The Word of God, Session 4

We pick up session 4 today in our study on the Word of God by looking at further proofs of inspiration that include prophecy and scientific accuracy.

Teaching Notes

4. Fulfilled Prophecy

Another proof of inspiration is fulfilled prophecy. The Bible is indeed a book of prophecy and the purpose of prophecy is not only to establish the authenticity of the prophet but also the authenticity of the source of the prophecy. As a matter of fact, the Bible goes so far as to bring about the death penalty for those who presume to speak on behalf of God. "But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die" (Deu 18:20).

It is estimated that there are at least 456 prophecies in the Bible that refer to the Messiah alone. Of these, there are at least 109 of them that Jesus had to fulfill at his first coming alone." Some of these would include his virgin birth (Isa 7:14), birthplace (Mic 5:2), being proceeded by John the Baptist (Isa 40:3), triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zec 9:9-10), the piercing of his side on the cross (Zec 12:10), and the list could go on and on. In Psalm 22 alone, it is prophesied about what would happen as Christ was being crucified, e.g., the mocking that he received, the piercings in his hands and feet and the casting of lots for his robe.

5. Scientific Accuracy

Another proof of inspiration is its scientific accuracy. It has been said that although the Bible is not a science book, it is accurate when it speaks on scientific matters. Just to name a few. In Lev 17:11, it says that the life of the flesh is in the blood. In Psalm 8:8 it says that there are paths or currents in the sea. In Isa 40:22 it says that the earth is a sphere and yet for many years people believed that the world was flat. In Job 26:7 it says that the earth is suspended in space. In Gen 15:5 it says that the stars were innumerable. In Jon 2:6 it says that there are mountains and canyons in the sea. In Gen 7:11 it says that there are springs and fountains in the sea. In Ecc 1:6-7 it speaks of the hydrologic cycle. In Rom 1:20 it speaks of matter. And once again the list could go on and on.

Next time we will look at how history and transformed lives also confirm proof of inspiration.