The Accuracy of Scripture

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

The Bible is a beautiful gift from Creator to creation. It is our manual for life, God-breathed and Holy Spirit-inspired. It was dictated to at least 40 authors in different countries, in different languages, over a period of 1500 years, yet still remains one congruent story of God's faithfulness and His plan of redemption for all.

Do you have doubts about the accuracy and authority of God's Word? I admit, as a new believer I was skeptical myself. I came to faith much later in life so I didn't have a church background or the biblical knowledge afforded to many who grew up in Christian homes. Yet, the more I studied the history of the Bible, Christianity, and the life of Jesus, the more the authenticity and authority of Scripture began to ring crystal-clear.

As I read the Bible and sought the Lord, He continued to (and still does) reveal Himself to me, answering my every question and strengthening my faith in Him and His Word. God promises to give us wisdom when we ask. I am living proof that this is exactly what He will do when we approach the Bible with humility, earnestly desiring for Him to show us the truth.

Experience confirms the Bible

As we read, we discover that the we aren't just reading the Bible, the Bible is also reading us. It's truths pierce through our very soul. We experience the Scriptures as living and active, and we will often find ourselves amazed at the way they describe us, our condition, and society so perfectly. We will have many "aha moments", as our mind and spirit discover the timeless wisdom that Scripture contains.

We will feel it's truths resonate throughout our entire being: mind, body, and soul.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

History confirms the Bible

In additon to being experience-confirmed, the Bible can also be proved historically. The events that took place, from Old Testament to New, were often written about in other books. Entire cities have been unearthed that were previously thought to be myth, cities that were mentioned in the Bible. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has also been confimed in other writings, as well as corroborated by many eyewitnesses. You can read more about archealogical finds that have confirmed the Bible here and here.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4

Science confirms the Bible

Religion and science. Two words that have always seemed to conflict with one another. In reality, it doesn't have to be this way. In fact, science can actually help prove the accuracy of Scripture. When looking at the science vs. the Bible debate, we must remember that there are two types of science: historical and experimental. Historical science is often used to discredit God's Word, yet it is unprovable. Historical science is based on theory. This theory will always stem from the theorist's worldview.

Let's consider two scientists. One is an atheist. He believes nothing about the Bible and refuses to acknowledge that any part of it may be true. His theories about past events will always be colored by his worldview, i.e, evolution. The other scientist has a strong faith and firmly believes in the truthfulness of God's Word. He will look at all science (experimental and historical) through this lens. As he does, He will see that everything corroborates with what the Bible has already said, i.e, creationism. Answers in Genesis is a great ministry that deals with the issue of historical vs. experimental science.

In other areas of scientific study we see the beauty and wonder of God's creation. The way He designed our bodies to work, the intricacies of nature, and the marvels of this universe. We find many Scriptures, written in a pre-scientific age, which beautifully correspond with scientific findings of our day. We see this especially in the area of quantum physics. If you love reading about how science confirms the Scriptures, I highly recommend the book Quantum Glory. You will be amazed at the discoveries in this field, and the way these discoveries point to what God already said thousands of years ago.

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:3

Prophecy confirms the Bible

Last, but certainly not least, prophecy confirms the Bible. 27% of the Bible is predictive prophecy. The Bible contains approximately 2500 individual predictions pertaining to hundreds of separate subjects. The majority of these prophecies have already come to pass, just as the Bible said they would. The rest will be fulfilled in the future. No word of God has ever failed.

Check out what this article says about the chances of just thirteen of the 2500 prophecies coming to pass:

"For the sake of putting the figure into perspective, this probability can be compared to the statistical chance that the second law of thermodynamics will be reversed in a given situation (for example, that a gasoline engine will refrigerate itself during its combustion cycle or that heat will flow from a cold body to a hot body)—that chance = 1 in 1080. Stating it simply, based on these thirteen prophecies alone, the Bible record may be said to be vastly more reliable than the second law of thermodynamics."

Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 42:9

Now that you can feel confident in the truthfulness of God's Word, it's time to get reading Friend! Please don't ever feel intimidated or worry about not being able to understand the Bible. There are many easy-to-read translations, and God will always provide wisdom and understanding to the Scriptures. He wrote it for you and He wants you to understand it!

In the Bible you will find all of the answers to life's questions. Who are we and why are we here? How can we live a life of joy and purpose? And, most importantly, who is God and how does He relate to His people?

Allow the Bible to do what God intended it to do, speak to your soul and align you with His will for your life.

Xoxox, Amy

If you would like to know more about the Bible and are looking for a great place to start, check out this faith-based devotional. It breaks the Scriptures down in a way that is easy to understand and apply, and is geared specifically towards women who would like to grow spiritually.