The bible contains evidence, testimony and proof. The weight of these is such that demands your consideration. We need to put them on the scales of justice and weigh them without a prejudiced mind. Only then will we be able to come to a firm conclusion to the question, "Is the Bible inspired by God?"
There are two types of evidence: external and internal. External evidence would be information of facts found in, and not limited to, science, archaeology, secular history, biology, mathematics, geography, and psychology. These subjects in their true conclusions of facts, simply confirm what the bible already stated. A simple illustration would be found in Isaiah 40:22, "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth. . ." Gesenius states in his Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon of the Old Testament, that the Hebrew word translated "circle" would be defined as "sphere." This plainly indicates that the earth is round and not flat as many men believed many years ago. Science, in discovering the shape of the earth, confirms what the bible has already stated. In addition, this illustration helps us to understand what internal evidence is. Internal evidence is information of facts found in the Scriptures. Let us look at some of the internal evidences.
THE WRITERS
There were about 30 to 40 different writers. What is so significant about this, is that the writings were not all written at the same time or in the same language. The writing of the Bible was spread over a period of over 1500 years. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew-Chaldee. The New Testament was originally written in Greek.
Is it intelligent, is it reasonable to think that with all these differences, the writers would agree on one story or theme as we find in the Bible? The obvious is apparent; the writers were inspired.
PROPHECY
Another evidence pointing to the authenticity of the Bible is biblical prophecy. The prophet's work was to teach, warn and instruct people the words of God. Another part of their work was to foretell the future. The ability to foretell or predict specific coming events in the future is not in man nor is it a natural power. This power belongs only to God. The Bible teaches that the prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak the words of God (2 Peter 1:20&21). The Holy Spirit is another person in the Godhead, and not a simple force or influence as some would have you think (John 16:13-15). There are hundreds of prophecies in the Bible. Most of them have been fulfilled.
Is it intelligent, is it reasonable to think that the hundreds of direct, specific and detailed prophecies in the Bible that have been fulfilled, all came about as a matter of chance? The doubter encounters this dilemma. The answer is obvious, the Bible is a product of God.
NO CONTRADICTIONS
The Scriptures contain no contradictions in matters of faith, moral principles, teaching about God, salvation, and instruction for godly living. This is not to say there are no problems with translations and their agreement with each other. The Scriptures in their original language is what is under consideration. Therefore, with a properly translated text, a seemingly contradiction must be dealt with in an objective way; in other words, without bias or prejudice. Do you seek to harmonize the Scriptures according to its claims and give it a fair hearing? Do you write the Bible off as being spurious without careful examination and discrimination of the Scriptures?
The scriptures contain no contradictions in science, mathematics, biology and other secular subjects. Here are some examples.
1. Genesis 1. All living things reproduce after their own kind. Science has discovered this to be true.
2. Psalm 8:8. "Whatever passes through the paths of the sea." Science has discovered there are paths in the sea.
3. Job 38:16. "Have you entered into the springs of the sea?" Science has discovered there are springs in the sea.
4. Job 38:7. "When the morning stars sang together." Science has discovered that the stars emit sound waves.
How did the writers know about the springs of the sea or the paths in the sea? They did not have scuba diving equipment or submarines. They had not even an underwater facemask. How did they know that the stars emit sound? They had no telescopes nor any kind of high tech equipment needed to detect this phenomenon. We need to realize that God said it first in the Bible. Then man came along and confirmed what the Bible already stated.
Is it intelligent, is it reasonable to think that the writers made a wild guess that these things were so? The answer again is obvious, the writers were moved by the Holy Spirit to write the things given by God.
CONCLUSION
True science always harmonizes with the Bible. False science contradicts the scriptures. The scriptures are a literary monument that stands alone. It is superior to any other work, in matters of faith, moral principles, ethics, the spiritual realm, and instruction for godly living.
Is the Bible God's word? You have to answer this question for yourself. My answer must be yes! "All scripture is inspired by God . . ." 2 Timothy 3:16.