Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil. 4:8 ESV
Fake news. Fact checks. Flip-flopping opinions.
How do we know what to believe?
We used to live by the adage, “Seeing is believing.”
Well, no more. Not when technology can produce images that fool even the most discerning eye.
And forget saying, “I heard it with my own ears.” Artificial intelligence produces sound bytes that will fool us every time.
Some people view truth as a vague, shape-shifting figure. Truth takes on different forms, depending on who’s telling the story.
But some of us still believe in the common-sense notion that some things are real, and some are not.
So how do we know what’s true?
When the Apostle Paul tells us to think about the things that are true, where do we find truth?
I believe we find truth in the written word of God, the Bible.
I could give you subjective reasons for my belief. My personal life’s story is shaped by the Bible, beginning with the day I read the words in Ephesians 2:8 and 9, and light bulbs went on in my brain. I finally understood that I couldn’t possibly do enough good deeds to earn God’s favor. But that doesn’t matter because God offers salvation as a free gift to those who believe .
Then, I could tell you how God’s written word is my manual for living.
How Bible verses I’ve memorized have become weapons against dangerous thoughts invading my mind and stealing my peace.
How, many restless nights, I’ve been soothed by the verses I’ve tucked away in my brain and in my heart.
And you might say, “Well, good for you.”
Evidence for the Truth of the Bible
So, instead I’ll give you some evidence leading us to conclude the Bible is true.
Consistent Message
Though it consists of 66 books written by almost 40 different authors, the Bible carries one consistent message: a message of creation, fall from grace, redemption, and restoration.
The Old Testament introduces us to the Creator God whose steadfast love never ceases and whose mercies never come to an end. The Old Testament tells the story of God’s promise to send a Savior.
The New Testament gives account of the promise fulfilled.
Eyewitness Accounts
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14 ESV)
John, Jesus’ beloved disciple, wrote these words. John was a close companion of Jesus. He listened to Jesus teach and heard Jesus proclaim himself to be the Messiah. John was there at the foot of the cross when Jesus died, and he spent time with Jesus after Jesus rose from the dead. John gives an eye-witness account to the signs and wonders Jesus performed.
The New Testament writers give eyewitness accounts concerning Jesus: Matthew, John, Peter, James, the brother of the Lord, and Jude, brother of Jesus and James. Paul testifies to an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Mark traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys. Luke, a doctor and a Gentile, also accompanied Paul and carefully researched the facts so he could give an accurate account. (Luke 1:1-4)
Historically Accurate
The bible is historically accurate. For example, writings by secular authors such as Josephus and Tacitus confirm Jesus existed and impacted the culture.
Archaeology confirms the accuracy of the Bible.
Here’s one example: Skeptics doubted the existence of Nazareth, arguing that no historical documents mentioned Nazareth in the first century. However, archaeological evidence confirms the existence of a small rural settlement (where the Bible places Nazareth) during the Roman era. Other archaeological evidence includes significant discoveries such as the site if the City of David and the Tel Dan Stele which confirms the existence of the “house of David,” the Davidic line of kings.
Unchanging Message
The original writings that comprise the bible are unchanged. Today we have thousands of manuscripts of the Old and New Testament—more manuscripts of the Bible than any other book in antiquity.
And documents such as the Dead Sea Scrolls give evidence that the words of the Bible have not been altered over the centuries.
Prophecies Fulfilled
Hundreds of literal prophecies have been fulfilled. One example is the Babylonian Captivity. The prophet Jeremiah predicted the Israelites would be held in captivity for 70 years and afterwards would be allowed to return to their homeland. The first wave of captivity occurred in 607 B.C., and in 537 B.C. the Edict of Cyrus permitted the Israelites to return. The first temple was destroyed in 586 B.C.; the reconstruction was complete in 517 B.C.
And this is just one example. The Bible also records dozens of prophecies concerning the Messiah, prophecies fulfilled by Jesus.
Relevance Today
After two thousand years, the Bible is still a best-seller. It has been translated into thousands of languages.
One message. One accurate message. An accurate, enduring message. An accurate, enduring, relevant message.
If you want truth, look for it in the Bible.
Images thanks to Aaron Burden and Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash.