In a recent sermon at Legacy Baptist Church, Pastor Donnie Edwards delivered a powerful message about why the Bible is the authentic, inspired Word of God. As our culture increasingly questions traditional faith and biblical authority, understanding the foundations of our belief in Scripture becomes more crucial than ever. These points are adapted from his sermon.
1. The Divine Inspiration of Scripture
The first and most fundamental reason we believe in the Bible’s authority is its divine inspiration. As 2 Timothy 3:15-16 tells us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” This isn’t just a casual claim – it’s a profound statement about the Bible’s origin and authority. The Scripture was breathed out by God Himself through human authors, making it uniquely authoritative and trustworthy.
The Bible’s authority stems from its divine inspiration, supported by all three persons of the Trinity:
- God the Father ordained it (2 Timothy 3:15-16)
- Jesus embodies it as the living Word (John 1:1-3)
- The Holy Spirit breathed it through human authors (2 Peter 1:20-21)
2. The Remarkable Unity of Scripture
One of the most compelling evidences for the Bible’s divine origin is its incredible unity. Consider this: 40 different authors from all walks of life – kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, tax collectors, poets, musicians, and scholars – wrote portions of the Bible over 1,500 years. Yet despite this diversity, they maintained remarkable consistency in their message and themes, without contradicting each other. This unity points to a divine Author orchestrating the whole.
3. Prophetic Accuracy
The Bible contains over 380 prophecies about Christ alone, all fulfilled with remarkable precision. From His birth in Bethlehem to the details of His crucifixion, these prophecies were written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth. This prophetic accuracy demonstrates the Bible’s supernatural origin and reliability.
Verses to look at:
- The detailed prophecy about Babylon’s destruction (Isaiah 13:19-22)
- Jesus’ precise prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 AD (Luke 19:43-44)
- Over 380 specific prophecies about Christ, with 48 fulfilled in His final week alone
4. Scientific Accuracy
While not primarily a scientific text, the Bible has proven remarkably accurate in its scientific claims. Modern discoveries continue to validate biblical statements about the natural world, from the earth’s shape to the complexity of human life. This accuracy is particularly impressive considering when these texts were written.
Rather than contradicting science, the Bible demonstrates remarkable scientific insight:
- Described the Earth as spherical (Isaiah 40:21-22)
- Explained the water cycle (Job 38:25-27)
- Recognized blood’s importance to life (Leviticus 17:11)
- Outlined basic genetic principles (Genesis 1:11-12)
5. Historical Verification
Archaeological discoveries consistently verify biblical accounts. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the 1940s, provided remarkable evidence of the Bible’s textual preservation. Ongoing archaeological finds in Israel and throughout the Middle East continue to confirm biblical narratives and details.
Multiple ancient manuscripts verify the Bible’s preservation:
- The Septuagint (285 BC)
- The Sinai Manuscript (4th century AD)
- The Qumran Scrolls (Dead Sea Scrolls)
- The Alexandria Manuscript (400 AD)
6. The Power to Transform Lives
Perhaps the most personal evidence of the Bible’s divine origin is its power to transform lives. When people engage with Scripture, they experience real change – from renewed minds to transformed behaviors. This transformative power has been witnessed across cultures and throughout history.
The Bible isn’t merely ancient literature—it’s “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). It continues to:
- Generate faith through hearing
- Transform lives through its truth
- Guide believers in spiritual growth
- Create intimate fellowship with God
7. Survival Against Opposition
Despite numerous attempts throughout history to destroy or discredit it, the Bible has survived and thrived. It remains the most widely distributed and translated book in history, with over 2.5 billion copies printed between 1815 and 1975 alone. Today, more than 100 million new Bibles are printed annually.
Ways the Bible has proven indestructible:
- Survived Emperor Diocletian’s order to destroy all Scriptures in 303 AD
- Currently over 6 billion copies in print
- More than 100 million new Bibles printed annually
- Found in 92% of American households
8. The Cross-Centered Message
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible maintains a consistent focus on God’s redemptive plan through Christ. This central theme of salvation through the cross appears in various forms throughout Scripture, demonstrating its divine orchestration.
The message of the cross weaves through Scripture:
- Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac prefigures Christ’s sacrifice
- The Passover lamb points to Jesus
- The bronze serpent in Numbers foreshadows the crucifixion
- Revelation celebrates the blood that cleanses from sin
9. Manuscript Evidence
The Bible has more manuscript evidence than any other ancient document. The abundance of early manuscripts and their remarkable consistency provide strong evidence for the Bible’s reliable transmission through history.
10. Impact on Personal Faith
Finally, the Bible’s ability to create intimate communion between believers and God stands as a powerful testimony to its divine origin. Through Scripture, people experience a personal connection with their Creator that transcends mere religious practice.
The Bible demonstrates unique power to:
- Convert the unsaved (Romans 10:17)
- Make one wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15)
- Sanctify believers (John 17:17-19)
- Create intimate communion with God
Practical Application for Today
For those wanting to engage more deeply with Scripture, consider these practical steps:
- Start a Bible reading plan (many are available through apps or online)
- Listen to audio Bible during daily commutes or routines
- Join a Bible study group for accountability and discussion
- Use study tools and commentaries to deepen understanding
- Memorize key verses
- Apply its teachings daily
Understanding why we believe the Bible is God’s Word strengthens our faith and helps us defend our beliefs. In an age of increasing skepticism, these evidences provide a solid foundation for trusting in Scripture’s authority and relevance for our lives today.
The Bible stands unique among all books—divinely inspired, historically verified, scientifically accurate, and spiritually transformative. It’s not just a good book; it’s God’s book, given to reveal His character, communicate His will, and draw us into relationship with Him.
[This blog post is based on a sermon delivered by Pastor Donnie Edwards at Legacy Baptist Church in Genoa, Arkansas.]