The Bible is not only an important book to Christians; it is the book. Christians believe the words of the Bible are from God and are, therefore, perfect and important for our lives today.

First, the Bible claims to be from God. For example, 2 Timothy 3:16 pronounces, “All Scripture is given by inspiration from God.” Second Peter 1:21 adds, “Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Second, the Bible reveals evidence of being supernatural. Why? Look at the prophecies found in Scripture. Hundreds of predictions have been fulfilled in exact detail, from the death of the Messiah in Isaiah 53, to the destruction of Jerusalem and deportation to Babylon in the Old Testament, and the prediction of the fall of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70.

Third, the Bible was composed by human writers inspired by God. For example, the first five books of the Old Testament were written by Moses, a man who heard God’s voice at the burning bush and on the Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments. David, a man after God’s own heart, composed many of the Psalms. The New Testament was written by the apostles and their associates, primarily involving authors who spent time with Jesus during his earthly ministry.

Fourth, the unity of the Bible offers additional support of its divine nature. It includes sixty-six books composed by approximately forty human writers on three continents in three languages over approximately fifteen hundred years. Despite much variety in background, the themes and details of the Bible complement one another as if written by one author. This evidence of a divine author, God, provides supplemental support that its words are truly inspired.

Fifth, the Bible enjoys the evidence of millions of changed lives. While many books have inspired large numbers of people, no book’s impact compares with the Bible. Its words have served as the basis for historic documents such as the U.S. Constitution, while its thoughts have been included in countless teachings, plays, poems, songs, and novels.

Sixth, the Bible has shown itself a highly accurate historical document. If skeptics could show that Scripture included many historical errors, then the Bible’s divine nature could be compromised. However, history and archaeology continue to affirm the accuracy of Scripture, increasing our confidence in its divine nature.

Finally, the Bible’s preservation highlights its inspiration. Despite numerous attacks to destroy early copies of Scripture, as well as more recent attempts to burn or ban Bibles, God’s Word remains the most translated and distributed book in history. No other book compares to the more than fifteen hundred languages in which the Bible can be read or heard today.

Ultimately, Christians believe the Bible is God’s Word based on faith, but it is faith built on facts. The evidence of history, consistency, testimony, and fulfillment all point toward a book that is indestructible and life-changing today.

Used by permission from 100 Bible Questions and Answers by Alex McFarland & Bert Harper; copyright 2021, Broadstreet Publishing Group, LLC.

Rev. Alex McFarland is heard daily on the American Family Radio network and weekly on The Alex McFarland Show (podcast and YouTube channels).  He directs Biblical Worldview for Charis Bible College, located in Colorado.  Alex speaks frequently throughout the U.S. For more information go to https://alexmcfarland.com/speaking/.