The 66 books of the Bible were written:
1. On three continents.
2. In three languages.
3. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician).
4. Over a period of about 1,500 years.
5. On the most controversial subjects.
6. By people who, in most cases, had never met.
7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly.
Wow, talk about diversity! And yet, even though there is much diversity in the writing of the Bible, the Bible has proven to be the most trustworthy book of all times! It NEVER contradicts itself. It NEVER returns void. It ALWAYS tells the truth. It ALWAYS fulfills what it says. ALL the prophesies in it have come true or will come true. The prophesies that have already come true have been fulfilled COMPLETELY, even in the most minute details. And this book was written by about forty different people and over a period of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 years. What?! Is it possible that humans could create such a book? When I think of this through human eyes, it looks impossible. BUT.... all this points to the fact that the Bible is INSPIRED BY GOD! It is impossible for forty men, who never met, - men who were imperfect, unwise, and sinners - to write - over a period of 1,500 years - a perfect, complete, and fulfilled book. It's IMPOSSIBLE! This shows that it must be inspired by God - the perfect, all knowing, all wise God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness." I also love this passage, "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit," 2 Peter 1:20-21. God moved through men to write the Scriptures; meaning that the forty or so authors were His instruments.
When I think that the Scriptures are actually God-breathed, I read the Bible from a whole different perspective. Knowing that the Bible is written by God - who never lies and is the beginning of all wisdom - persuades me that it's ABSOLUTELY trustworthy. I know that can go to it for direction, guidance, wisdom, encouragement, strengthen, and joy. It truly is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness...that the man of God might be perfect, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Knowing that God wrote the Bible makes me want to conform to it, follow it, and obey it with all my heart.
So, next time you find yourself thinking about these Bible facts, remember that the only reason the Bible is written by such a diverse group and yet is the one and only perfect book is because it is inspired by God. I know, all of us already know this fact - we have 2 Timothy 3:16 memorized - but I think that sometimes we just take it for granted, we don't really think about all the implications that the fact has. I encourage you to take a hold on that thought - that the Bible is the inspired word of God - the next time you read the Scriptures. Ponder it deeply - let it transform your perspective on what you read and let it change the way you live your life!
just to think through all the different people who wrote the Bible, all the time it was spread across, and that God's Word NEVER contradicts itself sends shivers down my back! I love that it continues to prove true! Thanks for reminding us again, Hannah!
ReplyDeleteGod's Word is amazing!! Nothing else written will ever compare with it. Thank you for posting these facts, Hannah! The Bible could never have been written as one cohesive book unless God directed all the authors everywhere.
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