-OBJECTION: I don’t believe the Bible because it’s ancient, written by men, and has been revised many times.
-RESPONSE: The Bible is “a reliable collection of historical documents written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report supernatural events that took place in the fulfillment of specific prophecies and claimed that their writings are divine rather than human in origin” (from Voddie Baucham).
To be more specific to your objections, the “age” of the Bible helps with its authenticity. In this internet age, it’s far easier to spread false information and have it believed. Not so much in ancient culture because there was the need to have witnesses and because of the time it took to communicate messages. If Paul wanted to spread something that was false, he’d have to convince many other people in different regions with different languages to join with the lie that it would be preposterous! Beyond that, the question would have to be asked, “For what benefit?” Paul didn’t gain anything beyond suffering, jailing, and beatings for his faith in Christ.
As for the “writers,” plenty of things are written by men and you still believe them. I, a man, am writing this message. Newspapers, magazines, textbooks—all of these are written by men. However, the Bible claims a greater author (God) with the human writers being used as instruments with those individuals’ language, situations, and personality still present to communicate God’s will to humanity.
Lastly, I assume your “revisions” objection means you don’t think you can trust the Bible. Let me say, the revisions shouldn’t be an issue. Language has a range of meaning and changes over time. Even the KJV of the Bible people read today is a revision, last updated in 1769. Most people today couldn’t read a KJV Bible from 1611 because English has changed so much since that time. Nevertheless, manuscripts (copies) are present at the root of any revisions, and with modern technology, the average person can easily look at the ancient Koine Greek or Hebrew and determine if meanings had been altered. You can even view high-quality imaging of the various NT manuscripts here at the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts: www.csntm.org
Anyway, I encourage you to research your objections—not merely accept them because they’re popular. In doing so, I pray you move from skepticism to faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ, so that your sins may be pardoned.
#MMApologist #FaithInChristAlone #SoliDeoGloria #Salute