What is the true Word of God?
How can we know for sure that the Bible is the infallible truth that ought to the the final authority in all matters of faith and practice?
This has been a reoccurring topic of conversation lately. I’ve discussed it with professing Christians and Muslims both, some sincerely searching for answers and conversely others wanting to initiate a vain argument. I have no desire whatsoever to cast pearls before swine, however, it is important that we as Christians stand confidently on the belief that Bible is the perfect, inspired and preserved Word of God. Unfortunately, we often take the wrong approach on the subject.
Throughout my life, I’ve engaged in all sorts of arguments and debates on a plethora of subjects. Though I walked away from most feeling confident about having made my point, very rarely, if ever, has it proven to be an effective way to persuade anyone. My pastor, Austin Gardner, has frequently stated “Don’t argue about whether or not you have a gun, just shoot it and everyone who was in doubt will be convinced.” That needs to be our approach to this subject.
Instead of arguing about the history of ancient texts and the canon of Scriptures, our focus ought to be on the power of the Word in action. We need to take the two edged Sword off of the mantle and swing it in the battle. A sword is designed for attack. The Bible is quite capable of defending itself and is most effective when it is applied.
The Bible changes lives when it is read and applied. The only way for it to be ineffective is for the reader to ignore it and refuse to put what it says into action (James 1:23). Anyone who has been born again can testify to the supernatural power that it has in bringing the spiritually dead to life. It completely revolutionized my life the day I was saved. I was completely changed from within and given a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am no longer the person I once was. No other book on earth has that kind of power.
Every aspect of the Christian life should be controlled by faith. We are saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8, 1 Timothy 2:15), we live by faith (Romans 1:17; Galatians 2:20, 3:11; Hebrews 10:38), and we can only please God through our faith (Hebrews 11:6). Faith goes beyond logic, but it does not necessarily contradict logic. There is often a great deal of evidence to back up our faith according to Hebrews 11:1. That rings true when it comes to the Bible being the word of God. We accept it by faith and the evidence strongly supports that belief.
The only way to increase in faith is by hearing the word of God. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” My challenge to those who question the Bible is read it yourself with an open mind, and let the Bible speak for itself.
Peter audibly heard the voice of God when he was with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. When he recounts the story in his second epistle, he finishes by telling us, “we have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place.” He goes on to say, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” The apostle Peter is making an extremely bold statement here that even though he heard the voice of God on a mountain, the Scripture is much more reliable than our personal experiences. We can be more sure that God is speaking to us through the Bible than if He spoke with us face to face.
My response to those who question its authority is let’s sit down and read it together. The Bible does us no good when it sits on a shelf. Pick it up and start reading. Hide its words in your heart, and apply what it says. I promise that will change more than your opinion, it will change your life.
