BIBLE BELIEVERS
From the day the Church of Jesus began Christians have believed that the Bible is the Word of God. Christians consider it a unique revelation from God. It is special and supernatural in its origin. It was penned by mere men; but it was written as God wanted. Christians take the view (and historically always have) that the Bible not only ‘contains’ the Word of God, but ‘it is’ the Word of God. Every word in every book from Genesis to Revelation is God’s Word to humanity.
THAT’S A TALL ORDER
Is there evidence to back this claim? There is! This evidence comes from both inside and outside the Bible. In my next couple of posts I want to explore this evidence. It will give you ‘food for thought.’ If you are a Christian it will encourage you and give you boldness when sharing your faith with others.
THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE BOOK
I have been reading a great book by John G West. It is called, “Stockholm Syndrome Christianity.” I highly recommend it. He makes the observation that in every place throughout the world where the Bible has been taken seriously and lived out, people and society have benefited. I will share some direct quotes from the book. They are compelling.
John West says, “…what might our world have looked like had the Bible never been written or believed?” He then goes on to give examples of this Book’s transforming influence. He says, “The first network of hospitals to care for ordinary people started as adjuncts to Cathedrals.” He has footnotes to back these claims. Even secular academia accept these facts, it seems.
John West goes on to say the Biblical world view inspired the political motivation to end slavery. West again, “…slavery has existed throughout human history, and still exists in some parts of the world today. The fact that it doesn’t exist in many nations is largely a result of the working out of the biblical view that all humans are created in the image of God.”
God’s Word also liberated the status of women, according to West. He writes, “Women were demeaned in ancient pagan culture. Even in the past couple of centuries, practices prevailed like the burning of widows in India and foot binding in China. Today some cultures still engage in female genital mutilation. In Saudi Arabia, women weren’t allowed to drive until 2018. Yet women were active in the early church, and Jesus modelled treating women as equal human beings with men. Think of his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well John 4:1-42).” The preceding quotes are from Stockholm Syndrome Christianity, Kindle version, 2025, pages 54-56.
The Bible has inherent power to bring change. Modern science owes its origin and current form to the Word of God! Science as we know it today was birthed in 1543 with the ideas of Nicolaus Copernicus. It replaced the greek view of nature that had held sway for 2000 years. It occurred in the West where most of the earliest scientists were Bible Believing Christians. They pursued knowledge about the world around them looking for consistency, logic and laws. Based on the Bible, they expected that God’s created universe would reflect His order and lawfulness. This approach caused scientific discovery to flourish. Today’s technology is built upon the foundation of God’s Word being true and trustworthy. Do you see the connection? The science and technology we enjoy today resulted from God’s Word being applied to the natural world. How’s that for change! My point in all this. For a book to be so transformational, it is evidence of the supernatural.
Let me share with you another evidence for the Bible being God’s Word. For millennia God’s Word has been transforming lives. When the Bible is understood and implemented it brings change, like nothing else can. God’s message of love, forgiveness and restoration is transformative because it changes hearts.
Education, philosophy and religion can bring change. They can change opinions and behaviours. They cannot change human nature. Only God’s Word can do that. The change it brings comes from the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.
Multitudes of Christians can testify of change since encountering Jesus and His Word. They have been transformed by the Word of God. This change is internally driven. In all other systems change comes from without. As a result it is superficial.
Let me illustrate. Many people from all faiths and ideologies are willing to die for their beliefs. Yet how many are willing to love their killers? Christians (by God’s grace) pray for, forgive and seek the best for their persecutors. That is evidence of a change in human nature.
CHANGE AND EXCHANGE
Personally trusting the Word of God will change you. Take God at His Word and discover what He has to give you. He will change you from the inside out. He will change and exchange things in your life.
God changes the sad and broken places in our souls, by exchanging them for peace and Joy. God changes our guilt and shame, and exchanges them for acceptance and love. God changes arrogance by exchanging pride for humility.
Allow me to leave you with a Challenge. Take God at his Word. Turn to Jesus and see things in your life both changed and exchanged. Will you become one of the changed multitude who have accepted God’s Word?
NEXT TIME
In my next few post I will look at more evidence for the Bible being God’s Word. I will also show you how to enjoy God’s Word everyday.