King David, after extolling the wonders of creation in Psalm 19, then exalts the Law of the Lord: The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure, and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey from the comb. (LORD stands for the original Hebrew for Yahweh.)
Here are seven reasons to believe the Bible:
- The word of God carries the Fingerprints of God. David recognized that, even though he only had a fourth of the Bible we have today!
- Transforming Power- I remember William Murray, son of atheist Madelyn Murray O’Hair. He spoke in our church once and told how the Bible had led him to Christ after years of frustrations with mean-spirited atheists.
- Accuracy- The Bible is historically and archaeologically accurate. It is internally consistent.
- It is a Tapestry of unchanging truth. There are various colored threads (themes) that weave back and forth through the whole Bible, despite it being written by forty authors over 1500 years. It contains 1) Truth about man as well as God. 2) Truth about society, 3) Truth about family, gender and sexuality. 4) Truth about purpose and hope.
- The Bible contains Bad News and Good News. It is sharper than a sword and exposes man’s sin and hypocrisy. But the Good News is that Christ died for our sins and gives us new life.
- The Bible is the world’s all-time Best Seller. It is also the most translated book in the world. 95% of the world can read it in their own language. It is simple enough for childlike faith, and deep enough for a lifetime of study. It is living and active!
- Though the Good News is considered old news by some, it is as fresh as the daily news. It reads us as we read it! Perhaps that is why so few actually read it! But it is the pathway to Christ and the Holy Spirit.
- The Bible is built on hundreds of fulfilled prophecies and there will be more to come! (Okay, I know I said seven reasons, but it’s hard to stop!)
Lord, thank you for your written word. Thank you that you faithfully revealed it to your prophets and apostles and that they were moved by your Holy Spirit to write what they wrote. Thank you that you protected its text through history and various translations. Thank you that it revives our soul, makes us wise, gives light to our eyes and joy to our hearts. Thank you that your ordinances are completely true.
Thank you that as time goes on we see more and more fulfilled prophecies form the pages of your Word. But the world is largely ignorant of these truths. Help more people to pick up your Word and read it. At the same time, let them see their sin and your forgiveness, because both are necessary for salvation. Truly, Lord, your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path. In Jesus’ Name, Amen