Evidence of biblical inspiration

[Chad]

Evidence of biblical inspiration
by Matt Slick / www.carm.org

Is the Bible inspired? Christians claim it is. If that is so, then where is the evidence for its inspiration? Simply saying it is inspired isn't enough. Let's see some facts.

First of all, we must understand the inspiration of the Bible is in reference to the original documents, not the copies. Christianity holds that the original writings, the autographs, were without error in everything they address. It is not the copies that are inspired. What we have are copies of inspired documents and the truth is, some copying errors have woven themselves into some of the biblical copies.

However, this does not mean that the Bible is not trustworthy.
Textually speaking only 1/1000th of the Bible has any textual variation in the copies. That means that the Bible as a whole is around 98.5% textually pure. The New Testament is about 99.5% textually pure. Furthermore, there is enough redundancy in the copies that have been unearthed via archaeology, that we can reconstruct the Bible to almost 100% accuracy. It is a remarkably well preserved series of different books. For more information on this, please see Manuscript evidence for superior New Testament reliability.

In practical terms, this means that because of various copying errors, usually numbers, word order, spelling, and punctuation, we have Bible Difficulties; hence, the section on CARM dealing with many of them. Therefore, even though we can see some surface issues, we can still very easily see evidence of its inspiration.

Prophecy

One of the greatest proofs of the Bible's inspiration is prophecy. Following are some of the prophecies of both secular and religious fulfillment. In other words, the first section deals with prophecies of the secular world. The second part deals with prophecies about Jesus.

1. Secular Prophecies
   1. In Daniel 2 four kingdoms are described in the interpretation of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar who was the king of Babylon. The four were the Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greek and the Roman empire (Dan. 2:39-43). These four kingdoms occurred just as prophesied.
   2. The following cities were prophesied to be destroyed and never rebuilt which has come true since they have not yet been rebuilt. Nineveh (Nah. 1:10; 3:7,15; Zeph. 2:13-14), Babylon (Isaiah 13:1-22), and Tyre (Ezek. 26.
   3. Daniel 12:4 prophesied that knowledge would increase as well as the ability to travel great distances. Of course, this has occurred given our present rise in technology.
2. Messianic Prophecies
   1. Jesus would be born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
      1. Fulfilled in Matt. 1:18,25, "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary...was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit... But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."
   2. Jesus' place of birth in Bethlehem Micah 5:2, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
      1. Fulfilled in Matt. 2:1, "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem."
   3. Jesus would be preceded by a messenger Isaiah 40:3, "A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.'"
      1. Fulfilled in Matt. 3:1-2, "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'"
   4. Rejected by His own people Isaiah 53:3, "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
      1. Fulfilled in John 7:5, "For even his own brothers did not believe in him," and John 7:48, "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?"
   5. Jesus' side pierced Zech. 12:10, "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one mourns for an only son."
      1. Fulfilled in John 19:34, "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water."
   6. Jesus would be crucified Psalm 22:1, Psalm 22:11-18, "For the director of music. To the tune of "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?...Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
      1. Fulfilled in John 19:23-24, "When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. Let's not tear it, they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did."

Other information

The Bible also contains information about physical phenemona that is particularly unusual.

1. The Shape of the Earth
   1. "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in," (Isaiah 40:22, NIV).
      1. This may or may not be construed to support the spherical shape of the earth. The horizon is a circle and a circle is flat.
2. The Earth is suspended in nothing
   1. "He spreads out the northern [skies] over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing," (Job. 26:7, NIV).
      1. This is particularly interesting considering that the cosmology of other cultures at that time did not have the earth suspended in nothing, but rather upon pillars, or people, or animals.
3. The Existence of Valleys in the Seas
   1. "The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of breath from his nostrils," (2 Sam. 22:16, NIV).
4. The Existence of Springs and Fountains in the Seas
   1. "In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, on the seventeenth day of the second month -- on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened," (Genesis 7:11, NIV). See also Gen. 8:2; Prov. 8:28.
5. The Existence of Water Paths (Ocean Currents) in the Seas
   1. "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!...When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,...You made him [man] ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet...the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas," (Psalm 8:1,3,6,8, NIV).
6. The Hydrologic Cycle
   1. "He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight," (Job. 26:8, NIV).
   2. "He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to the streams; the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind," (Job. 36:27-28, NIV)
   3. "The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again," (Ecclesiastes 1:6-7, NIV).

Though nothing in the above lists "prove" biblical inspiration, they are strong evidence that it is indeed inspired. Add to them that millions of people all over the world testify to having an encounter with the God of the Bible, the seemingly powerful nature of the words of the Bible, the changed lives of countless people and you have further, though more subjective, evidence that the Bible is the inspired word of God.

 

[brakelite]

Inspired?

Hi Chad...good post. However, there is an issue with inspiration that needs to be addressed by Christians that seems to be glossed over and not given much thought or time in the many discussions that come up, particularly with sceptics. That issue is the question of what is inspired. To claim that the scriptures are inspired is true, but how and in what form? Are the actual words inspired and therefore specifically absolutely truth, because if so we run into a number of problems even in the NT where we see direct contradictions between the gospels regarding the words of Jesus at the same event, and also variations in specific happenings that took place during His ministry, for example, in one account we are given one demoniac of Gadarene, in another, two.
On the other hand, if the scriptures are thought inspired, this answers many of the critics. God inspires the thoughts and the mind of the writers, and the prophets, gospel writers, epistle writers etc write those thoughts in their own words. Thus we get the differences in linguistic style, character, and personality of the wirters. Much the same as today when we hear an inspirational piece of music...the thoughts and mindset come from the Holy Spirit (in some music) but the musician adds to those thoughts his own personality and words. I do not believe God 'dictated' the words of the Bible.

Thoughts?

 

[David777]

Hello brakelite.

You mentioned two accounts of the man or men possessed
by the demons.

There were in fact three accounts given of the event.

Each of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke record
the event at Gerasenes.

All three authors are obviously inspired by the Holy
Spirit, there accounts are extremely similar.

In the important information such as the identification
of Jesus as the son of God, they do not differ.

Also, that Jesus is the one whom will hold the demonic realm
to account, they again do not differ.

Jesus has compassion for the possessed fellow and
drives the demons out.

This is the vital information we are interested in.

One or two demon possessed men is not of particular
interest, the fact that the event occurred and
that Jesus was identified by the demons is the
important information.

This is clearly the precise information recorded
by the Gospel writers.

Perhaps brakelite you would like to read the thread again
and note the following,

"In practical terms, this means that because of various copying errors, usually numbers"

One or two who really cares.

 

[David777]

Yo.

I find the messianic prophecies scattered through the
Old Testament undeniable evidence or proof of God's
direct inspiration to mankind.

We are provided with ample information about the
messiah or Christ, there can be no doubt whom Jesus
was. Jesus is presented to us in the Old Testament
as God.

I feel sympathy for the prophets, they had no
idea what the messianic revelations meant. God
transmitted the information directly through them.

We have the luxury of observing the direct fulfillment
in the life and death of Jesus Christ as recorded in
the Gospels. What a powerful presentation this is,
it blows away the web of doubts.

How subtle and clever is our majesty, Jesus the Christ.
Only those who seek will find!

Matt Slick does not mention all of the messianic info
by the way.

 

[DarthTrekkie]

I've heard one person address this topic by stating that there is a practical explanation to the account in the fact that while one version states that there was one there, it does not specify that were no others with him or that he "came alone". This could be atributed to the writting style of the day since many times it was an understood fact that if a particular person was present, the people who were affiliated with them were many times with them. For example the bible talks about Jesus going from one place to another but doesn't ALWAYS specify where his desciples were unless it was vital to the story.

 

[agua]

I feel sympathy for the prophets, they had no
idea what the messianic revelations meant. God
transmitted the information directly through them.

We have the luxury of observing the direct fulfillment
in the life and death of Jesus Christ as recorded in
the Gospels. What a powerful presentation this is,
it blows away the web of doubts.

How subtle and clever is our majesty, Jesus the Christ.
Only those who seek will find!

Matt Slick does not mention all of the messianic info
by the way.

I am not sure this is entirely correct David.

The OT prophets who wrote of Jesus knew what God's message was imo. I am sure King David knew of the coming Messiah and Jesus was even a bit non plussed as to why Nicodemus didn't understand the concept of being born again.

Joh 3:9-10 NKJV Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?" (10) Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

The religious leaders were mostly ignorant though and were not expecting their Messiah to come as a suffering servant.

 

[David777]

Hello agua.

Here is a comment by the prophet Daniel in chapter 8 regarding
a revelation he received.
27 Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up again and
carried on the king’s business; but I was astounded at the vision, and
there was none to explain it. (NASB)

Daniel does not comprehend his visions agua.

Daniel is troubled by these visions he states elsewhere.

How could he understand that which had not yet occurred.

These prophets wrote what they were told to write, or what they had seen in visions.
This information concerning the messiah and end times
was way beyond the ability of the human mind to absorb.

Care to alter the following comment agua,

"I am not sure this is entirely correct David."

 

[agua]

Here is a comment by the prophet Daniel in chapter 8 regarding
a revelation he received.
27 Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up again and
carried on the king’s business; but I was astounded at the vision, and
there was none to explain it. (NASB)

Daniel does not comprehend his visions agua.

Daniel is troubled by these visions he states elsewhere.

How could he understand that which had not yet occurred.

These prophets wrote what they were told to write, or what they had seen in visions.
This information concerning the messiah and end times
was way beyond the ability of the human mind to absorb.

Care to alter the following comment agua,

"I am not sure this is entirely correct David."

Daniel had visions he did interpret as well David. Read Daniel 7.

Dan 7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.
...
Dan 7:27 NKJV Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'

You see knowing the Messiah was coming wasn't enough for the religious leaders and most Israelites. They were expecting Christ to be the triumphant King as He will be at the second coming.

The Samaritan woman who spoke with Jesus knew Christ was coming.

Joh 4:25 The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things."

They knew Messiah was coming but most misunderstood His role.

 

[David777]

Hello again agua.

Your quote concerning the samaritan woman is from
the New Testament. Sure, she knew the messiah was
predicted to arrive. This samaritan had the whole Old
Testament to enable the understanding that the messiah
would fulfill various scenarios.

Daniel the prophet was recording visions he received,
Daniel is troubled and perplexed. Daniel does not understand
most of these visions. We in the present still do not
fully understand all end time predictions.

As for Daniel's understanding of the messiah I do not
see in his writing that Daniel identifies this messiah
clearly.

I do not agree with your argument agua.

I appreciate your post agua, on minor points it is
reasonable to expect a difference of opinion.

On major doctrine differences are intolerable and
should be dealt with accordingly.

I rejoice in Jesus Christ and I know you do also.

 

[agua]

Your quote concerning the samaritan woman is from
the New Testament. Sure, she knew the messiah was
predicted to arrive. This samaritan had the whole Old
Testament to enable the understanding that the messiah
would fulfill various scenarios.

Daniel the prophet was recording visions he received,
Daniel is troubled and perplexed. Daniel does not understand
most of these visions. We in the present still do not
fully understand all end time predictions.

As for Daniel's understanding of the messiah I do not
see in his writing that Daniel identifies this messiah
clearly.

I do not agree with your argument agua.

I appreciate your post agua, on minor points it is
reasonable to expect a difference of opinion.

On major doctrine differences are intolerable and
should be dealt with accordingly.

I rejoice in Jesus Christ and I know you do also.

^5 David. Nothing wrong with disagreeing in the right spirit. : )

I am yet to see a reliable "major doctrine" list though lol. Even they differ.

 

[David777]

Yes agua.

I cannot disagree with your comment on the major
doctrine list.

It may be that theology itself influences these doctrines.

I love a simple list myself, the simpler the better.

In the end Jesus Christ is the only name given under
Heaven to us. So we just follow the leader and seek
the spiritual path above all.

 

[B-A-C]

^5 David. Nothing wrong with disagreeing in the right spirit. : )

I am yet to see a reliable "major doctrine" list though lol. Even they differ.

I would say the 5 solas and the nicene/apostles creed are a good place to start.


<LI class="toclevel-1 tocsection-1">1 Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone")<LI class="toclevel-1 tocsection-2">2 Sola fide ("by faith alone")<LI class="toclevel-1 tocsection-3">3 Sola gratia ("by grace alone")<LI class="toclevel-1 tocsection-4">4 Solus Christus or Solo Christo ("Christ alone" or "through Christ alone")<LI class="toclevel-1 tocsection-5">5 Soli Deo gloria ("glory to God alone")

<LI class="toclevel-1 tocsection-5">We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, light from light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

** Note -- the world catholic is lower case above, signifying all believers rather than the Roman Catholic church. Some denomination change this line to "one holy Christian and apostolic Church".

Basically believe you are a sinner that needs his sins to be atoned for.
Confess your sins to Christ (he is our high priest)
Believe that he was the perfect sinless sacrifice for you sins.
Believe that he died and rose again. Believe that he has forgiven you. Believe that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit through the virgin Mary. Believe that Jesus is God, the son of God, and the creator of everything. The Bible is the divine inspired errorless Word of God. Jesus is the only mediator between God and man.

I would say these are the doctrines that matter.

Once saved always saved?
You must speak in tongues?
You must have the gifts of the Spirit?
Predesination and the elect?
Freedom vs legalism?
Water baptism, submersion vs sprinkling... etc...
There are some others...

These are the doctrines that we often argue about, but in reality I doubt that will have much to do with whether we are saved or not.

 

[David777]

Hello B-A-C.

I saw the doctrines you listed but there was an important
one missing?

 

[David777]

Here it is B-A-C.

In Paul's letter to Timothy,

"If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words,
those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness"

Paul seems to stress this godliness in the Christian life as a doctrine.

It is very rare to see it in any doctrine listings and I am not sure
why.