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Answer
That the Bible originated in the mind of God makes it not only unique among all books, but also among all the treasures on earth. President Abraham Lincoln appropriately referred to the Bible as “the best gift God has given to man.” Indeed, it reveals God’s eternal plan of redeeming the fallen human race. Yet, despite billions of copies being distributed worldwide, many still question its truth. Is the Bible a book of mythology, or is it the true, inspired Word of God? This question is of utmost importance to every individual, whether they realize it or not.
While many religious texts claim to convey a divine message, the Bible stands out because God left absolutely no room for doubt regarding whether this is His written Word. Anyone who makes an honest effort to examine the facts will find God’s signature throughout the Bible. The same mouth that spoke all of creation into existence also gave us the Bible.
In contrast to mythology, the Bible has a solid historical framework. Its characters were real people who lived in verifiable locations during historical events. The Bible mentions historical figures like Nebuchadnezzar, Sennacherib, Cyrus, Herod, Felix, Pilate, and many others. Its history aligns with that of various nations, including the Egyptian, Hittite, Persian, Babylonian, and Roman empires. The Bible’s events occur in geographical areas such as Canaan, Syria, Egypt, Mesopotamia, among others. All these verifiable details refute the notion that the Bible is mere mythology.
Unlike mythology, the Bible finds confirmation in sciences such as biology, geology, astronomy, and archaeology. The field of biblical archaeology has significantly expanded in the last century and a half, leading to the discovery of hundreds of thousands of artifacts. For instance, skeptics once used the Bible’s reference
Referring to the Hittite civilization as “proof” that the Bible was a myth was once a common belief. The science of the time denied the existence of the “Hittites.” However, in 1876, the first of a series of discoveries was made, and now the existence of the ancient Hittite civilization is well documented. Archaeology continues to support the Bible’s historical accuracy. As Dr. Henry M. Morris has noted, “There exists today not one unquestionable find of archaeology that proves the Bible to be in error at any point.”
In contrast to mythology, the Bible is presented as a historical account. Luke composed his Gospel as “an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us . . . just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses.” Luke asserts that he had “carefully investigated everything from the beginning” and thus wrote “an orderly account . . . so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (see Luke 1:1-4). Did Luke include miracles in his account? Yes, many of them. However, these miracles were confirmed by eyewitnesses. Even though, two thousand years later, a skeptic might label Luke’s account a “myth,” the burden of proof lies with the skeptic. The account itself is a meticulously investigated historical document.
Unlike mythology, the Bible contains a remarkable number of fulfilled prophecies. Myths do not concern themselves with prophecy, but one third of the Bible consists of prophecy. The Bible includes over 1,800 predictions regarding more than 700 distinct subjects found in over 8,300 verses. The Old Testament alone contains over 300 prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, many with remarkable specificity. Several prophecies have already been fulfilled, exactly as foretold. The mathematical odds of someone making this quantity of predictions and having each one come to fruition are beyond human possibility. These extraordinary prophecies could only be achieved with theSupernatural guidance of Him who sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10).
Unlike mythology, the Bible has transformed countless lives. However, many people allow the opinions of others—who have never seriously studied the Bible—to influence their own views. Each of us needs to study it for ourselves. Put it to the test. Live by the Bible’s principles and experience firsthand the dynamic and transformative power of this incredible Book. Apply its teachings on forgiveness and witness how it can mend a fractured relationship. Apply its principles of stewardship and observe an improvement in your financial situation. Apply its teachings on faith and sense a calming presence in your heart even as you navigate through a challenging trial in your life. The Bible is effective. Christians in various countries worldwide risk their lives daily to share the life-giving truth of this remarkable Book for a reason.
Ultimately, many who reject God and His revealed Word do so out of pride. They are so entrenched in their personal beliefs that they are unwilling to objectively evaluate the evidence. Embracing the truth of the Bible would necessitate serious contemplation of God and their accountability to Him. Acknowledging the truth of the Bible might entail a lifestyle change. As Erwin Lutzer expressed, “The reality is that few individuals possess an open mind, particularly regarding religious matters. . . . Consequently, distorted doctrines and biases are easily perpetuated from one generation to the next.”
Every year, millions pass away having wagered their eternal souls on the belief that the Bible is false, desperately hoping it is merely a work of mythology and that God is nonexistent. It is a risky bet, with stakes that are exceedingly high. We encourage everyone to approach the Bible with an open mind; allow it to convey its message, and may you discover that God’s Word is truth «Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. », truth.
