the apostles. “Most historians accept the textual accuracy of other ancient works on far less adequate manuscript grounds than is available for the New Testament.”25 Sir Frederic Kenyon, a world renown scholar of the ancient manuscripts, made this statement concerning the New Testament documents:
“The interval then, between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant [existing] evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, [not significant, or worth considering] and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established.”26
If we believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, the job of establishing the accuracy of the text is very important. If historical references in the Bible were not true, then questions of the reliability of other parts of the Bible which are based on historical events would be in question.27
However, if the Bible is truthful in areas where investigation can be applied, it is legitimate to believe that, in the area of religious truth, the Bible is equally reliable.”28 A person who is sincerely looking for the truth should consider a book that has such unique qualifications. They should read the one book that has drawn more attention than any other.29
“Intellectual defenses of the Bible have their place; but after all, the best argument is the practical one. The Bible has worked. It has influenced civilization, transformed lives, brought light, inspiration and comfort to millions. And its work continues.” —Myer Pearlman
Hammers and Anvil
I paused last eve beside the blacksmith’s door, And heard the anvil ring, the vesper’s chime, And looking in I saw upon the floor Old Hammers, worn with beating years of time. “How many anvils have you had?” said I, “To wear and batter all these hammers so?” “Just one,” he answered. Then with twinkling eye: “The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.” And so, I thought, the anvil of God’s Word For ages skeptics’ blows have beat upon But though the noise of falling blows was heard The anvil is unchanged; the hammers gone.30
—John Clifford
Notes
1. Norman Geisler and William Nix, From God To Us: How We Got Our Bible (Chicago: Moody Press, 1974), p. 8.
2. H. Wayne House, Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992), p. 60-61.
3. Josh McDowell & John Stewart, Answers to Tough Questions Skeptics Ask About the Christian Faith (San Bernardino: Here's Life Publishers, 1980), p. 35
4. Norman Geisler and Ron Brooks, When Skeptics Ask: A Handbook on Christian Evidences (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1990), p. 142.
5. Phillip W. Comfort, Erroll F. Rhodes & John McRay, How We Got the Bible (Torrance: Rose Publishing, 1996), chart.
6. Josh McDowell, A Ready Defense (San Bernadino: Here's Life Publishers, 1990), p. 38.
7. Norman Geisler and William Nix, From God To Us: How We Got Our Bible (Chicago: Moody Press, 1974), p. 66.
8. Ibid., p. 24.
9. Ibid.
10. Josh McDowell, A Ready Defense (San Bernadino: Here's Life Publishers, 1990), p. 37-39.
11. Ibid., p.24.
12. J. P. Moreland, Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, p. 134,135.
13. Paul E. Little, Know Why You Believe (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1967), p. 64.
14. F. F. Bruce, The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 1943), p. 90,91.
15. Ibid., p. 90,91
16. J. P. Moreland, Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, p. 134,135.
17. Josh McDowell & John Stewart, Answers to Tough Questions Skeptics Ask About the Christian Faith (San Bernardino: Here's Life Publishers, 1980), p. 23.
18. E. Calvin Beisner, Answers for Atheists, Agnostics, and Other Thoughtful Skeptics: Dialogs About Christian Faith and Life (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 1993), p. 125.
19. Josh McDowell & John Stewart, Answers to Tough Questions Skeptics Ask About the Christian Faith (San Bernardino: Here's Life Publishers, 1980), p. 23
20. E. Calvin Beisner, Answers for Atheists, Agnostics, and Other Thoughtful Skeptics: Dialogs About Christian Faith and Life (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 1993), p. 125.
21. J. P. Moreland, Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1987), p. 134,135.
22. Dan Story, Defending Your Faith: How to Answer the Tough Questions (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1992), p. 35.
23. Josh McDowell, A Ready Defense (San Bernadino: Here's Life Pub., 1990), p. 24.
24. Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands A Verdict (San Bernadino: Here's Life Publishers, 1972), p. 42,43.
25. J. P. Moreland, Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1987), p. 136.
26. Paul E. Little, Know Why You Believe (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1967), p. 66.
27. Ibid., p. 60.
28. Dan Story,Defending Your Faith: How to Answer the Tough Questions (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1992), p. 48.
29. Josh McDowell, A Ready Defense (San Bernadino: Here's Life Pub., 1990), p. 33.
30. Compiled by James Gilchrist Lawson, The World's Best Loved Poems (New York: Harbor & Row Publishers., 1927), pg. 339.
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