March 27, 2020
Occidental Community Church family,
I wake up every day and look for the latest news of the coronavirus pandemic. After an update I try not to focus on it for the remainder of the day, but instead I busy myself with things more positive and productive. And when I watch the latest news I want to know that I am getting the TRUTH and not someone's slanted or biased spin on things. Don't you want the same?
During this time of national emergency I am encouraging everyone to read the Bible at some time during each day. But is the Bible TRUTH? Can I trust that what I am reading is reliable, trustworthy, and edifying? If not, why read it at all?
Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven for His disciples, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17). What do we mean when we say that the Bible is true? It is important for a Christian to be able to give an intelligent and well thought-out answer to someone who might ask, "Why do you believe what you read in the Bible?" We hear skeptics say that the Bible is full of contradictions, that it is made up of myths and fables. Do we have adequate answers for these charges? Here are five ways the Bible has been shown to be "true" after standing the test of time.
HISTORICALLY TRUE - Did the events recorded in the Bible actually happen? In every test that can be applied to a book, the Bible emerges as a reliable record of history. There is the evidence of archaeology, or ancient remains, to confirm the historical accuracy of the Bible. The remains of many ancient cities mentioned in the Bible have been dug up, confirming the dates and geographical data mentioned in its pages. Contemporary written records also verify the accuracy of the Bible. Inscriptions on ancient tablets and stones as well as the writings of ancient historians confirm the biblical record conclusively.
PHILOSOPHICALLY TRUE - Is the Bible a true representation of the world? Does it correspond with the facts of life? This can only be tested by life itself. This is sometimes called the biblical worldview. It answers such questions as, "What is the explanation for human nature?" "Why is there pain and suffering in the world?" "What is the purpose of life?" "Why is there evil in the world?" The biblical doctrine of the fall of mankind and his sinfulness provides a true worldview answering these and other questions for us. The struggle between the kingdom of God and the powers of evil correspond to the struggles of life we all experience.
MORALLY TRUE - Are the teachings of the Bible a sure and safe guide for conduct? Do we build strong and attractive character as we follow its moral principles? This can only be tested in living. History has shown that nations and individuals who follow the teachings of the Bible flourish. There is law and order in nations whose laws are founded upon biblical morality. There is stability and faithfulness in families that follow the Bible. There is integrity and sound character in the individual who lives according to the teachings of the Bible. In every way that can be tested, it is true that a life built on God's Word is a life that is built upon a solid moral foundation.
TRUE AS A MIRROR OF LIFE - Does the Bible present a true mirror of life? Are the many characters in the Bible portrayed realistically? Are they believable? Anyone who has read the Bible knows that there is no attempt to idealize man. Even the heroes of the Bible are presented with character flaws, sins, and struggles. They are real-life people just like us. Although all the stories in the Bible may not be historically true (the parables of Jesus, for example), they present a true picture of the drama of human existence.
PROPHETICALLY TRUE - Is the Bible true to its predictions? Is it a true and accurate unfolding of the future? If we look to the past we find in the Bible many prophecies which have literally been fulfilled in history. The prophecies regarding the birth, life, and death of Jesus alone are many. They were made hundreds of years before His birth and yet were all fulfilled exactly as prophesied. Hundreds of other prophecies have been literally fulfilled and can be confirmed through historical records. Should we not conclude that what the Bible says about things yet to come are likewise true?
The Bible emerges from all these tests triumphantly. We can confidently claim that the Bible is a book that teaches the truth about God, about life, and about all things. For these reasons we confidently affirm the words of our Lord Jesus as He prayed to His heavenly Father, "Your word is TRUTH!"
Trusting in Him,
Pastor Rick
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