The Whole Word to the Whole World

Find biblical coursework and classes

Authenticity and Authority Of The Bible

Name: Authenticity and Authority Of The Bible
Availability: InStock

Our task is not merely to eulogize scripture, but also to test it, for a faith that cannot stand the test of searching examination is not faith but fiction. If our faith is true it will triumph over every trial brought against it by scientists, philosophers, historians, or theologians.

Since Christianity is inextricably bound to the Bible, attacks on our faith usually become attacks on the Bible. As Virgil R. Trout has written: “The basic problem confronting Christianity can be expressed in one word: verification. Is Christianity true? Is Christianity possible?”

But in practice those questions really become, “Is the Bible true? Is the Bible possible?” For if the Bible is proven false, then the fabric of our faith will shred like rags in a garbage disposal.

However, the purpose of the study "Authenticity and Authority Of The Bible" is not to arm the Bible against its foes. The Bible does not need any defence. As C. H. Spurgeon once said: "Defend the Bible? I should as soon defend a lion. Turn it loose and it will look after itself!" Rather, my purpose is to show why the Bible has been able to withstand every attack made upon it, and why it will continue to triumph. This requires me to establish three things:

the authenticity of the Bible (it is accurate and true in the things it asserts about itself)
the authority of the Bible (it is divinely inspired, and its demands are mandatory)
the reasonableness of the Christian worldview (relating the Bible to science and modern thought).

Those are the questions that occupy the following chapters - although in writing them I feel rather like Sirach, who lamented: "I have had many experiences during my travels, and now I find that I understand things better than I can express them with words!" (34:11) I can only hope that my pen will not fail me, but will fairly write what I know in my spirit, so that you will encounter here, in the Authenticity and Authority Of The Bible, not just cold ideas, but the fiery life of God's wonderful word!

This book is now also available as an ebook from Smashwords Authenticity and Authority of the Bible - Ebook version

This course is part of Biblical Study Stream | Certificate IV. Find additional courses and study streams below.