January 16, 2015 This week we covered … How Do We Know Bible Is True? 1. How Do We Know the Bible Is True? Sometimes Christians (you and me) quote the Bible to prove the Bible. Most skeptics are rightly cautious of this approach. Lee Strobel says… “Quoting the Bible to prove the Bible is viewed as being circular reasoning or illogical. After all, quoting the Bible to prove the Bible assumes the Bible is true, which is really the point of contention or discussion. But if the Bible can be shown to be a reliable document, accurately recorded and transmitted through history, from God to us, then we can build a strong case that the Bible is indeed true.” Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell set out to disprove the Bible because many of the Christians they encountered used this circular reasoning. But look what Josh McDowell states: “Evidence for the Bible can take many forms. There is, for instance, physical evidence. We have copies of the manuscripts and throughout history these copies show that the Bible has been transmitted accurately. Despite common skeptical claims that the Bible has often been changed through the centuries, the physical evidence tells another story. The New Testament records are incredibly accurate. There are minor differences in manuscripts, called variants, but none of these variants impact or change key Christian beliefs or claims.” Other physical evidence includes archeological finds. The Archaeological Study Bible presents many notes and articles documenting how archeology has again and again proven that the Bible does correspond to historical reality. There are other kinds of evidence that the Bible is true. These have to do with internal consistency and coherence. Although the Bible was written over many centuries by different writers, the messages it contains are coherent and consistent. The Bible presents a coherent theology and worldview and presents this material consistently. Moreover, the Christian worldview is robust, reasonable and grounded in history. (Cited from: New Evidence that Demands a Verdict) So today if someone were to ask you how do you know the Bible is true. Save the circular reasoning for last. Let me quote my hero Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:25-26 (NIV) At that time Jesus said, I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 11:03:47 +0000