To validate the Bible as the inspired Word of God, we must look into internal and external evidence. However, some internal evidence might seem as if the Bible is claiming itself as the Word of God, and some people criticize this as circular reasoning, which basically means that it will not serve as substantial evidence. Even though for some this evidence is not enough to prove its authenticity, it is crucial we examine it.
Internal Evidence of the Bible
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it says:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
This extract from the second book of Timothy, written by Paul, clearly states that the Bible is the Word of God. This is one of the internal pieces of evidence we can find inside the Bible, alongside many other verses that testify of its divine origin.
In addition, we can find in the Bible detailed prophecies regarding Israel and other nations, along with prophecies of the Messiah. Approximately 2,500 prophecies have been fulfilled exactly as they were described centuries before they even occurred. These prophecies were 100 percent accurate in their predictions, meaning there were no errors. For example:
In the fifth century BC, a prophet named Zechariah declared that the Messiah would be betrayed for the price of a slave—thirty pieces of silver, according to Jewish law-and also that this money would be used to buy a burial ground for Jerusalem’s poor foreigners. – Zechariah 11:12-13
Bible writers and secular historians both record thirty pieces of silver as the sum paid to Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus, and they indicate that the money went to purchase a “potter’s field,” used—just as predicted—for the burial of poor aliens (Matthew 27:3-10).
External Evidence of the Bible
On the other hand, external evidence also suggests that the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible narrates historical events accurately and truthfully, and it has been proven by archaeological discoveries. It is said that the Bible is the “best-documented book from the ancient world” (Got Questions Ministries). The Smithsonian Department of Anthropology said that the Bible is “more accurate than many of the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, or Greek histories.” Many monuments found in Egypt, Assyria, and others had the names of at least 29 kings, who are mentioned in the Bible.
Now, the most controversial issue while trying to justify the authenticity of the Bible is the fact that the authors of all 66 books are humans. It is to note that God used these men to write down His words. If we take a look at the lives of these men, they were respectable men, and some were well-known in other countries.
For example, King David, the writer of many psalms, was recognized as a ruler by multiple countries in the region. Another example is the life of Paul, formerly known as Saul, who went from killing Christian to becoming an Apostle. Most of the Apostles lived with Jesus while He was on Earth until His ascension to heaven, and they were also first-hand witnesses. The lives of these men and their willingness to die for what they believe in is proof that the Bible is the Word of God.
Throughout history, many have tried to destroy the Bible, but it has been demonstrated to be indestructible. How after many attempts to vanish it is it still the best-selling book of all time? Why do many people read the Bible? What else is there to actually rely on the Bible? Maybe the answer is to test it personally, and by reading the Bible we can become convinced that the Bible is truly the Word of God.
