The Bible is without exception the most wonderful book in existence! It is superior to all other literature for there is no book in the world like it. Millions of people down through the ages have read, loved, obeyed its teachings and have rejoiced in the promises of this magnificent Book.
That which makes this wonderful Book so special is its own claim, while men were used to write it, that the Almighty God of heaven and earth was its ultimate author. This claim was not made by Christianity, but is the claim the Bible makes for itself. The Apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NAS). The Apostle Peter explains how God made His will known to the prophets, “For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21 NAS). Inspiration was the method by which revelation was delivered, and the Holy Spirit did it through men in the words chosen by the Spirit (I Corinthians 2:6-13).
In the Old Testament alone there are over 2,000 times when you will find expressions like “And God spoke to Moses,” “The word of the Lord came unto Jonah,” and “God said.” The Bible claims to be a record of the words and deeds of God as He dealt with mankind for the purpose of providing salvation.
The mere fact that the Bible claims to be the Word of God does not prove that it really is from the Living God, for there are other books that make similar claims. The difference between the Bible and other books claiming to be from God is the fact that the Bible contains indisputable evidence that it is the Word of God.
About forty men engaged in writing the Bible beginning with Moses, about 1,500 years before Jesus, and closing with the Apostle John writing the book of Revelation toward the close of the first century (covering about 1,600 years). These forty men came from different walks in life including shepherds, kings, and fishermen. These men wrote in different places, such as the wilderness, prison and exile. Although there are thirty-nine books in the Old Testament and twenty-seven books in the New Testament the Bible is one book. From beginning to end, there is one unfolding story of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. This salvation was conceived before creation, revealed gradually through the Old Testament and culminated in the coming of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me;” (John 5:39 NAS).
In the words of another, “The Old Testament is the preparation (Isaiah 40:3). The Gospels are the manifestation (John 1:29). The Book of Acts is the propagation (Acts 1:8). The Epistles give the explanation (Colossians 1:27). The Book of Revelation is the consummation (Revelation 1:7).” The Bible is all about Jesus and the wonderful salvation God has made possible through Him. There is complete harmony that cannot be explained by coincidence or collusion. This unity of the Scriptures is only one reason among many, which supports the Bible’s claim to be the divine Word of God.
Other internal proofs of the divine inspiration of the Bible include the following: the Bible’s profound and rational doctrines; the purity of its ethics; its historical character; the soberness of its teaching; its relevancy to human needs; and fulfilled prophecy. In addition to the internal proofs there are many external proofs.
The Christians meeting at Monte Vista not only believe the Bible to be the divine Word of God, we preach and teach it without addition, subtraction or substitution. God’s Word alone guides our faith and practice. We cordially invite you to our services to investigate New Testament Christianity in practice.