By: Marshall L Hoffman
So many have asked me as a clergyman: "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?" Here are some qualities that give believers and non-believers reasons to ponder.
First the Bible is not just one single book, or two; the Old and New Testaments. It is a veritable library of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: poetry, parables, proverbs, prophesy, history, wisdom literature, letters, legal statutes and apocalyptic, just to name a few.
Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: kings and commeners, farmers and shepherds, fishermen and doctors, prophets and priests and others. Most of these authors never knew one another personally.
Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1,500 years. Therefore most of these authors could never have known or collaborated with one another in writing these books.
Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages; Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. Again, this is a reflection of the historical and cultural diversities in which each of these books were written.
Finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. One would think that there would be competing world views in the bible that would clash with each other. Surely there would be theological and philosophical views that would be irreconcilable. I challenge you to find them.
Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents; yet running through this amazing diversity is a common thread, the message of the creation, fall and redemption of God's people of faith. God's universal love for all of humanity is the overarching theme, which binds all scripture together into an amazing unity.
Imagine this: What if you dedicated yourself to assembling 66 books on any subject. Here's the catch. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common story-line and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions. If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God.
It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test. This leads me, and many others, to believe that the bible bears the marks of divine inspiration.
http://www.gleaningsfromscripture.com As a retired pastor I have nothing to sell. My goal is to provide inspiration and motivation, which I have gleaned over 80 years of "fighting the good fight."
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