CAN I TRUST THE BIBLE? The Logical Rationale, Part 3

In this post, we will begin to explore THE SCIENTIFIC PROOF of the Bible’s accuracy.  Science and the Bible are, very often, pitted against each other—as though they are enemies.  How can this be, since God is the Author of both?  God is Truth and all that is true comes from God.  True Christian faith is not anti-science, and proven science is not anti-faith, since both are grounded in fact.

Now, here is a difference—the Bible is set, fixed, and final—the complete revelation of God to which nothing can be added or subtracted in terms of what we need to know about God and how to have eternal life in Him—to serve and glorify Him.  The Bible doesn’t tell us all we want to know, or all we could know, even all we will know, but it gives us all we need to know for life here and for the hereafter.  Science ever changes—new discoveries are made and knowledge increases.  Old ideas are discarded or amended.  Some have estimated that in the library of the Louvre in Paris, France, there are at least 3and ½ miles of science books that are obsolete.  No one reads a word of them.  The rate at which science and technology are expanding is exponential—so that the science textbook used this year will be outdated perhaps before the year is out! 

Consider once more a vital truth: although the Bible is not a science textbook, the science expressed in the text is remarkable.  It was light years ahead of its day, and where it touches on the realm of science the Word of God is accurate.

For instance, in Acts 7:22, we are told that Moses was learned in all of the science of the Egyptians. …He knew all the latest scientific fads, he was abreast with all the latest scientific discoveries of his day.  These Egyptians were brilliant people [witness their construction of the pyramids, DT]. …Those Egyptian scientists believed…that this earth was hatched out of a great cosmic egg, an egg that had wings and was flying around through space. …That was the latest scientific theory among those who taught in the days of Moses.

So I turn over here to the Word of God expecting to read about that flying egg, for after all, Moses was learned in all the science of the Egyptians.  But I find nothing at all about an enormous hatchery.  Instead of that, I read of creation in the sublimest words that man could pen: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Those Egyptians also had a science of astronomy.  They believed that the sun was the reflection of the light on the earth, and that the earth was the center of this universe, but in Genesis I find that Moses reversed the order—it is the sun that gives light to the earth.

The Egyptians had a science of anthropology.  They were naïve evolutionists.  They believed that mankind sprang from little white worms that they found in the slime and ooze and mud of the alluvial deposit after the Nile’s annual overflow. …The scientists of Moses’ day with their theory of evolution from worms were not far behind those today who would have you believe that your remote ancestors were fleabitten apes hanging by their tails in a primeval jungle.  I read in the Bible that Moses was learned in all the science of the Egyptians.  But he says nothing about those little white worms and how we were descended from them.  Instead, he writes in the most majestic language in human speech: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”  (W.A. Criswell, “The Bible for Today’s World, pp.18-19)

This introduces our topic.  In future posts, we will roll out evidence after evidence of science that underscores the trustworthiness of the Bible.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

 

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.  (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

Often verse nine is misapplied, taken from the context, and made to speak of the unimaginable marvels awaiting believers in Heaven.  That such future glory is beyond our finite capacity to comprehend is true, of course, and yet this is not what the passage is teaching.  As you examine it carefully, you discover that these are the deep things of God—buried treasure, if you will—that are in the Word of God and taught by the Spirit of God.  It is the work of the Holy Spirit called illumination.  It isn’t new truth, but it has a fresh and gripping reality to us as we study.  The light comes on!  Has that ever happened to you?  These are things that are written on the page, but our eyes had not seen them.  These are messages which had been unheard until the Apostles proclaimed them—now they can be known by us in this New Testament dispensation.  Imagine, that even men like Abraham and Moses—friends of God—did not know what we may know!  The Bible is God’s love letter to His Bride.  The truths it contains are for her eyes only.  While they may seem as nonsense to those who are blinded by sin, they are precious realities to those who have come to the Light.  Digest the Book, savor each morsel, meditate on the message—it is for you!

THE LEADER’S ABILITY

 

So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.  And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me...” (Luke 4:16-18a).

 

As the Model Leader, Jesus described THE SOURCE OF OUR SERVICE.  Jesus had a supernatural assignment, so it required a supernatural ability.  Likewise, we have a task too great for human ability.  We must have Heaven’s anointing! 

 

God’s leadership standard demands one who is SCRIPTURALLY EQUIPPED, “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.  And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written...” (v.16-17).   Jesus was a student of and in submission to the Word of God.  For our service to be effective, we must be Scripturally equipped.  Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  God’s kind of leader knows the administration manual is the Holy Book and follows its direction.

 

Furthermore, the leader who emulates the Jesus model will be SPIRITUALLY EMPOWERED, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me...”  (v.18a).  Remember how after His baptism the Dove had descended upon Him.  Following that we read how He went into the wilderness to do battle with the Devil, “filled with the Spirit” as He was “led by the Spirit.”  (Luke 4:1)  He went out to minister, “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14). 

 

When early church leaders were chosen, the preeminent qualifications were, “men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”  (Acts 6:3) They would be men Scripturally equipped—the source of their wisdom—and supernaturally empowered—the source of their strength.  This is the standard for leadership in the church today—for pastors, deacons, or whatever task we have.

It is time for church leaders to raise the level of their experience to the high bar God has set, rather than bring the bar down to the level of our experience!  It is not hard to jump over a bar designed for the limbo instead of the high jump!  Yet, that is the failure we are succeeding in accomplishing far too often.  Churches are crumbling because leaders are stumbling short of God’s standard.  Lord, help me to what I can’t do apart from You!

TRIUMPH OVER THE LUST OF THE FLESH

 

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil.  And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ” (Luke 4:1-4) 

 

When did this temptation occur?  It was after an occasion of unparalleled blessing.  Some of the most dangerous times you will face are after such times.  Christ had just been baptized and heard Heaven’s approval—and now He will engage in a titanic test with the Tempter.  You cannot drop your guard for a moment.  Satan is like a poisonous viper coiled to strike as soon as you cease to be on the watch for him. 

 

Thankfully, Jesus was ready.  He goes out in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit.  But, so can you.  We are no match for the Devil in our own strength and wisdom, yet we are foolish to think we must—when God intends for us to be filled with His Mighty Spirit.  Indeed this test was ordained of God.  Jesus was not only filled with the Spirit, but it says He was led by the Spirit.  God will never lead you into a war you can’t win.  If he brings you to it, He will bring you through it. 

 

Where did this conflict occur?  In the wilderness—and isn’t that an apt description of the battlefield we find ourselves on—the wilderness of this world?  It was in the wilderness that Israel was tested for 40 years and failed, and it is in the wilderness where Jesus is tested for 40 days and wins! 

 

What was the nature of this temptation?  He fasts for that period of forty days—to the limits of human endurance, and is famished and fatigued at the end.  Then Satan tempts him to fulfill a God-given drive in an illegitimate way.  He suggests, “The end justifies the means.”  It is a pragmatic approach to life that asks, “Will you get the right results?”  The world functions that way—naturally.  Sadly, the church has bought into the same philosophy far too often.  This is a man-centered approach that appeals to our desires.  What we need is a God-centered approach that rests in God’s designs.  Jesus had this theological approach to life that asked, “Will this be the right thing?”

 

It was then that Jesus overcomes the lust of the flesh by a greater appetite for the Word of God.  The body requires food, but life is about more than our body—for we have a spiritual side to nourish as well.  The Lord always did this—daily feeding on that which put strength into His soul—and thus, when the battle broke, He had the resources in reserve to answer the challenge.

 

Have you fed on God’s Word this morning?  That is how we have triumph over the lust of the flesh!

 

WHY DIDN'T TERMITES EAT THE ARK? WHY DID THEY HAVE ROACHES AND MOSQUITOES ON THE ARK?

The ark was constructed of gopher wood.  It is possible that the wood was cypress--and that is how some modern translations render it.  Cypress, and cedar also, are termite resistant.  So, maybe that is what the wood was.  It is also possible that this was a tree which has ceased to exist.  Remember the flood was a global catastrophe which may have killed off many species of vegetation.  Therefore, gopher wood may have been an extinct species impervious to termites.

Likewise, It's possible no termites, or other insects--such as roaches and mosquitoes--were on the ark.  There would have been tremendous amounts of debris, floating on the water, for them to live on.  There could have been eggs on that debris which would later hatch.  According to Gen.7:24  the waters covered the highest peaks for 5 months.  At that point, as the waters began to recede, the eggs might have hatched and survived on the drying land.  Mosquitoes and termites love the moisture, by the way.  Not trying to be morbid, but certain insects would have survived by devouring the floating carcasses of humans and animals, the bodies becoming their "arks."

The Bible says in (Gen 7:14-15) that "all flesh in which was the breath of life" was brought onto the Ark. (Gen 7:22) goes on to say that "all in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was on the dry land, died" in the flood.

    

From these verses, we learn 2 things. First, all of the creatures on the Ark had the "breath of life," which means they breathed through their "nostrils." In addition, ALL creatures who breathed through their nostrils and lived on "dry land" died in the flood except those on the Ark. 

Those who breathe through nostrils have lungs. Insects do not have nostrils or lungs. Insects absorb oxygen through their skin, through a series of breathing holes or tracheal tubes located in their chest or abdomen. Therefore, neither insects nor sea creatures were on the Ark, but they did survive the flood.  (http://jesusalive.cc/ques216.htm)

 Obviously, insects survived—and there is a reason--even for roaches and mosquitoes!  Cockroaches dispose of organic litter.  They are part of the food chain for birds and other animals. 

 

As to mosquitoes, their development is quite the quandary for the evolutionist instead of a help to their case.  Here is a remarkable testimony to a mosquitoes design that requires instantaneous creation rather than evolution over eons of time: 

Did you know that:

only female mosquitoes “bite”[?]

There are more than 2,500 species of mosquitoes in the world. A species is generally defined as a group in which males and females produce offspring that are fertile, i.e., are capable of reproducing themselves. They are not “sterile”—as in the case of the mule, a hybrid cross between a male donkey and a female horse.

The fossil record reveals that the ancient ancestors of the modern mosquito were about three times as large as their present day offspring. This is another example of how nature has degenerated. It is not evolving from the less primitive to the more sophisticated, contrary to the claims of modern Darwinians. Some ancient pagans believed that mosquitoes are reincarnated humans who were evil in the way they lived. Though there is no truth to the notion of reincarnation, there are some blood-sucking humans who would make good mosquitoes in another world!

Mosquitoes are specially fashioned little flies. “Little flies” is what the name means. The term “fly” is a generic word for insects that have only two wings. Mosquitoes can beat their tiny wings at a rate of about one thousand times per second! Their wings are so thin that even the blood vessels show. Only God could have designed this amazing and minute system.

But mosquitoes can be dangerous. They can carry germs that cause harmful diseases in humans—sicknesses like malaria and yellow fever. Many people wonder, therefore, just why God would create potentially noxious little insects like these.

Critics of God and his word are ever anxious to lash out and appeal to what they call the “incongruities of nature” as arguments that a benevolent God could not have designed and implemented the universe around us. Thus there is no God behind earth’s environment. There are just “too many examples” that do not meet their standard of how things ought to be. They have endowed themselves with omniscience and thus are confident they know how it “should have been done.”

Let us take the mosquito, for example. There are two important points that need to be taken into consideration.

First, our original parents, Adam and Eve, were not bothered by disease until they disobeyed God. Because of that disobedience, the human family became weak and vulnerable to diseases—and even death (Romans 5:12; 6:23). In the beginning, the Lord did not intend for any of us who have been made in his image to be hurt by his animal creatures, but this is the price we pay for not following the Creator’s instructions. Every mosquito bite ought to be a reminder to obey God.

Second, mosquitoes actually are a valuable source of food for many creatures that were made to benefit mankind. For example, frogs, lizards, and some fish eat mosquitoes. These insects are an important link in the animal food chain, thus ultimately they are for our benefit as well. There is a balance in nature that we sometimes do not recognize or appreciate.

Third, there are numerous mysteries in nature we do not understand. There are more things we do not understand than those we do. We must humbly recognize and acknowledge our limited knowledge, and not speak irreverently of God in our frustration. That is the epitome of arrogance. This was precisely the problem of Job as he questioned the wisdom of God in governing the universe. The Lord humbled the patriarch and brought him to his knees by a barrage of interrogation that yet baffles the keenest of minds (see Job 38-39).

We may occasionally wonder why our heavenly Father made certain things. We should be confident there was a good reason for so doing, whether we understand the intricacies of such or not. We praise him for the things we comprehend, and for those we do not. Such is true reverence! (https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1405-why-did-god-make-mosquitoes)

The proteins required to sustain mosquitoes before the fall are found in certain plants—alfalfa, for instance.  The adaptation of mosquitoes from vegetarians and benign creatures to blood-suckers and disease-carriers were a result of the fall. 

The mosquito's saliva contains anti-coagulants, which prevent blood from clotting. Consequently, the immune system reacts by causing swelling, itching and burning.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4565198_mosquito-bite-affect-body.html#ixzz332hGKCp0

If it were not for those special properties, the tiny tube through which the mosquito pierces skin and ingests blood would stop up and the bug would starve!  So, how did all that evolve over millions of years?  Impossible! 

So, like it or not, the bugs are still around to bug us.  The return of Christ to earth will restore the original design in the natural world and we'll have pests as pets.  Until then, we should be so full of Jesus that if a mosquito does bite us, she'll fly away singing, "There's power in the blood!"

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE WORLD: The Purpose Defined

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

In this prologue, Luke defines his purpose for writing.  Though others (by this time Matthew and Luke had penned their Gospels) had shared the story of Jesus, the missionary doctor believes he has a contribution to make to the greatest story ever told. 

Luke addresses this Gospel account to Theophilus—“friend of God” as the name means.  Maybe he was a “God-fearing” Gentile who was seeking salvation—and so Luke will share the Gospel.  Perhaps he was a new convert and Luke will feed him to mature him.  Both purposes are evidenced in this Gospel.

Luke’s purpose for writing can be defined as presenting THE SOURCE OF FAITH.  If Theophilus were not a saved man, but a seeking man, God connected him with the right person!  As Luke had found hope in Christ, so Theophilus could encounter the same eternal solution to the sin problem.  Christ is the only hope of the world and we must bear witness to Jesus!  Luke inspires us to do the same.

But another purpose is accomplished in this message and it is to provide THE SURETY OF FAITH.  If Theophilus were a converted man, he needed to become a confident man.  We are built up in the faith through the teaching of the Word.  Luke testifies to the truth, “that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”  We need to avail ourselves of the opportunity to make our faith sure, settled and strong by hearing the Word as it is taught by others and studying the Word for ourselves.  Each week a Bible-preaching/teaching church prepares a spiritual banquet for you.  Come and feast!  The Holy Spirit speaks from the Holy Scriptures!

There is hope for you!  There is hope for the world!  That is Luke’s message and it is ours to joyfully share 2,000 years after he wrote—and all the way until the end of the age.

 

THERE’S HOPE FOR THE WORLD: The Presentation Determined

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

Luke determined that his presentation of the Gospel would be systematic and trustworthy.  God would guide him in his writing to produce a perfect product—to override any error, but not to obliterate Luke’s personality and personal effort.

Luke’s presentation of the story of Jesus is a result of IMPECCABLE RESEARCH, “just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us” (v.2).  Luke was not an eyewitness like Matthew or John.  But, he interviewed eyewitnesses.  That is a credible testimony—evidence that would stand up in a court of law and meet the demands of historians for accuracy!  He likely got all this nativity and infancy material from an interview with Mary, the mother of Jesus herself!

But his presentation did not only feature his own meticulous effort, but was produced by INFALLIBLE REVELATION, “it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus” (v.3).  While the message was written by a man, it was inspired by the Spirit.  Peter says that Scripture came as “holy men of God…were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Pet.1:21).  A Perfect God would not inspire error; a God of Infinite Wisdom cannot be mistaken; and a God of Truth will not deceive.

When you open your Bible, and turn to Luke’s Gospel you encounter the real Jesus—His words and works—and find the road to heaven.  God and His faithful servant wanted you to know this.  Read it today!