John 20:29-31 KJV — Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Seeing is believing. For many people that is the only way they would be able to assure themselves if anything is true. To hold something, read a document or to eyewitness an event can be all the proof skeptics need to secure their faith. Thus was the case of Thomas. He had been told by the other disciples that Jesus had risen, but he needed proof. Proof was provided when Jesus appeared before him. We as believers accept this as truth and because it is recorded in the book of John, which is found in the Holy Bible, it is all the proof we need. There are many who say that the Holy Bible is not the proof they’re looking for. They claim, “It’s just a book with good stories. There’s no way they can be true.” Why is it so hard for people to accept the Bible as the true word of God?
John 1:1 KJV — In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The Bible is the single most important book ever written. Without this book the Western world and a good deal of the Eastern world would be completely different today than if the events of this book had never occurred. A good number of people around the world read portions of this book every day. It is one of the most published and printed books in the history of the world. It has been printed in just about every known language (including braille) and each year, since it was first written, it has been the world’s greatest bestseller year after year. The Bible is the manuscript foundation of the Christian faith, but in today’s society there are many skeptics who feel that the Holy Bible is irrelevant, unverifiable and unbelievable. Have they turned away from God’s word? Do they really believe they can live without instruction?
Putting your faith into something can be challenging, especially in an era when it is so hard to believe anything that is presented. Believing that the Bible is truly the word of God is simply a matter of faith and maybe that’s why the “wise” of the world can’t grasp the revelation of God, Jesus and the message of hope it provides. The question that must be asked is, “What do you believe and are you willing to apply your beliefs and read the scriptures to see if they confirm the beliefs you hold so dear?” Bible scholars and theologians may not have Noah’s Ark or the Ark of the Covenant to physically show for proof, but in recent years archaeologists in the Holy Land have uncovered artifacts dating back to ancient biblical times that verify accounts written in the Bible.
Psalm 18:30 KJV — As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Psalm 105:8 KJV — He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
Many of our laws, moral standards and yes, even our manners have been inspired by what is written in the Bible. In a world with so many troubles and our nation facing diplomatic concerns in Asia and the Middle East, the word of God is becoming more in demand. Guidance and wisdom are what our nation desires to be the leader of the free world. Pray that our nation will return to read the Word of God and reaffirm the trust and faith in the written word the Lord provided for us to discover.
2 Timothy 3:16 KJV — All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
“The Good Book,” a name given to the Bible by county sheriffs, judges, country preachers, rock n’ rollers, country music singers and anyone in any walk of life. Why was it given this name and does it live up to its reputation as being good? For many believers in God, there is no doubt that the Word of God is inspiring, but it also takes faith to experience the magnitude of the power the Holy Bible possesses; if only your faith is the size of a mustard seed.
John 7:38 KJV — He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Validation is always what the world requires when it comes to the Word of God. The Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, the parting of the Red Sea and the Ark of the Covenant are always the target for biblical skeptics because they claim the lack of physical evidence. Unstable Middle East governments who are mostly indifferent with Judeo-Christian beliefs make it difficult for archeologists to search for proof, but through the centuries and a lot of patience, artifacts have been found to support biblical accounts recorded in the Bible.
Still, skepticism abounds. “Legitimate, tangible, verifiable evidence is a basic requirement of any factual assertion and references from a self authenticating book and hearsay “witness” testimony well after the alleged factual occurrence (witnesses conveniently cannot be cross examined) fails miserably in that regard.”
Reading comments such as this one from social media can sometimes be a little discouraging. When examining the comment on the discovery of legalistic double talk, the questioning of the “witness” accounts as hearsay gives the impression of a person who hears but cannot open his heart to accept the truth of the Word that is written. An example of “finding it hard to believe” can be found in the book of John;
John 20:24-29 KJV — But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
The title, “self authenticating” book that the commentator gave the Bible is true since the Holy Bible, also known as the Scriptures or The Word of God is authenticated by the Holy Spirit. The writings of Moses, the Prophets, the Disciples and the Apostle Paul were all compiled by translators, scribes and scholars. At the risk of their own lives with prayer, fasting and years of study under the direction of God and His Holy Spirit were they able to preserve the Bible as we know it today.
John 1:14 KJV — And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
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