But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
In times past if someone had asked me ‘why do you believe the Bible?’, my answer may have been, “well it’s just something I’ve always believed or it’s been a part of my life since birth”. While it is a wonderful thing to have this foundation we are to always give a definite answer to such questions. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”.
I believe the Bible because it tells us things about the earth that it would take the human race centuries to accept. It wasn’t until the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492 that men accepted the earth was round. Isaiah 40:22 mentions that fact long before Columbus. Matthew Muary (1806-1873) is considered the father of oceanography. He noticed that Psalm 8:8 mentions the “paths of the sea” and was determined to find them, trusting he would because God said they were there. Now his book is still a text taught on oceanography even today.
I believe the Bible because it answers my greatest questions. In Genesis 1, we learn of our origin. Mankind continues to devise many foolish theories but God’s word gives me an absolute account of creation. I believe the Bible because it tells me what life is all about (Eccl 12:13-14), how to follow God’s commands here to prepare me for eternity, and teaches me that I will pass (Eccl 12:7), and affirms over and over that the way I live my life here will determine my eternal home (Luke 16:19-31).
I believe the Bible because it tells me what God has done for me. The moment sin entered this world, God revealed he had a plan (Gen 3:15). A scheme of redemption would follow and ultimately lead me to be reconciled in Christ and heir of God’s promise (Gal 3:26-29).
I believe the Bible because it encourages me and ensures that holding to it will allow me strength and stability even in life’s darkest moments (Matt 7:24-27).
And, I believe the Bible because it gives me a goal and instructs me on exactly how to get there (Rev 2:10, 2 Tim 4:6-8).
By Jason Barger