This post continues the series we began earlier this week. Why do we believe that an ancient book has real relevance for today? Last time, we took a look at the witness of fulfilled prophecy. Today…
The witness of personal transformation
The British pastor C.H. Spurgeon said that a Bible which is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to actually transform the lives of people. God has used the Bible to change the lives of murderers, drug addicts, government officials, business people, husbands, wives, and students.
The Bible is not merely a book that tells us how to live. It is literally packed with life-changing power. It is the Word of God with the power to transform lives.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17, ESV).
Dennis Prager once debated Jonathan Glover, an atheistic philosopher from Oxford. Glover didn’t believe the Bible. So, Prager asked Glover, “If you, Professor Glover, were stranded at the midnight hour in a desolate Los Angeles street and if, as you stepped out of your car with fear and trembling, you were suddenly to hear the weight of pounding footsteps behind you, and you saw ten burly men who had just stepped out of a dwelling coming toward you, would it or would it not make a difference to you to know that they were coming from a bible study?”
Glover had to admit that it would make a difference. Even skeptics know that the Bible changes lives.
Why should we believe the Bible? Because of the witness of internal consistency, manuscript reliability, eyewitness credibility, fulfilled prophecy, and personal transformation.
Maybe you’re wondering, “Can I change? Can I kick this habit? Can I become more patient? Can I live free from fear?” You need God and His Word. The Bible is the means He’s given us so everyone can live new every day.
Read it through. Pray it in. Live it out. He said, “My Word will accomplish My purpose in your life” (Isaiah 55:11). Psalm 107:20 says, “He sent out His word and healed them” (Psalm 107:20, ESV). God can use the Bible to change your life.
