This is part of an ongoing series that establishes the foundation of my faith. It may seem a little academic to some, too light for others. I have endeavored to strike a balance in order to provide clear reasons and support for each belief. The bottom line of my faith is that I believe the Bible has a message from God, the Creator of all life. That message is one of truth and love, justice and forgiveness and above all, an invitation to abundant life.

The Bible is the infallible, powerful word of God

The internal, external and bibliographic tests (referred to in a previous post) verify that the Bible is a substantially accurate rendering of the original documents. As the internal and external tests demonstrate, it is reasonable to believe the historical accounts the Bible details are true. It takes no leap of faith to do that. The Bible has more historical proofs than any of the other ancient writings we accept as fact.

That authenticity does not verify it is God’s Word, though. The internal assertions and prophecies, when evaluated, make an almost irrefutable argument for the existence of God, or at least someone with an extensive knowledge of the entire span of time, past and future and the ability to interact with people on any point of that time-span. It does not, however, present an irrefutable argument that God inspired this book, that God communicates through it with whoever will read it. That takes faith. A choice to believe what is written in it is true.

I have so chosen. I choose to believe the Bible is a letter, if you will, written by God to His creation. My reasons for so choosing include its many assertions that it is the Word of God, its track-record of fulfilled prophecies, the miraculous way it has been preserved over the centuries (as though He is protecting and safeguarding that letter, ensuring it will be available to future generations), the wealth of practical wisdom I find in it and the seemingly supernatural help it gives through the joys and tragedies of my own life. I read what is written in the Bible, the stories, the warnings, the teachings and I find Him. I discover His truths, most particularly the truth that He wants me, and everyone else, to believe Him. I discover when I do believe Him, He gives me even more understanding, which compels me to read more, learn more, experience more. Ultimately, though, I believe the Bible is the Word of God because I choose to believe the Bible is the Word of God. .

I’m not going to try to convince you, though. I am not capable of convincing anyone to believe. That is an issue between you and God. I do know that if you look for Him, if you truly seek to know and understand Him and His Word, He will reveal Himself. Then it is your choice to believe. Or not.

Throughout this statement of faith, I give Scripture to back up what I say because that is the highest “proof” I have. I believe what I say is true because God said it. If God said it, it is true. That is my faith. Of course it is always possible I’m not understanding what He’s saying at times. That almost goes without saying. After all, I’m not God. I’m certainly prone to misunderstanding and deceiving myself. But, again, Scripture is full of encouragement and explanation. If I am misunderstanding what He is saying, and if I continue reading and studying His Word, I will come to a clearer, more accurate understanding in time.

So, for me at least, the foundation of all truth rests on the Bible. The Bible, in my mind, is the foundation of truth, the well-spring from which all understanding, discovery and exploration must grow. It is the standard to which to compare my thoughts, desires and plans. It is the infrastructure of my entire life. That belief, that assumption will permeate everything I write. It is inevitable.

……………………..Supporting Scripture……………………….

• but the word of the Lord stands forever.” (1 Peter 1:25a)
• Every word of God is flawless. (Proverbs 30:5a)
• For the word of God is living 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)
• As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. (2 Samuel 22:31a)
• For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. (Psalms 33:4)