The Origin of the Bible
To begin our roadmap to the bible, it is necessary to say a few fundamental things about it's origins and composition. The Bible consists of 66 books arranged in two testaments. The Old Testament contains books that deal with the beginning of the universe and man, the life of many of the Patriarchs (Noah, Abraham, etc.), the giving of the Mosaic (Jewish) law, and all of the prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The New Testament contains the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also contains letters written by the Apostles to the early church. These letters outline many things including how a Christian is supposed to live.
The Bible was written by 36 different men over a period of 1,500 years. The last book, Revelations, written by the Apostle John, was completed in 96 A.D. Even though it was written by a wide variety of people and in 3 different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), the Bible is clear in purpose, thought, and its message never contradicts itself. No other document available to man can boast this and this attribute speaks to the Divine Inspiration of the Bible.
The Bible is the all time number one best seller year after year. It has been translated into over 1,200 different languages and dialects. If you do not have a copy of the bible, we have several available for download in our Software Library.
Now, let us see what the bible has to say of its origins. Scriptures are taken from the King James Version. We encourage you to look up the verses on your own, and read the entire passage to grasp the context, especially if you are unfamiliar with the scripture quoted.
| II Timothy 3:16 - All
scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness: |
The Origin of the Bible is divine. Paul tells Timothy here that the Bible is inspired by God and is therefore useful (profitable) for doctrine, and instruction. |
| John 16:13 - Howbeit when
he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak
of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you
things to come. |
Jesus is telling his disciples that after he is gone, the Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth. Therefore, we see that the Holy Spirit is the one who will inspire the writers of the New Testament and that the Holy Spirit speaks not of himself but of what he hears from God. |
| II Peter 1:21 - For
the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they
were] moved by the Holy Ghost. |
Again, we see that the prophecies in the Old Testament also came through revelation by the Holy Spirit. No scripture is a man's interpretation and we must let the scripture interpret itself. |
Therefore, we see that the origin of the Bible is divine. That is, it is given by God, to man, through the Holy Spirit. It was given to the Apostle's in the same, identical way, as it was given to the prophets of Old.