Student Voice

What if the Bible is wrong, someone made it as a joke?
Jan 14, 08:52 AM
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There is a lot in the Bible that proves it is historically true. Much of the Bible can be proven true historically by simply reading some cross-references. A cross-reference would be a source (i.e. book or website) that records the same thing the Bible records. However, you need to make sure these sources are credible which would mean they are written by teachers, historians, archeologists…people who you can trust are writing factual information. For example, in Genesis 2 verses 10-14 the Bible is explaining the location of the Garden of Eden:

“A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.”

This passage refers to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Both rivers are both still flowing in the country we now know as Iraq. This has lead many historians to be convinced the Garden of Eden was located between those rivers.
Another example includes the rule of Caesar Augustas. If you read a biography on Caesar, you will find out he lived from about 31 B.C. until 14 A.D. This means he would have been in Roman rule when Jesus was born (about 5 B.C.).

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.” Luke 2:1

These are only two very small examples that the bible can be proven historically credible. There are many other sources if you really study. One good book, and a fairly easy read would be “The Case For Christ” by Lee Strobel.
The Bible is also the most successful selling book ever. No other book has been translated into as many languages and in the hands of as many people as the bible. Not even worldwide phenomenon “Harry Potter” can claim that. If this book was not true why would it have lasted this long in history and be so successful?

There are many books in the Old Testament of the Bible that prophesy about the future. This basically means something was predicted to happen in the future, and what is amazing is the New Testament actually records it as actually happening! In Matthew 27:35 the soldiers who crucified Jesus cast lots to divide up Jesus’ clothes. This actually fulfills a prophesy in Psalm 22:18

“They divided my garments among themselves and cast lots for my clothing”

I could give you many more examples of how the Bible is proven historically accurate, statistics on how successful the Bible has been over hundreds of years, and references to Old Testament prophesy and its fulfillment in the New Testament, but ultimately it wouldn’t matter unless you really believed the Bible is the holy inspired Word of God. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It does take faith to believe the Bible is true. I was not alive when Jesus was born. I was also not alive when George Washington became the first president, but I believe both happened. According to 2 Timothy 3:16 “all Scripture is God-breathed.” It isn’t just a part of the Bible, but every last word is “God-breathed.” God told every author of every book what to write. Do you want to believe that? Lastly, my challenge is to actually read the Bible, and ask God to speak to you. I’m sure if you do so really wanting to find out if the Bible is true, God will give you faith to believe. If you do have any questions you can ask any volunteer with the Student Ministry Team and we would be more than happy to help.

— Megan Vander kooy


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