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PART I: THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER
CHAPTER 4
THE INTEGRITY OF THE WORD OF GOD
All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16).
For the prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake as
they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
(2 Peter 1:21).
The Bible Claims
That It Is the Word of God
In the first scripture quoted above, the phrase "given by
inspiration of God" is the translation of one Greek word
THEOPNEUSTOS--literally, "God-breathed." [Ralph Earle, ThD, HOW
WE GOT OUR BIBLE (Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press, 1971), p.
13]. The Spirit of God placed his Word in the minds of selected
men who proclaimed it and recorded it.
The Bible is a Library of 66 books written by 40 writers
over a period of 1500 years. The Old Testament (39 books) was
written during the period 1400-400 B.C. The New Testament (27
books) was written during the period 45-94 A.D. (Earle, HOW WE
GOT OUR BIBLE, p. 31).
Science Confirms the
Historical Accuracy of the Bible
The Hebrew scribes were meticulous in copying the Old
Testament. The New Testament is the most well-documented ancient
writing with over 5000 known manuscripts (whole or part) in
existence.
The science of archaeology confirms the historical accuracy
of the Bible. It also disproves past theories that tried to
discredit the Bible. The late William Foxwell Albright, who was
the world's leading Palestinian Archaeologist, stated that
nothing had been found to discredit the faith of Jew or
Christian. Contemporary archaeologist Robert Cooley, PhD, stated
that archaeological findings tend to illuminate and confirm the
Bible.
For a detailed, scholarly work confirming the integrity of
the Bible, read Josh McDowell's book, EVIDENCE THAT DEMANDS A
VERDICT (San Bernardino, Ca: Campus Crusade for Christ, 1972).
It is scholarly, but written in easily-understood language.
Human Experience Confirms
That the Bible is the Word of God
The greatest spiritual and moral reformation in England was
spawned by the ministry of John Wesley. He penned these
beautiful and meaningful words:
I have thought, I am a creature of a day,
passing through life as an arrow through the
air. I am a spirit come from God: just
hovering over the great gulf; till a few
moments hence, I am no more seen; I drop into
an unchangeable eternity! I want to know one
thing--the way to heaven; how to land safe on
that happy shore. God himself has
condescended to teach the way: For this very
end he came from heaven. He hath written it
down in a book. O give me that book! At any
price, give me the book of God! I have it:
Here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be
HOMO UNIUS LIBRI [a man of one book].
(Quoted by Ralph Earle, HOW WE GOT OUR BIBLE,
p. 18).
When John Wesley was converted, his life was changed radically
for the better. He became a powerhouse in winning people to the
Lord and consequently English society was changed. His
experience confirmed that the Bible is the Word of God.
Reverend E. W. Kenyon was a man convinced of the integrity
of the Word of God. His ministry was like another Book of Acts.
Listen to the wisdom of this successful man of the cloth:
Many times our theologians have been our
enemies.
They have made a philosophy of the
truth; turned the Word into dogma and creed
when it should have been as though the Master
were here speaking to us.
The Word should speak to us as He would.
It takes His place.
It has the same authority as He would
have if He were here. [E. W. Kenyon, IN HIS
PRESENCE (Seattle, WA: Kenyon's Gospel
Publishing Society, Inc., 1969), p. 66].
Paul notes that when the Thessalonians accepted the Word of
God, good results occurred in the believers:
For this cause also thank we God without
ceasing, because, when ye received the word
of God which ye heard of us, ye received it
not as the word of men, but as it is in
truth, the word of God, which effectually
worketh also in you that believe. (1
Thessalonians 2:13).
The writer of the Book of Hebrews notes that Word of God is
very powerful and penetrates deeply into the heart of man:
For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing
even to the dividing asunder of soul and
spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is
a discerner of the thoughts and intents of
the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).
Reverend Billy Graham believes that the Bible is the Word of
God. As he has faithfully proclaimed the Gospel over the years,
countless people have received Christ and their lives have been
transformed.
RECOMMENDED READING FOR FURTHER STUDY IN PERSONAL FAITH-BUILDING.
It is very important to internalize the Word of God. Please read
Chapter 6, "Listening to God," of my book, HOW TO RAISE YOUR
SELF-ESTEEM USING PROVEN BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES, for powerful ways
to internalize God's Word. In that same book, read Chapter 5,
"Confession," and Chapter 7, "Positive Confession," and Chapter
8, "Completed Faith," for a giant step forward in the growth of
your faith. Chapters 9 and 10 amplify Chapter 8. It is
shareware, and you may read it without having to purchase it.
END