How Can We Know That the Bible is the Word of God?

The Bible claims to be the word of God.

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of references to that fact in Scripture. The apostle Paul wrote that “all scripture is given by the inspiration God” (2 Timothy 3:16). It was also Paul who commended the church at Thessalonica because they received the word of not “as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Are the claims justified? Everything we know about the Bible would indicate that they are.

First, if there is a God, and there is, then it is certainly in keeping with His character to expect Him to communicate will to His creation in some form.

He has done so through the Bible. The first occurrence of God providing written directions for His people came in the deliverance of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 20:17). In time He revealed His complete will in what we commonly refer to as the Bible.

The Bible is exactly the kind of book we would expect from a Divine Being.

It is accurate. When it touches on the areas biology, science, history, and geography it demonstrates knowledge far beyond what was commonly known (Job 26:7; Isaiah 40:22). It is utterly impartial in the delineation of human character. It not only speaks of David as a man after God’s own heart, but also shows his human weakness in his sin with Bathsheba.

One is also struck by the unity of the Bible.

Although written over a period of some 1,600 years by at least 40 authors of various social, economic and educational backgrounds, a “golden thread” runs through the text. Jesus fills its pages (Luke 24:44). Further, prophecy offers conclusive proof of its origin. Who, but God, can declare the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10)?

There is no doubt. The Bible is God’s word.

We must study it prayerfully, believe it fully, obey it completely, and live it daily. No one will ever regret living as the Bible teaches us to live, but millions will regret not having done so (John 12:48). Are you ready to begin?

–Roger