Everything God has to say to us is found in a book we call the Bible. It is a compilation of 66 books or letters written by various authors over a period of at least 1,600 years. The Holy Spirit of God spoke through all these authors and had them write what He wants us to hear. If He has lied to us just once, or failed to keep His Word just once, “we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19) because our redemption and eternal destiny depend upon the integrity God’s Word.
If His prophecies fail to happen exactly as He has stated, He is not God. But we know that over 300 prophecies concerning Jesus’ first advent alone happened exactly as God stated. This is an impossibility, but it happened. All past prophecies have been fulfilled to the tee, and all remaining future prophecies will happen exactly as God says they will happen.
If Jesus was not born of a virgin, He is not God. If you believe He was born of an earthly mother and father, He is not your God.
If Jesus did not die on the Roman cross, God lied. If He was not buried and did not rise to life on the third day, He is not God. He is just a dead corpse.
The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, “3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”
God has made promises that only God could keep. No human being could ever cause themselves to be born of a virgin woman without the natural procreation process. No person has ever been able, under his own power, to come back from the dead and live, but God says He did.
The Bible continues to be attacked today by those who do not believe it is the Holy written Word of God, and is dead-on true from beginning to end. It has been attacked all down through the ages by Satan and his followers, but it is still here and it still brings eternal life to those who believe.
So-called ministers of today are ripping it to shreds, sometimes literally, but it continues to speak the Truth. Some atheists have read it in an attempt to prove that it is fallible, but found a Savior in Jesus while doing so.
“For 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 NIV)
When I was in college a Bible professor made an attempt to explain away certain passages of this Holy Book, and I determined in my mind that either this Book is completely true, or it is just a compilation of nice stories that really don’t mean much. The decision was easy. I determined that regardless of what any man says, the Bible, the Holy Word of God, is absolute Truth, and just because I could not understand some areas or explain some areas, did not lessen the integrity of His Word. God wrote it. I believe it.
“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3:4)
No man is able to understand and/or explain every part of this precious Book. If he could, He would be God.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8 ESV)
Most of what is preached from the churches today is opinions from peanut brains that haven’t a clue of what they speak. They spout off as “sounding brass or tinkling symbols” (1 Corinthians 13:1), and just result in making a lot of noise. The sad part is that the Biblically ignorant masses sit in rapt attention soaking up all this dribble. These poor folks are captivated by lies and shy away at the Truth, but only the Truth can make us free.
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
No one likes to be called a liar; at least I wouldn’t think so. Especially, if you are telling the truth, would you enjoy having your word questioned? I wouldn’t. Why is that? It questions my integrity. Other words for integrity are: honesty, truthfulness, honor, veracity, reliability, and uprightness. Are there people who lack these qualities? Oh yes. I’ve listened to many of them, while they look me dead in the eye, and tell a whopper. Sometimes I wonder if they actually believe the yarn they are telling. Is this God?
The veracity of Almighty God doesn’t need my defense. It stands on its own. Whether or not you can accept that is your decision. However, whatever you decide will not change the fact that God is absolute Truth. His Word is absolute Truth, and we will all be judged on what HE has to say, not on our opinions. His veracity will not change.
Grant Phillips