Why Should the Bible Be My Boss?

As a Christian, I believe the Bible has authority over what I believe and how I behave.  Someone may ask, "Why would an ancient book, written thousands of years ago, in completely different languages and cultures have any bearing whatsoever on my life?"

The answer is that we believe that the Bible is God's Word for us.  According to 2 Tim. 3:16, it is "God breathed" (Inspired) and "Useful" (Inspiring.)

I cannot prove that the Bible is true to someone who doesn't want to believe it.  "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."  However, let me give you three reasons why I believe the Bible is trustworthy.  There are many more reasons I could give, but for the sake of time, I'll just bring three from the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119: 89-93.

I Believe the Bible is Trustworthy Because. . .

1.  IT CARRIES ITS OWN WEIGHT

Psalm 119:89  "Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens."

The Bible isn't squishy.  It is strong. . . firm. . . rock solid.  There is a reason why it is the best-selling book of all time.  There is a reason why it has been translated into more languages and read by many more people than any other book.  There is something unique and special about it.

The Bible is not just one book.  It is a library of books:  39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament.  (The way I remember that is 3 x 9 = 27).  That equals 66 books -- and if you follow Route 66, you will arrive at the right destination.

We believe in the 39 books of the Old Testament because Jesus recognized them as Scripture.  He quoted directly from 24 of them in the Gospels.

We believe in the 27 books of the New Testament because they were connected directly to the apostles' inner circle, univeral and orthodox.  The New Testament was not created at the by councils as some critics claim (i.e. the Council of Hippo in 393.)  Rather, the original Scriptures were affirmed by the council. 

Just think --  forty authors from three continents over thousands of years, under God's inspiration created the most beautiful literary masterpiece in human history!

Consider the prophecies of Jesus.  There are 60 significant prophecies about Christ in the Old Testament (if you add inferences, there are over 300.)  Professor Peter Stoner of Westmont College, along with some of his students, determined the probability that only eight of these prophecies would be fulfilled in one person by accident.  The fascinating results can be found here

2.  IT ENDURES

Psalm 119: 90-91:  "Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you."

The Bible is rooted in history.  It is not some ethereal text, but it brings the stories of real people from real places.  Archaeology has confirmed much of the Bible.  I've experienced it myself.  I've seen the Temple Mount.  I have visited Solomon's stables.  I have seen to bone box of Caiphas, the high priest.  Skeptics used to believe the Hittites were mythological -- but then archaeologiests dug them up!  They have uncovered evidence for Pontius Pilate, the Pool of Siloam, and King Hezekiah.

The support is overwhelming and there are literally thousands of discoveries.  Try this free e-book for starters, Ten Top Biblical Archaeological Discoveries.

Look at any Bible Encylcopedia and you will discover it is packed with pictures of archaeological discoveries that confirm the Bible.

The Bible has been preserved remarkably.

One amazing fact about the Bible is how many manuscript copies have been discovered.  When considering the reliability of an ancient manuscript, we look at two things:  the time gap between the earliest copy we possess and the time it was written and the number of copies that have been found.
Comparing the Bible with other ancient works, the results are absolutely astounding! 

In 2013, archaeologists discovered a small fragment of Mark's Gospel (the size of two fingers) which was found inside an Egyptian mummy mask, used as paper mache.  It has been dated at around 80 AD, making it, by far, the oldest New Testament manuscript in existence.  If this was, indeed, written in 80 AD, this means people from the time of Christ were still alive when it was written!

The Bible is is like an Anvil.  It stands strong, and wears out the hammers that beat on it.

3.   IT WORKS
Psalm 119:92-92 --  "If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.

The very best evidence for the reliability of Scripture is how it works in people's lives.   I have found the Bible to be my greatest source of strength, peace and guidance.  I have never once met a person who spent a life living by the Bible and regretted it.  I've met many who regretted NOT doing so.  As a pastor, I have seen it speak grace to the grieving, solace for the suffering, and help for the hurting.
I read it every morning, and find something fresh and new each time.  It is a living book that brings life to me, and all who read it with honest hearts.

Recently, I noticed a friend was experiencing significant spiritual growth.  It was exciting to see her blossom.  I asked, "What has made the difference for you?"  She replied, "I started studying the Bible.  For years, I would read a little bit now and then for a dose of inspiration, but I decided to dig in and really study it, and devote myself to doing what it says.  That has made all the difference!"

Yet It Lives (Author Unknown)

Generations follow generations—yet it lives.
Nations rise and fall—yet it lives.
Kings, dictators, presidents come and go—yet it lives.
Torn, condemned, burned—yet it lives.
Hated, despised, cursed—yet it lives.
Doubted, suspected, criticized—yet it lives.
Damned by atheists, exaggerated by fanatics—yet it lives.
Misconstrued & misstated, Ranted and raved about—yet it lives.
Its inspiration denied—yet it lives.
Yet it lives—as a lamp to our feet.
Yet it lives—as a light to our paths.
Yet it lives—as a standard for childhood & as a guide for youth.
Yet it lives—as an inspiration for the mature & a comfort for the aged.
Yet it lives—as food for the hungry, water 4 thirsty & rest for the weary.
As salvation for the sinner & grace for the believer.
To know it is to love it.To love it is to accept it.
To accept it means Life Eternal.