Is the Bible Believable?

Luke 1:1-4 "Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught." (NLT)

When Luke wrote this Gospel, he made great efforts to confirm the accuracy of his work. He made it clear that he meticulously put this book together, going so far as to recheck the disciples' accounts "from the beginning."

Although Luke and other writers of the books of the Bible have taken great pains to accurately record the events within, some people have tried to point out contradictions or inconsistencies in the Bible. These same people argue that the Bible is not credible based on what they believe to be contradictions. But here are three reasons why the Bible is believable. 

1. God is the Author. Despite the fact that the Bible was written by more than forty authors, we must recognize one important fact: The people who put the pen to the paper were but instruments in the hand of God. The real author of the Bible is God. As the apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16). God chose to speak through these different people much like an artist uses different brushes to paint on a canvas. Each one had his own unique style, but the truth was the same. 

2. The Main Story of the Bible is Too Complex to Be a Hoax. The renowned historian Will Durant, who devoted his life to the study of records of antiquity, made this observation concerning the accounts of Jesus and the early church in Scripture: "That a few simple men should in one generation have invented so powerful and appealing a personality, so lofty an ethic, and so inspiring a vision of human brotherhood, would be a miracle far more incredible than any recorded in the Gospels. After two centuries of HIgher Criticism the outlines of life, character, and teaching of Christ remain reasonably clear, and constitute the most fascinating feature in the hisotry of Western man" {Caesar and Christ, in the Story of Civilization, vol,3 (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994),p.557}.

3. Scientific Evidence Supports the Bible's Accuracy. Archaelogical findings have supported many of the complex historical passages found in the Bible. In addition, the Bible has greater documented accuracy than any other ancient literary work. In spite of the evidence, God's Word must be accepted by faith. You, as an individual, must come to recognize that the words of the Lord are perfect, trustworthy, and right (see Psalm 19:7-11). Your belief in and practice of the truths found in this book - God's message to us - will make the most profound impact on your life for time and eternity. 

Is There a God?

Psalms 90:2 "Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (NKJV)

To the one who examines the evidence, there can be no doubt that God exists. Every building has a builder. Everything made has a maker. The fact of the existence of the Creator is axiomatic (self-evident). That's why the Bible says, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalm 14:1).

Romans 1:18-21 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (NKJV)

Every man knows there's a God, but men choose to suppress the truth and deny God exists because they don't want to give glory to Him as God. You see, if there is a God, then I am required to submit to Him. But my flesh doesn't want to do that, so I'll suppress the truth I see all around me. I'll say God doesn't exist—even though the heavens and stars scream at me, "Yes He does!"

Why is Jesus Christ the Only Way to God?

Acts 4:12 "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." (NLT)

One of the most comon criticisms of Christianity is that it is too narrow. Many people just cannot believe that there is only one way to Heaven. Yet Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me" (John 14:6 - NLT). If mankind could have reached God any other way, Jesus would not have had to die on the Cross. His voluntary death on the cross clearly illustrates the fact that there is no other way. Those who reject his loving offer of forgiveness - which is extended to all of mankind - do so at their own peril.