The relationship between faith and science has long been a topic of deep contemplation, especially for those with a strong foundation in scientific understanding. As someone rooted in the sciences, evolution stood as a pillar of fact—a framework supported by evidence and observation. Yet, this foundation presented its own challenges when faced with the question of whether the Bible, an ancient text written millennia ago, could be trusted. Adding to the complexity, history reveals how this very book has been misused in acts of colonization and enslavement, casting shadows over its authenticity and purpose. This article seeks to explore the trustworthiness of the Bible, examining it through a lens that considers both its historical impact and its spiritual essence. Can the Bible, often debated yet deeply revered, stand up to modern scrutiny? Let’s find out.
In these morally challenged times – when billions are embezzled through corporate fraud; when trusted, spiritual leaders prove false; when lying in politics seems to be the norm; when those you depend on the most often hurt you the deepest – is there anything left you can trust? Yes! You can fully trust the Bible! Why? Just take a look at the evidence. The best way to find is by looking at the different aspects of the Bible.
What does the Bible claim about itself?
The Bible says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 2 Timothy 3:16. “Prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake
as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21. “The scripture
cannot be broken.” John 10:35.
With the above scriptures, we can answer our question. What does the Bible claim about itself? It claims to be inspired. It
was written by men who were guided
by the Holy Ghost. It cannot be broken
or proved untrue.
Many Christians today believe in Christ, it would be great to see what Jesus thought about scripture and if they can be trusted.
Did Jesus demonstrate His confidence and belief in Scripture?
Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone.” “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” “It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4:4, 7. Jesus also said this. “Thy word is truth.” John 17:17.
Now we can answer our Question, Did Jesus demonstrate His confidence and belief in Scripture? Answer: Jesus quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan. He also stated that the Bible is truth (John 17:17). Jesus often quoted Scripture as authority for the truth He was teaching.
Now another aspect we can consider if the Bible can be trusted is Prophecy, by its very nature, prophecy presents as a unique concept: the foretelling of future events that transcends human capability and originates from a divine source. A simple demonstration of prophecy as a divine possibility could look at the fulfillment of specific, detailed predictions found within the Bible that were written centuries before their occurrence. which gives us another question.
Do Bible prophecies confirm inspiration?
Do Bible prophecies confirm
inspiration?
The Bible says, “I am the Lord . . . new
things do I declare: before they spring
forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:8, 9.
“I am God . . . Delaring the end from
the beginning, and from ancient times
the things that are not yet done.” Isaiah
46:9, 10.
Answer: Bible predictions of things to happen in the future confirm the inspiration of Scripture as they come to pass. Notice the following examples of fulfilled Bible prophecies:
- Four world empires to arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8).
- Cyrus to be the warrior to capture Babylon (Isaiah 45:1-3).
- After Babylon’s destruction, it would never be inhabited again (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Jeremiah 51:37).
- Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations (Ezekiel 29:14, 15; 30:12, 13).
- Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time (Luke 21:25, 26).
- Moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
So we confirm that we can trust the Bible because of prophecy, however, the issue is not just about the Bible but also what science says. Could it be that there is a connection between the Bible and science? As a science student, this was my changing point. So the question would be.
Can we expect scientific statements made in the Bible to be accurate?
The Bible says, “Thy word is true from the beginning.” Psalms 119:160. “The Spirit . . . will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13.
Answer: Yes, the Bible is true. The Holy Spirit, who guided the Bible writers, always speaks the truth. Here
are a few Bible statements that have been confirmed by science:
- The earth hangs on nothing.” Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible’s oldest book.
- The earth is round “He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth.” Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out.
- Air has weight. “To make the weight for the winds.” Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight.
- Chemical bonds hold everything. “By Him [Jesus] all things consist.” Colossians 1:17. The word “consist” here literally means “hold together” or “cohere.” Many Bible translations put it “hold together.” This is the answer to the nuclear physicists’ worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, “Why doesn’t the atom fly apart?”
Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn’t. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself. This fact helps us understand things science has not yet even discovered, The Bible has been a better tool to give us information in scientific areas ahead of time. Take for example health. Does the Bible give us updates in formation on health principles?
Are biblical health principles tuned to the twenty-first-century mind?
Answer: Yes. In fact, many of them make the basic principles of being healthy, take an example.
- Cover body waste with dirt (Deuteronomy 23:12, 13). The Bible provision of Moses’ day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled.
- “Neither let us commit fornication.” 1 Corinthians 10:8. The word “fornication” denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is.
- Leave alcoholic beverages alone (Proverbs 23:29-32). If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean:
Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens. Millions of families reunited. Millions of broken homes mended. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving. Thousands of government,
business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions. Billions of dollars available for
humanitarian use. Refusing to abstain from alcohol has brought untold woe to many.
Note: God not only tells us how to succeed with joy amid today’s harrowing problems, but He also gives
us the miraculous power to do it (1 Corinthians 15:57; Philippians 4:13; Romans 1:16). Bible health principles are relevant and desperately needed, but few are listening. Scientifically we see the power of this Bible, now let’s take another aspect of life, History.
Are the historical statements of the Bible accurate?
The Bible says, “I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right.” Isaiah 45:19, RSV.* so, what is the answer to our question: Yes, Bible historical statements are accurate. What God says in His book is true. Sometimes, temporarily, evidence may not be found to substantiate certain historical facts from the Bible, but in time the evidence surfaces. Note the following:
For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation (Deuteronomy 7:1) and cities like Nineveh (Jonah 1:1, 2) and Sodom (Genesis 19:1), which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist.
Critics also said that Bible mentioned kings Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1) and Sargon (Isaiah 20:1) never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist.
Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing (Exodus 24:4) and wheeled vehicles (Exodus 14:25), neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today.
At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found
cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so. *The Revised Standard Version of the Bible (C) 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.
Doesn’t the Bible contradict itself?
One of the greatest miracles of the Bible is its unity. Please ponder the following amazing facts:
Answer:
The 66 books of the Bible were written: On three continents. In three languages. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician).
Over a period of about 1,500 years. On the most controversial subjects. By people who, in most cases, had
never met. By authors whose education and background varied greatly. The 66 books maintain harmony with each other. Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject.
Talk about astounding! Ask people who have viewed an identical event to each give a report of what happened. They will differ widely and will virtually always contradict each other in some way. Yet the Bible,
penned by 40 writers over a 1,500 year period, reads as if written by one great mind. And, indeed, it was. So, can we trust the Bible? Yes, there is much more evidence to trust the Bible.
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