Inspiration of Scripture, 2of2

~ External Evidence of Inspiration ~

This is the second of two postings about the inspiration of the Holy Bible. Our prior focus was on what the Bible says about its inspiration. Today’s focus regards empirical evidence of the inspiration of the Holy Bible.

Fulfillment of Prophecies  ~  There are well over 300 predictions of Christ in the Old Covenant which were made over a period of 4,000 years—all of which were fulfilled in the life of one person. A statistician has calculated the odds of that happening as 1 out of 8.4 times 10⁹⁸—now that is a lot of zeros!

Amazing Unity  ~  It was written on 3 different continents by more than 40 writers over a time period of about 1,600 years. These varied writers included fishermen, herdsmen, physicians, judges, priests, prophets, poets, scribes, scholars, and kings. Amazingly, the Bible is one book telling one story. For example, a reader cannot understand the New Testament Book of Revelation without understanding the Book of Daniel in the Old Covenant. Consider that about 630 years passed between the writing of these two books and they were written in different locations about 1,200 miles apart.

Survival Against Constant Attack  ~  No other book has been attacked by so many adversaries or for so many centuries and survived. Today, the Bible continues to be near the top of sales every year.

Perennial Freshness / Never Ending Interest  ~  One of the many reasons for its survival is its continuing message. It is an ancient book with eternal truths which are applicable for humankind today.

Extreme Antiquity  ~  The average life of books in our society is less than 10 years. Most new books sell less than 500 copies over their life and 70% of all books printed are thrown out within 90 days of purchase.

Remarkable Influence On Mankind  ~  No other book has had such a positive influence on mankind. Virtually all of modern civil law can be traced to origins in the Bible. It teaches love for one another and the highest values. Because of its teachings thousands of educational facilities and hospitals were founded.

Transforming Power / “Living Oracles” of God  ~  The greatest empirical evidence of all is the miracle of changed lives. Those who have listened and responded to the message of the Word of God find a power for good on earth while waiting for their eternal destiny with God. We read the story of the blind man in the Gospel of John and we realize that his testimony represents all who have responded to the love of God at Calvary. “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25b). He was physically blind and received his physical sight. Untold millions who were spiritually blind have received spiritual sight.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW