The Bible makes the claim that it is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). However, any book can claim divine inspiration. Does the Bible bear the markings of divine inspiration, or does it show itself to be just another product of the mind of man? Consider the following facts about the Bible.
It reveals fulfilled prophecies. First Kings 13:2 foretells the work of a king 300 years before he was born. Isaiah 44:28-45:1 gives the very name of a king and what he will do 150 years before he is born. There are 332 prophecies in the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ. These were not lucky guesses. Fulfilled prophecy is one of the greatest proofs of divine inspiration that we have (Isaiah 48:3-5).
It reveals scientific foreknowledge. The Bible reveals knowledge of scientific facts that were not discovered by man until centuries later. Not too long ago, man discovered blood carried oxygen throughout the body (cf. Leviticus 17:11). The man spent centuries believing the world was flat (cf. Isaiah 40:22). For centuries, a man believed that the stars numbered just over 1,000. It is now suggested that over 25 sextillion stars exist (cp. Jeremiah 33:22). How could man have guessed these scientific facts centuries before they were discovered?
These facts are sufficient to back up the Bible’s claim of inspiration. Knowing that the Bible contains the inspired will of God, should we not be more determined to read, understand, and obey what it tells us to do?
Adapted from Heath Rogers
