The Bible: Fact or Fiction?
The Bible truly is an amazing book. It was written over the course of 1,500 years by more than 40 authors. Not only did these men live at different times as well as in different countries, they also came from a wide variety of occupations, from fishermen to politicians, and shepherds to kings. Despite this, all 66 books of the Bible are in agreement with what they have to say.
Although the Bible covers a variety of subjects its basic message is simple: God created mankind, mankind disobeyed God which broke the perfect relationship God and mankind had, then God sent His son to die and rise again so that whoever believes in Him could live (on earth and in eternity) united with God instead of separated from Him.
Over the centuries, the Bible has been loved by millions of people whose lives were changed by its words, and challenged by millions who were opposed to its message. So far no one has been able to discredit the Bible; it has passed every test. It is not simply fairy-tales but has historical, archaeological and scientific evidence on its side. Still, ultimately it takes a measure of faith to accept it as truth.
There can only be one truth – only one right answer. In math, one plus one always equals two. Any other answer is wrong. What is the right answer for the meaning of life and for what happens after death? This is the most important truth there is to find.
The Bible claims approximately 1,500 times that it is of divine origin. Jesus made statements such as “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (John 8:31-32) and “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
The Bible also says that “anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment,” and “unless you repent (turn away from sin and toward God) you will all likewise perish.”
These claims are well worth considering; because if true, then there is a Heaven and Hell after death, and those who refuse Jesus will be eternally separated from God and in torment, and only those who repent and believe in Jesus will be in Heaven forever after this life is over. And the choice has to be made this side of eternity.
God promises that those who are truly looking for Him will find Him. He says in the book of Jeremiah, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” And in the gospels Jesus says, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” All you have to do is ask God to reveal the truth to you and keep an open mind and heart while searching.
If you would like to look into the bible and its claims in more detail, whether to strengthen your faith or because you are curious about Christianity, I recommend these books:
Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible by Erwin W. Lutzer
The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, and The Case for Creation by Lee Strobel
While both authors give a lot of good information, Lee Strobel is much more in depth and is what I'd call heavier reading.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 - Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Although the Bible covers a variety of subjects its basic message is simple: God created mankind, mankind disobeyed God which broke the perfect relationship God and mankind had, then God sent His son to die and rise again so that whoever believes in Him could live (on earth and in eternity) united with God instead of separated from Him.
Over the centuries, the Bible has been loved by millions of people whose lives were changed by its words, and challenged by millions who were opposed to its message. So far no one has been able to discredit the Bible; it has passed every test. It is not simply fairy-tales but has historical, archaeological and scientific evidence on its side. Still, ultimately it takes a measure of faith to accept it as truth.
There can only be one truth – only one right answer. In math, one plus one always equals two. Any other answer is wrong. What is the right answer for the meaning of life and for what happens after death? This is the most important truth there is to find.
The Bible claims approximately 1,500 times that it is of divine origin. Jesus made statements such as “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (John 8:31-32) and “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
The Bible also says that “anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment,” and “unless you repent (turn away from sin and toward God) you will all likewise perish.”
These claims are well worth considering; because if true, then there is a Heaven and Hell after death, and those who refuse Jesus will be eternally separated from God and in torment, and only those who repent and believe in Jesus will be in Heaven forever after this life is over. And the choice has to be made this side of eternity.
God promises that those who are truly looking for Him will find Him. He says in the book of Jeremiah, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” And in the gospels Jesus says, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” All you have to do is ask God to reveal the truth to you and keep an open mind and heart while searching.
If you would like to look into the bible and its claims in more detail, whether to strengthen your faith or because you are curious about Christianity, I recommend these books:
Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible by Erwin W. Lutzer
The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, and The Case for Creation by Lee Strobel
While both authors give a lot of good information, Lee Strobel is much more in depth and is what I'd call heavier reading.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 - Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."