The Bible is the Word of God: 10 Reasons to Believe

Pr Enos Mwakalindile
Aug 6
6 min read

Are They Just Human Words or God's Revelation?

Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life

A person turns a page of an open, aged book on a wooden table. The scene is dimly lit, creating a warm, focused mood.

Introduction

Indeed, the world is full of many books of religion, philosophy, and stories. But the Bible makes an extraordinary claim: to be the revelation of God Himself. People ask, "Is the Bible the word of God or the work of humans?" This challenge is not merely academic but vital for life: these Scriptures claim to guide the way, reveal truth, and offer eternal life. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the evidence that demonstrates the reliability and authority of the Holy Scriptures. This lesson presents ten reasons that show the Bible is not merely the words of humans but the inspired Word of God.

1. The Bible Itself Claims Divine Origin

The Scriptures boldly declare themselves to be inspired by God. Paul teaches, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16), emphasizing that the Spirit of God is the source of the words. Peter adds that prophecy did not come "by the will of man; but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21).

Here we have a key principle: the Bible is not a collection of human ideas but a divine revelation woven into history. This divine power makes it a true guide and not a fabricated story.

2. God Used Many Authors, Yet the Message Remained One

The Bible was written by approximately 40 authors from different cultures over a period of 1,500 years. Despite their diverse backgrounds, it has a unique flow: the story of creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration through Jesus Christ. This unity comes from the Holy Spirit who guided the authors to write what He desired.

John, Moses, Isaiah, and Paul had different perspectives but they do not contradict each other; they are all sailing under the direction of one Captain. No other book combines history and spirit with such mastery – a mark of one great Author. As Jesus said, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

3. Fulfilled Prophecy Proves Its Divinity

Nearly thousands of prophecies are found in the Bible. The Bible alone contains many events predicted centuries before and fulfilled with precision. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), His suffering (Psalm 22), His death for our sins (Isaiah 53), and the downfall of nations like Babylon (Isaiah 13; Jeremiah 51) are just a few examples.

The probability of these events occurring without an eternal Author is extremely low – like winning the lottery a hundred times in a row. Fulfilled prophecy gives the Bible unique weight in history. As God said, "What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do" (Isaiah 46:11).

4. Historical and Geographical Verification

Archaeologists have unearthed cities, names, and events mentioned in the Bible. The discovery of cities like Jericho, Hazor, and Ur has confirmed the truth of its accounts. When it speaks of kings like Nebuchadnezzar or Cyrus, external records confirm that these individuals lived as the Bible says.

According to the principles of history, a book that agrees with independent sources is credible. The Bible has consistently shown this accuracy, thereby refuting the argument that it is a fabricated story. Luke explains that he wrote "after carefully investigating everything from the beginning" (Luke 1:3).

5. The Number and Preservation of Manuscripts Provide Assurance

Although we do not have the original copies, the abundance and age of the manuscripts make the Bible the most attested book. We have nearly 25,000 New Testament manuscripts, many dating within 100 years of the original writings. Approximately 99.5% of these texts are identical, and the small 0.5% difference does not affect the main doctrines.

Regarding the Old Testament, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls showed that ancient texts and current ones are more than 95% similar, with minor differences being typographical. No other ancient book comes close to this level of preservation. As Jesus promised, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Matthew 24:35).

6. Jesus Affirmed and Relied on Scripture

Jesus not only loved the Scriptures; He saw them as the final authority. He said, "The Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35). He quoted the Law, Psalms, and Prophets to answer temptations (Matthew 4:4-10) and to explain accounts about Himself (Luke 24:27).

He said: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Matthew 24:35). If Jesus saw the Bible as the Word of God, then those who follow Him cannot disregard it. A person who genuinely believes that Jesus is Lord will accept His faithfulness to the Scriptures. He also said, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

7. The Word of God Transforms Lives

Many writings can delight the mind, but only the Bible brings spiritual life. Hebrews explains that "the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

Hundreds of people have been transformed from evil and apathy to lives of love and hope when they read the Bible. The example of a lost person finding it and giving up alcoholism or hatred comes from the power of the Word. In today's generation, the Bible reading movement continues to ignite hearts. No book brings such change without having a divine source. As it is written, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

8. Its Morality and Wisdom Transcend Generations

The Scriptures offer timeless principles: to love your neighbor, act justly, and walk humbly before God (Micah 6:8); to uphold justice for the poor and oppressed (Psalm 82:3-4); and to embrace forgiveness and love for enemies (Matthew 5:44).

These morals do not contradict science or progress but bring balance and respect for human dignity. Today's world continues to prove that the command to love your neighbor is a remedy for ethnic conflicts, discrimination, and cruelty. This wisdom does not have the world as its source; it comes from God. "The most important one is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart..." (Mark 12:29-30).

9. Its Influence and Durability Are Unique

The Bible has been translated into thousands of languages and distributed worldwide. It has been exalted and scorned, banned and burned, yet it remains the best-selling book in the world. It has shaped culture, law, literature, and art. The Scriptures have led to the establishment of hospitals, schools, and human rights movements.

A book that profoundly influences people for a long time is highly likely to contain truth that transcends time – further proving its excellence as the Word of God. As Isaiah said, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

10. The Holy Spirit Testifies Within Our Hearts

Finally, internal evidence confirms the divinity of the Bible. Paul says, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" (Romans 8:16). The Holy Spirit reminds believers of Jesus' words (John 14:26) and makes them hold the Scriptures as truth.

1 John 2:27 reminds us that "As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things..." This is not external evidence, but internal – confirming the promise that God accompanies His word.

Conclusion

We have seen that the Bible does not stand merely on ancient events but stands in a blend of history, vision, and spirit. It claims divine guidance and inseparable unity; it maintains fulfilled prophecy and historical accuracy; it is supported by abundant manuscript evidence and preservation; and Jesus Himself used and affirmed it.

This Word has transformed the lives of millions and remains powerful, with morals that transcend generations and enduring influence. But the greatest testimony is in the hearts of those who read it humbly – the Holy Spirit assures them that the Bible truly is the Word of God.

Now the question is yours: will you see these as ancient fables, or will you allow God to speak to you and transform you through His book?

Final Prayer

God of revelation, I thank You for Your holy Word. Forgive me where I have treated the Scriptures as mere human words. Open the eyes of my heart to see the truth, the breath of life that comes from You. Grant me a spirit of humility and obedience as I read the Scriptures, and as I allow Your Word to work within me. Amen.