People often say, “The Bible was written by men not God.” The implication is that it is a mere book, with the same degree of authority as any other book authored by mere humans. Christians, on the other hand, believe that the Bible, though physically written by men, is nothing short of the Word of God. It is the book of Holy Scriptures to those who believe its claims.
What the Bible Says about ItselfWhat does the Bible claim about itself? The Bible claims to be the very Word of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 2 Timothy 3: 16 (KJV) The following verse explains what inspiration is. “Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21 (NKJV) Because the words these holy men of God wrote were not their own but were given to them by the Holy Spirit, “The scripture cannot be broken.” John 10:35.
Jesus’ Estimation of the Bible
Jesus often quoted Scripture to back up His teachings with authority. He frequently used the words, “It is written,” before referring to Scriptures from the Bible. When meeting the temptation of Satan to turn stones into bread, Jesus said this to his adversary, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Repeatedly, Jesus faced the tempter with Scripture. (See Matthew 4: 7, 10.)
Jesus Unfolds Bible Prophecy Regarding His Life, Death, ResurrectionIn fact, many parts of Jesus’ life and death were foretold in the Bible long before He was born as a baby in Bethlehem. On the road to Emmaus as He walked with two dejected disciples following His death, and as yet unknown-about resurrection, Jesus pointed out the prophecies that foretold the events which had recently come to pass. “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24: 27.
Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus' LifeHere are some of the Scriptures that foretold events in Jesus’ life.
- Micah 5:2 predicted His birth in Bethlehem. Fulfilled: Matthew 2:1
- Isaiah 7:14 foretells His birth of a virgin. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:18-23
- Jeremiah 23:5 specifies He would be born into the family of David. Fulfilled: Revelation 22:16; Matthew 1:17.
- Jeremiah 31:15 predicted that Herod would try to kill Him in infancy. Fulfilled Matthew 2:16-18.
- Psalm 41:9 points to His betrayal by a friend. Fulfilled: John 13:18, 19, 26.
- Zechariah 11:12 foretells His betrayal for the sum of 30 silver coins. Fulfilled: Matthew 26:14-16.
- Zechariah 12:10 predicts His crucifixion. Fulfilled: John 19:16-18, 37.
- Psalm 22:18 points to the fact that none of His bones would be broken. Fulfilled: John 19:31-36.
- Daniel 9:26, 27 and Exodus 12:6 foretell the year, day, and hour of His death. Fulfilled: Matthew 27:45-50.
- Hosea 6:2 foretells His resurrection on the third day. Fulfilled: Acts 10:38-40 and Luke 24:4-7.
Unlikely OddsMore than 125 scriptures foretold the events of the life of Christ. It is impossible that any book, especially one written by many different authors over a period of hundreds of years, could accurately predict so many of the events of one Man’s life unless it had been written by men given the information from God Himself.
Though penned by mere mortal men, the Bible is its own best evidence that it is truly the Word of God.
