Introduction. The books in the OT were written between 1500 BC and 400 BC. Being hand copied generation after generation, can we be certain they are still accurate? Since Jesus used them and never questioned their authority, Christians must accept His verdict. Not only that, but the Holy Spirit who inspired the apostles to write the NT proclaimed that all Scripture (OT & NT) were inspired and given by His inspiration. If there were any issues with the OT, it would have been pointed out then.
This is the bedrock of all true faith in God. Since God created the heavens and earth in six days and raised Jesus from the dead, it would not be difficult to keep the Scriptures intact. Along with the words of Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the internal evidences that they are Scripture from God. One of the most powerful proofs are the more than 200 prophecies in the OT about the coming Messiah fulfilled by Jesus. With perfect accuracy, they predicted the Messiah’s nation (Israel), tribe (Judah), city of birth (Bethlehem), betrayal (by a friend for 30 pieces of silver), manner of death (hands and feet pierced) and many of other specific details.
What is more amazing than the prophecies is God’s challenge. God affirmed if any single prophecy did not come to pass, the author who wrote it and the entire book he wrote must be cast away as a forgery. This challenge was to those living when the prophecies were spoken, those living when they were fulfilled, and those of us today who can compare the prophecy and fulfillment. Think about the risks involved if our perfect God was not the author!
- All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (2Tim. 3:16-17)
- no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2Pet. 1:20-21)
This is the bedrock of all true faith in God. Since God created the heavens and earth in six days and raised Jesus from the dead, it would not be difficult to keep the Scriptures intact. Along with the words of Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the internal evidences that they are Scripture from God. One of the most powerful proofs are the more than 200 prophecies in the OT about the coming Messiah fulfilled by Jesus. With perfect accuracy, they predicted the Messiah’s nation (Israel), tribe (Judah), city of birth (Bethlehem), betrayal (by a friend for 30 pieces of silver), manner of death (hands and feet pierced) and many of other specific details.
What is more amazing than the prophecies is God’s challenge. God affirmed if any single prophecy did not come to pass, the author who wrote it and the entire book he wrote must be cast away as a forgery. This challenge was to those living when the prophecies were spoken, those living when they were fulfilled, and those of us today who can compare the prophecy and fulfillment. Think about the risks involved if our perfect God was not the author!
- when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deut. 18:22).