The Bible's Claims - Resources to help you navigate the Word

More than a book containing wise and helpful sayings, the Bible claims to be God’s own words. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17*

If God Himself communicates to us in the Bible, His love (having our best interests in mind) compels us to listen and align our life with His words. God must know more than we do about living.

If the Bible is just another influential book, we can enjoy the parts we agree with and ignore those that make us uncomfortable (for instance, forgive people that don’t deserve it, don’t gossip, don’t complain, be faithful in little things).

However, solid evidence** points to the reliability of the Bible’s claim to be inspired by God. Consider the following facts:

• It was written over a 1,500-year span and forty generations.
• It was written by more than forty authors varying from kings to peasants, fishermen to statesmen, scholars to poets.
• It was written on three continents (Africa, Asia, Europe).
• It was written in three languages (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic).
  

Yet, incredibly, the Bible has perfect continuity throughout. The one unfolding story is God’s plan for reconciling people with Himself. The Old Testament foreshadows His unique plan and over 300 prophecies predict Jesus Christ’s coming. The New Testament reveals the plan’s accomplishment in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.


* 2 Timothy 3:16-17 marks where this passage is in the Bible. “2 Timothy” is one of 66 books in the Bible. “3”denotes the chapter. “16-17” denote the verses.

**For more evidence of the Bible’s reliability and how to get the most from reading the Bible, see the Tools for Mentoring section.