Hey guys, Its not ipso facto to conclude that our little total knowledge means a god may or not show up as we acquire more knowledge especially as God has already revealed Himself though the Bible & even nature. No other religion has even dared to put their sacred writings in any historical context which is akin to myths; the Apostle Paul that they did not come with cleverly devised fables & Jesus says that He is the only way to heaven. Biblical Christianity is the only religion that states that no one can earn heaven with God, but that it is gift that Jesus has already paid for! The following information lays the ground work for the uniqueness of the Bible, which I studied over 40 years as Jesus has more & more revealed Himself to me, which He is willing to do for anyone. There have been hundreds of books written on the subject of the evidences of the divine inspiration of the Bible, and these evidences are many and varied. Most people today, unfortunately, have not read any of these books. In fact, few have even read the Bible itself! Thus, many people tend to go along with the popular delusion that the Bible is full of mistakes and is no longer relevant to our modern world. Nevertheless the Bible writers claimed repeatedly that they were transmitting the very Word of God, infallible and authoritative in the highest degree. This is an amazing thing for any writer to say, and if the forty or so men who wrote the Scriptures were wrong in these claims, then they must have been lying, or insane, or both. But, on the other hand, if the greatest and most influential book of the ages, containing the most beautiful literature and the most perfect moral code ever devised, was written by deceiving fanatics, then what hope is there for ever finding meaning and purpose in this world? If one will seriously investigate these Biblical evidences, he will find that their claims of divine inspiration (stated over 3,000 times, in various ways) were amply justified. Fulfilled Prophecies The remarkable evidence of fulfilled prophecy is just one case in point. Hundreds of Bible prophecies have been fulfilled, specifically and meticulously, often long after the prophetic writer had passed away. For example, Daniel the prophet predicted in about 538 BC (Daniel 9:24-27) that Christ would come as Israels promised Savior and Prince 483 years after the Persian emperor would give the Jews authority to rebuild Jerusalem, which was then in ruins. This was clearly and definitely fulfilled, hundreds of years later. There are extensive prophecies dealing with individual nations and cities and with the course of history in general, all of which have been literally fulfilled. More than 300 prophecies were fulfilled by Christ Himself at His first coming. Other prophecies deal with the spread of Christianity, as well as various false religions, and many other subjects. There is no other book, ancient or modern, like this. The vague, and usually erroneous, prophecies of people like Jeanne Dixon, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and others like them are not in the same category at all, and neither are other religious books such as the Koran, the Confucian Analects, and similar religious writings. Only the Bible manifests this remarkable prophetic evidence, and it does so on such a tremendous scale as to render completely absurd any explanation other than divine revelation. Unique Historical Accuracy The historical accuracy of the Scriptures is likewise in a class by itself, far superior to the written records of Egypt, Assyria, and other early nations. Archeological confirmations of the Biblical record have been almost innumerable in the last century. Dr. Nelson Glueck, probably the greatest modern authority on Israeli archeology, has said: No archeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or in exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of Biblical descriptions has often led to amazing discoveries. Scientific Accuracy Another striking evidence of divine inspiration is found in the fact that many of the principles of modern science were recorded as facts of nature in the Bible long before scientist confirmed them experimentally. A sampling of these would include: Roundness of the earth (Isaiah 40:22) Almost infinite extent of the sidereal universe (Isaiah 55:9) Law of conservation of mass and energy (II Peter 3:7) Hydrologic cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:7) Vast number of stars (Jeremiah 33:22) Law of increasing entropy (Psalm 102:25-27) Paramount importance of blood in life processes (Leviticus 17:11) Atmospheric circulation (Ecclesiastes 1:6) Gravitational field (Job 26:7) and many others. These are not stated in the technical jargon of modern science, of course, but in terms of the basic world of mans everyday experience; nevertheless, they are completely in accord with the most modern scientific facts. It is significant also that no real mistake has ever been demonstrated in the Bible—in science, in history, or in any other subject. Many have been claimed, of course, but conservative Bible scholars have always been able to work out reasonable solutions to all such problems. Unique Structure The remarkable structure of the Bible should also be stressed. Although it is a collection of 66 books, written by 40 or more different men over a period of 2,000 years, it is clearly one Book, with perfect unity and consistency throughout. The individual writers, at the time of writing, had no idea that their message was eventually to be incorporated into such a Book, but each nevertheless fits perfectly into place and serves its own unique purpose as a component of the whole. Anyone who diligently studies the Bible will continually find remarkable structural and mathematical patterns woven throughout its fabric, with an intricacy and symmetry incapable of explanation by chance or collusion. The one consistent theme of the Bible, developing in grandeur from Genesis to Revelation, is Gods great work in the creation and redemption of all things, through His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Bibles Unique Effect The Bible is unique also in terms of its effect on individual men and on the history of nations. It is the all-time best seller, appealing both to hearts and minds, beloved by at least some in every race or nation or tribe to which it has gone, rich or poor, scholar or simple, king or commoner, men of literally every background and walk of life. No other book has ever held such universal appeal nor produced such lasting effects. One final evidence that the Bible is true is found in the testimony of those who have believed it. Multitudes of people, past and present, have found from personal experience that its promises are true, its counsel is sound, its commands and restrictions are wise, and its wonderful message of salvation meets every need for both time and eternity. Archaeological discoveries verify the historical reliability of the Old and New Testaments. When compared to other religious books, the Bible is unique in that it is the oldest, as testified by the places, people, titles, and events mentioned in the Bible; and the language and literary formats used to compose the Bible. Many scholars today question the validity of Biblical accounts, supposedly based on the findings of archaeology. When the “discrepancies” are examined in detail, however it is found that the problems lie with the archaeology (i.e. misinterpretation of evidence, lack of evidence, or poor scholarship) and not with the Bible. The discoveries of archaeology can be helpful in removing doubts that a person might have about the historical trustworthiness of the Bible. The miracles described, as well as the spiritual message, must be accepted on faith, which is the basis of our relationship with God. When the truth of Scripture is challenged by skeptics, archaeology can be used to demonstrate that the people, places, and events of the Bible are real. Any one discovery can be explained away as coincidence, or an alternative interpretation can be given to disassociate it from the Bible. It is the weight of a myriad of discoveries that demonstrates the Bible to be the Word of God. These discoveries fall into three categories: 1. Archaeological evidence demonstrates the historical and cultural accuracy of the Bible. 2. The Bibles message of a loving Creator God who interacts in the affairs of mankind and has provided a means of salvation stands in sharp contrast to the pagan fertility religions of the ancient world as, revealed by archaeology. 3. Archaeological findings demonstrate that the Biblical prophets accurately predicted events hundreds of years before they occurred—something that lies beyond the capability of mere men. Bryant G. Wood, Ph.D., is Director of Associates for Biblical Research and editor of Bible & Spade journal. He is adjunct professor at a number of educational institutions. He presently continues extensive archaeological field work. Dr. Wood has served as an AIIA Resource Associate since March of 1997. Quite a number of Biblical structures have been excavated. Some of the most interesting are the following: The palace at Jericho where Eglon, king of Moab, was assassinated by Ehud (Judges 3:15-30). The east gate of Shechem where Gaal and Zebul watched the forces of Abimelech approach the city (Judges 9:34-38). The Temple of Baal/El-Berith in Shechem, where funds were obtained to finance Abimelechs kingship, and where the citizens of Shechem took refuge when Abimelech attacked the city (Judges 9:4, 46-49). The pool of Gibeon where the forces of David and Ishbosheth fought during the struggle for the kingship of Israel (2 Samuel 2:12-32). The Pool of Heshbon, likened to the eyes of the Shulammite woman (Song of Songs 7:4). The royal palace at Samaria where the kings of Israel lived (1 Kings 20:43; 21:1, 2; 22:39; 2 Kings 1:2; 15:25). The Pool of Samaria where King Ahabs chariot was washed after his death (1 Kings 22:29-38). The water tunnel beneath Jerusalem dug by King Hezekiah to provide water during the Assyrian siege (2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chronicles 32:30). The royal palace in Babylon where King Belshazzar held the feast and Daniel interpreted the handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5). The royal palace in Susa where Esther was queen of the Persian king Xerxes (Esther 1:2; 2:3, 5, 9, 16). The royal gate at Susa where Mordecai, Esthers cousin, sat (Esther 2:19, 21; 3:2, 3; 4:2; 5:9, 13; 6:10, 12). The Square in front of the royal gate at Susa where Mordecai met with Halthach, Xerxes eunuch (Esther 4:6). The foundation of the synagogue at Capernaum where Jesus cured a man with an unclean spirit (Mark 1:21-28) and delivered the sermon on the bread of life (John 6:25-59). The house of Peter at Capernaum where Jesus healed Peters mother-in-law and others (Matthew 8:14-16). Jacobs well where Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman (John 4). The Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, where Jesus healed a crippled man (John 5:1-14). The Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem, where Jesus healed a blind man (John 9:1-4). The tribunal at Corinth where Paul was tried (Acts 18:12-17). The theater at Ephesus, Turkey. The theater at Ephesus where the riot of silversmiths occurred (Acts 19:29). - See picture at top Herods palace at Caesarea where Paul was kept under guard (Acts 23:33-35). Archaeological discoveries verify the historical reliability of the Old and New Testaments. When compared to other religious books, the Bible is unique in that it is the oldest, as testified by the places, people, titles, and events mentioned in the Bible; and the language and literary formats used to compose the Bible. Many scholars today question the validity of Biblical accounts, supposedly based on the findings of archaeology. When the “discrepancies” are examined in detail, however it is found that the problems lie with the archaeology (i.e. misinterpretation of evidence, lack of evidence, or poor scholarship) and not with the Bible. The discoveries of archaeology can be helpful in removing doubts that a person might have about the historical trustworthiness of the Bible. The miracles described, as well as the spiritual message, must be accepted on faith, which is the basis of our relationship with God. When the truth of Scripture is challenged by skeptics, archaeology can be used to demonstrate that the people, places, and events of the Bible are real. Any one discovery can be explained away as coincidence, or an alternative interpretation can be given to disassociate it from the Bible. It is the weight of a myriad of discoveries that demonstrates the Bible to be the Word of God. These discoveries fall into three categories: 1. Archaeological evidence demonstrates the historical and cultural accuracy of the Bible. 2. The Bibles message of a loving Creator God who interacts in the affairs of mankind and has provided a means of salvation stands in sharp contrast to the pagan fertility religions of the ancient world as, revealed by archaeology. 3. Archaeological findings demonstrate that the Biblical prophets accurately predicted events hundreds of years before they occurred—something that lies beyond the capability of mere men.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 13:56:26 +0000
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