It is not enough to believe the Bible is God’s word merely because we want it to be true. We must base our belief on rock solid evidence. I want us to consider one of the most powerful and convincing arguments that the Bible is the very word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- The Evidence of Fulfilled Prophecy
- The Bible is loaded with specific predictions pertaining to people, kingdoms, cities, and nations.
- Daniel predicted the rise and fall of four world kingdoms (Daniel 2:36-45).
- Isaiah predicted to coming and work of Cyrus (Isaiah 44:25; 45:1).
- Ezekiel predicted the fall of Tyre (Ezekiel 26).
- There are at least 100 clear prophecies that pertain to the life of Jesus.
- He would be born in Bethlehem of Judea (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6).
- He would be born into David’s family (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Matthew 1:1).
- He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25).
- He would have a forerunner (Isaiah 40:3-4; Mark 1:1-3).
- He would suffer terribly before His death (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24).
- He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:13; Matthew 26:15).
- He would spend time in Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15).
- His enemies would mock Him (Psalm 22:8; Matthew 27:43).
- Soldiers would divide His garments (Psalm 22:18; Matthew 27:35).
- He would be given wine mixed with gall (Psalm 69:21; Matthew 27:34).
- He would be raised from the dead (Psalm 16:8-11; Acts 2:25-28).
- How could these men have known these details about Jesus hundreds of years before He came to the earth? 2 Peter 1:20-21 give us the answer!
- The Bible is loaded with specific predictions pertaining to people, kingdoms, cities, and nations.
- Feeble Attempts to Combat the Evidence:
- “The prophecies were written after the fact.”
- Historical evidence proves otherwise.
- The Dead Sea Scrolls date to at least 100 B.C.
- The Septuagint made in Alexandria Egypt date to 250 B.C.
- To deny these facts is to deny history!
- Historical evidence proves otherwise.
- “The gospel writers fabricated the story to make it look like Jesus fulfilled prophecy!”
- There was no legitimate motive for fraud.
- Good men don’t die for a lie! See 1 Corinthians 4:11-13; Acts 12:1-3.
- “The prophecies were intentionally fulfilled by Jesus.”
- How does one manipulate when, how, and where they were born?
- How does one control the words of His enemies while He dies on a cross?
- How does one determine the exact family that He will be born into?
- “The prophecies were written after the fact.”
Conclusion: We can be sure the Bible is God’s word because only God knows what is going to happen in the future!
