Truth Magazine

By Bobby Witherington

We live in a book-filled world. Regardless of whether or not one believes the Bible, he has to concur with its affirmation that “of making many books there is no end” (Eccl. 12:12). However, most books have a relatively small readership, a minimal influence upon people in general, and a short life span. In fact, few can even name the titles of books that were on the “best seller” lists a decade ago, and an even smaller number can identify by name any of their authors.

But there is one book from antiquity which refuses to die, and which man has been unable to destroy. A book which is loved in life and cherished in death. A book which for centuries has blessed the lives of millions and which continues to be the world’s most published and most read publication. In all probability, each person reading this paper has already concluded that this writer is referring to the Bible. In fact, even its detractors know that no other book could legitimately be so described.

However, the Bible has an abundance of enemies and is the object of an all-out attack on several fronts. Of course, this is really nothing new, for it has always been under attack, and such will doubtlessly continue until the end of time.

But this writer should be included among that vast number who regard the Bible to be the infallible, inerrant, inspired revelation of God to man. Believing that one should be “ready always to give an answer to every man” that asks for a reason for his “hope” (1 Pet. 3:15), the following facts are presented with regards to “Why I Believe the Bible.”

It Claims to Be From God

The expression “thus saith the Lord,” “God spake,” “the Lord testified, saying,” etc., are found over 1300 times in the Scriptures. Concerning the prophets in Old Testament times, we are told that “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21). Worded a bit differently, the affirmation is made that “all scripture is given by in- spiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16). Moreover, “inspiration” (theopneustos) literally means “God breathed,” or “breathed out by God.” In other words, “inspiration” denotes that which came from the mouth of God. And this concept of “inspiration” was implied in the Savior’s quotation of Deuteronomy 8:3; namely this: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).

I recognize that many are “turned off” by an approach in which one cites Bible verses in order to emphasize the inspiration of the Bible. However, in any court of law the defendant is allowed to speak in his own behalf. Moreover, in view of the unique position the Bible occupies in contrast to all other books, and in view of the influence it has had upon millions for centuries, can we be intellectually honest if we refuse to even consider the claims the Bible makes for itself?

Jesus Believed The Old Testament

No person can successfully deny the historicity of Jesus. That Jesus lived among men, performed mighty works, was a great teacher, and died on a cross are too overwhelmingly documented for any honest, informed, intelligent person to even question. Hence, honesty demands that we at least consider what Jesus had to say with reference to the Old Testament Scriptures — Scriptures which have been proven time and again to have been in existence when he sojourned on planet earth.

As proof that Jesus believed the Old Testament we simply list several Old Testament characters to whom he referred, thereby confirming his belief concerning their historical reality. Jesus mentioned such ones as Moses (John 3:14), Solomon (Matt. 6:29), David (Matt. 12:3), Jonah (Matt. 12: 40), Isaiah (Matt. 15:7), Abel (Matt. 23:35), Elijah (Luke 4:25), Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Luke 13:28), Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32), etc. Jesus also cited Scripture to resist Satan (Matt. 4:1-11), to rebuke the wrong doing of those who defiled the temple (Matt. 21:12,13; Isa. 56:7), and to set forth the ignorance of his detractors (Matt. 22:29-32). His profound respect for the Old Testament is indicated in Matthew 5:18 wherein he affirmed that “one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

The Historical Accuracy of the Bible

The Bible is the oldest book in print. Parts of it were written close to 3500 years ago, nearly 1,000 years earlier than the oldest secular history extant. It touches on all the known sciences, and records much historical data, as well as geographical information. Even so, it has proven amazingly accurate in all these realms. Over the years critics have tried to discredit the Bible because of its mention of different incidents and people concerning whom no confirming secular data had as yet been discovered. For example, in Genesis 40:11 we read of the butler pressing grapes “into Pharaoh’s cup.” However, Herodotus (a 5th century B.C. historian) said that no grapes were grown in Egypt, so critics automatically assumed Herodotus to be correct, and the Bible false. But archaeologists have since discovered frescoes (paintings) that decorate the tombs of Egyptian antiquity showing the dressing, pruning, cultivating the vine, extracting, and storing the juice. Similar discoveries have confirmed the historicity of the Hittites, of Sargon an Assyrian king, and other data which had formerly been questioned.

Prophecy and Fulfillment

Mere men do not always accurately predict the weather one day in advance. However, there are literally hundreds of Old Testament prophecies, written centuries in advance of the events foretold, which involved details far beyond the scope of human speculation, but which were fulfilled in minute detail. Yes, we concur with the prophet that the ability to “show the things that are to come hereafter” (Isa. 41:22-27) is something which no mere idol and which no ordinary human being can do. But an omnipotent, omniscient God can do this with the greatest of ease! Take your Bible and read of Noah’s prophecy concerning Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Gen. 9), and then read the confirming secular historical documentation. The same may be said about Balaam’s prophecy concerning Israel (Num. 23, 24), the prophecy concerning Israel’s downfall (Deut. 28), or the approximately 300 prophecies concerning the Messiah — all of which were minutely fulfilled.

Its Scientific Factuality

The Bible recorded numerous scientific truths which were undiscovered for hundreds of years afterwards. A few such examples include the suspension of the earth in space and the empty space in the North (Job 26:7), the existence of paths in the sea (Ps. 8), the fact that life is in the blood (Lev. 17:10, 11), that all nations are of “one blood” (Acts 17:26), the need for quarantine and disinfection procedures for treating infectious diseases (Lev. 13, 14), the process of rain involving evaporation into the air and condensation back to the earth (Eccl. 1:7), the rotundity of the earth (Isa. 40:22), etc. The most capable scientists in the world have been unable to cite one contradiction between the numerous incidental scientifically related statements in the Bible and the proven facts of modern science. Of course, we recognize that contradictions exist between the Bible and certain theories which men of science have advocated. But it has long been demonstrated that many supposedly great scientific theories set forth by the scientists of one generation are debunked by scientists of a later generation.

Its Indestructibility

Jesus said, “My words will by no means pass away” (Matt. 24:35). Peter declared that “the word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Pet. 2:25). We must therefore concur with these statements by Cumming: “The empire of Caesar is gone; the legions of Rome lie moldering in the dust. The avalanches that Napoleon hurled upon Europe have melted away; the pride of the Pharaohs is fallen; the pyramids they raised to be their tombs are sinking every day in the desert sand; Tyre is a rock for bleaching fishermen’s nets; Sidon has scarcely left a wreck behind; but the word of God still lives. All things that threatened to extinguish it have only aided it; and it proves every day how transient is the noblest monument that man can build; how enduring the least word that God has spoken. Tradition has dug for it many a grave; intolerance has lighted for it many a fagot; Many a Judas has betrayed it with a kiss; many a Peter has denied it with an oath; many a Demas has forsaken it; but the word of God still endures.”

It’s Amazing Unity

The Bible was written by around 40 men, over a period of about 1600 years, and contains some 66 books. The writers thereof were from different backgrounds, cultures, and of varying occupations. Yet the Bible contains an orderly development of one great theme (namely the coming Messiah, his work, and the salvation he would make possible). Its writers complement one another, but do not contradict each other. Of course, the reason for this is the fact that it is the revelation of an omniscient, infinite God to man, and he simply used its writers as instruments to set forth his will, doing so in “words” which the Holy Spirit revealed (1 Cor. 2:10-13).

Conclusion

Yes, friend, God exists! He created man is his own “image” (Gen. 1:27). He chose to communicate his will to man, and the means of that communication is the Bible. It is inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16). It is complete in every detail (2 Pet. 1:3). It will face us in the judgment (John 12:48). Hence, we urge you to read it to be wise (2 Tim. 3:15), and obey it to be saved.

By Dick Blackford

A lot of wee folks like to watch the children’s program “Nick At Night.” There is another Nick from whom we can all profit. No one knows for sure why Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, but we are told twice that he did (John 3:2; 19:39). He, like Joseph of Arimathaea, may have been a secret disciple (John 19:38). There were serious consequences for anyone who confessed Christ. He could be put out of the synagogue (John 9:22). That would spell an end to Nicodemus’ career, aside from making him a total social outcast. Whatever his reason for coming by night, we know Nicodemus did not remain “in the dark.” His was an enlightening experience straight from the true “Light of the world” (John 1:9; 8:12).

He Came To The Right Source

Of all the religious leaders and philosophers living at that time, Nicodemus had decided Jesus was the one he needed to talk to. Some today are looking for truth in all the wrong places — the psychics, the astrologers (your horoscope), Dear Abby, the electronic evangelists, the cults, pop psychology, etc. When one carefully examines the evidence, he, with the centurion, will proclaim “Truly, this was the son of God” (Matt. 27:54).

He Came To The Right Conclusion About Jesus

He showed respect by calling him “Rabbi” saying, “we know that thou art a teacher come from God” (John 3:2). The reason he was convinced of this was because “no one can do these miracles except God be with him” (v. 2). There was never a denial by either friend or foe, that Jesus performed miracles. This was readily admitted. These signs confirmed the word and were what distinguished true teachers from false teachers.

He Heard The Right Message

“Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” He was puzzled, and asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (v. 4). Such would be an impossibility, which shows Jesus was not speaking of a physical birth. The message is understandable but some have misunderstood. Jesus used language which is often applied in the physical realm. But he came to establish a spiritual kingdom and it required a spiritual birth, not a physical one. Nicodemus’ Jewish birthright could not give him membership in it.

Modern Misconceptions

Some have a “misconception” about the new birth. Actually, it is an old misconception, not a modern one for they make the same mistake as Nicodemus. They think “born of water” means the physical birth and have argued this in debate. Can you imagine Jesus saying, “Except one is born physically he can’t enter the kingdom”? To that, a teenager might say “Duh. What could be more obvious?” In fact, it is not water, but amniotic fluid. When that fluid is present it is also born the same as the baby. Both come forth from the womb. The passage plainly says “water,” not amniotic fluid. If water refers to the physical birth then all “dry birth” children would be excluded and cannot enter the kingdom.

Notice also, it is a man that is to be born, not an unborn infant. Thus, definitely not a physical birth. Jesus was not telling Nicodemus how to be born physically. It was too late for that. Yet the birth Jesus was talking about was something a man could do. He did not say “except a baby be born . . .” He said, “Except a man be born again.” Nicodemus had already been born physically, so “again” refers to his spiritual birth. His question was in reference to a man “when he is old” (v. 4). Jesus answered that question in the context in which it was asked. A man can be born of water and the spirit when he is old. Not all can be born of water physically, but all can receive this new birth.

Born of Water and Spirit Is Baptism

Baptism is the only act connected to salvation, which makes use of water. Water is never used in any case of con- version to refer to anything but baptism. “See, here is water. What doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:35-39). “Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized ?” (10:48). “Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins . . . ” (22:16). “. . . wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us . . .” (2 Pet. 3:20, 21). If Christ’s rising from the grave made him “the first born from the dead” (Col. 1:18), then to arise from the watery grave of baptism is to be born of water and spirit. For what other reason would Inspiration call this raising a “newness of life” (Rom. 6:4)? The man who does this has already been born physically when he came from his mother’s womb but now he has been born again when he is raised to walk in “newness of life.” “If any man is in Christ he is a new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17). But we are baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3-5). Baptism is the point at which one becomes “a new creature” (born again). “We are buried with him in baptism and risen with him” (Col. 2:12).

Born of the Spirit

It is one birth of water and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit directs every aspect of being born again. He is the divine agent in both actions of the spiritual birth: the begettal and the delivery. He “saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Tit. 3:5). These phrases, “washed . . . in the Spirit” (1 Cor. 6:11), the “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Tit. 3:5) and being “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:3-5) all refer to baptism. The Spirit instructs us, “For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:13). The word, which the Spirit revealed, tells us everything we need to know about salvation (Eph. 5:26).

The “Wind” Illustration

“The wind bloweth where it will, and thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not/w when it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit” (v. 8). Jesus illustrates the Spirit’s unseen nature by the wind. No man knows where wind originates nor what its ultimate destination will be. Yet we know the reality of the wind from the effect it has on certain objects. We see it blow leaves from the trees and can determine its direction. We hear it whistle through the branches. In the same way we know the reality of the working of the Spirit. We can’t see the Spirit but we see the change that takes place in the lives of men and the fruit of the Spirit that is born in their lives as a result of hearing the Spirit’s message. Jesus’ conclusion to Nicodemus was: the process by which a man is regenerated by the Spirit is no more mysterious than other operations of God’s law of reproduction in the natural world. We all agree on the reality of the wind because we see its effects. And we can see the effects of the Spirit in a man’s life and know he has been born again (anew).

Light And Darkness

We don’t know whether Nicodemus’ approaching the Lord at night meant he was a secret disciple. If so, the Lord may have been making a play on that when he told Nicodemus that “men loved the darkness rather than the light” (v. 19). Upon reading what Jesus, “the true Light of the world,” told Nicodemus there is no reason for anyone to remain in the dark.