The Bible claims for itself VERBAL INSPIRATION. This is the doctrine that God chose to BREATH His words through His prophets, that these prophets SPOKE God's words, and that these words were later reduced to the writings that we know today as the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21; 2 Sam 23:2; Jer. 1:9; Luke 1:70; Jer 36). Christians generally believe this doctrine by faith alone, which is good, but can it be proven? Yes, it can. Any reasonable person would accept the following arguments as legitimate proof for the inspiration of Scripture.

Why would man write a book to condemn his own race? From cover to cover the Bible is NEGATIVE toward man. It utterly condemns man (Psa 39:5; Isa 64:6; Rom 3:10-18; John 3:18; Jer 17:9; Psa 51:5).

Most ancient writings do not even profess inspiration, but the Bible professes not only to be inspired, but to be the ONLY inspired writing (Isa. 8:20). The central character of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ, professes to be the ONLY way to Heaven. Unlike the ancient philosophers, the men of the Bible are men who speak with great power, certainty, and authority.

Although many have tried, and are still trying, no one has ever proven that there are mistakes in the Bible (KJV). All apparent errors and contradictions can be explained Scripture with Scripture and by closely studying the context.

It's the oldest REAL book in the world. It was the first book printed on a press.

While other ancient writings do not even attempt prophecy, the Bible attempts it and fulfills it! One only has to consider a few Old Testament prophecies about the life of Christ to see this (Num. 24:17-19; Gen. 49:10; Mic. 5:2; Isa. 7:14; Dan. 9:25; Hos. 11:1; Isa. 53; Zec. 9:9; Psa. 69:21; Psa. 34:20; Psa. 16:10; Psa. 41:9; Zec 11:12; Psa. 35:11; Psa. 22).

The sixty-six books of the Bible were written by some thirty-five or forty different authors, on three continents, over a period of 1,800 years. These men came from all walks of life, differing greatly from one another, but their writings never contradict. These books COMPLIMENT one another. Such an accomplishment would be impossible if the Holy Spirit were not the Divine Author.

Unlike other books, the Bible is read by all classes of people. A small remnant of people from all walks of life share an interest in the Bible (educated, non-educated, old, young, male, female, black, white, rich, poor, etc.)

Over 800,000,000 copies sold since 1611. Over 2,000,000 per year, and over 5000 per day. This is a very conservative estimate, and it doesn't include those translated for missionary work.

It has changed more lives than any other book in world history. Eighty-eight percent of the colleges in America were founded for the purpose of teaching God's word and training missionaries. Many literary countries are the product of Bible-believing Christianity. Nations and individuals always prosper when Bible principles are followed.

If the Bible is only a man-written book, then why does it still exist? Satan has fought endlessly to rid the world of the Bible, yet it still exists today. Everything that man accomplishes eventually falls apart (wonders of the world, educational system, governments, etc.), but the Bible lives on (Psa. 12:6-7; Mat. 24:35).

When you were about ten or twelve years old, you were taught to memorize the multiplication table. You did so, and to this day you have in your mind the BASIC knowledge that you need to multiply numbers. You know very well that 8x7=56. You do not have to figure it up, because you just know it. You've made that fact a part of your own being. It goes with you always. You'll have no trouble figuring 8x70, 80x7, 70x80, 7x800, or 700x8, because you've learned the BASICS.

Well, the Bible works the same way. When studying God's word, there are several laws that one should keep in mind to serve as a study foundation. A good knowledge of these laws will prove helpful to you time and time again.

Actually, there's no need for you to interpret God's word. He doesn't speak in unknown tongues. He means exactly what He says, as He says it, where He says it. Always take the Bible LITERALLY, unless it can't possibly be literal. In such cases, it may be figurative.

For example, Jesus said in John 10, "I am the door". Well, we know that's a figurative door, because literal doors do not talk. Always take God's word literally, unless it's impossible.

Always notice the context of a passage before making application. Read the surrounding passages to understand the subject matter.

For example, no one today earns their salvation by enduring unto the end (Mat. 24:13). The context of Matthew 24:13 is the "great tribulation" (vs. 21). Millions of people are living a lie today because, they have failed to check the context of scriptural quotations made by their leaders.

All Scripture has at least three applications: Historical, Doctrinal, and Spiritual.

Never make application of Scripture until a correct meaning has been firmly established with Scripture.

Get in the good habit of taking note of "first mentions" in the Bible. Often times God will use the first mention of a word, phrase, or even a number, to establish a certain association that you'll need to remember throughout His word.

For example, the first mention of the word "life" in the Bible is Genesis 1:20. Here life comes from water. You'll need that information when you get to Isaiah 48:1, Proverbs 5:15-18, and you'll REALLY need it in John 3:5. A water birth is a physical child birth.

To keep carnal and lazy people from learning the Book, God chooses to reveal truth to us in bits and pieces like a puzzle. He seldom addresses a subject in it's entirety in one place. He'll introduce a doctrine, and then He'll wait maybe two hundred chapters before telling you anything else about it! Sometimes He'll repeat the same thing over and over just for emphasis. Scripture with Scripture is the only way to learn God's word (Isa. 28:9-13; I Cor. 2:13).

According to II Timothy 2:15, God's word has set divisions that must be respected if we are to understand Scripture.

There are various dispensations in which God dispenses to man certain duties, and these duties can differ greatly from one dispensation to the next. We just mentioned one when considering the law of context.

Like it or not, God is a divider. He has divided the Bible, the sexes, the races, the animals, the heavens, the spirit world, the underworld, the two natures in Christians, the first and second coming of Christ, and about a million more things. God's word must be rightly divided. Contradictions, confusion, and cults exist only because people refuse to rightly divide the word.

Never limit Scripture to only one meaning. Sometimes a portion of Scripture can refer to something near at hand, and then also have a future fulfillment. Remember, God is eternal. He knew all of the future before any of the Bible was written. You can expect to see many double and even triple references in the Bible.

For example, Hosea 11:1 says, "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." In the immediate context this refers to the nation of Israel being God's "son", as we are also told in Exodus 4:22. However, a DUEL reference is found in Matthew 2:15, where Jesus' coming back from Egypt is said to be a fulfillment of Hosea 11:1.

The Bible is filled with all sorts of types and foreshadows which can make Bible reading and study very interesting.

For example, the Old Testament offers many types of the Lord Jesus Christ. Able is a type of Christ in that he offered to God an acceptable sacrifice, and also that he was murdered by wicked hands. The sun is a type of Christ, Who is the light of the world. The Ark is a type of Christ in many ways. The offerings and the feasts in Leviticus all picture certain truths about Jesus Christ in His three offices as Prophet, Priest, and King. Moses and Joshua, great leaders of God's people, are types of Christ. Many of the kings of Israel, such as David, Solomon, Josiah, and Asa, typify Christ in various ways.

There are also many other types, like types of the church, salvation, the second coming, the tribulation, the millennial kingdom, the Antichrist, and word of God. Remember to look for and to study types in the Bible for they reveal to us the wisdom of a Master Designer.

Another interesting design in God's word is His unique way of attaching meanings to various numbers. Developing a basic knowledge of what a number is generally associated with can be very helpful.

One is unity. Two is division. Three is trinity. Some say four is the earth (?). Five is death. Six is man. Seven is perfection, or completeness. Eight is a new beginning. Nine is fruitfulness. Ten is the Gentile number. Eleven is a mystery to me. Twelve is Israel's number. Thirteen is rebellion.

Take thirteen for example. The negative overtones of this number are not superstitious; they're Scriptural. The first thirteen in the Bible is Genesis 1:13. That just happens to be the first verse that doesn't use God's name. The first occurrence of the actual word is Genesis 14:4 and rebellion is the context. The main Antichrist chapter is Revelation 13. Mark 7:21 speaks of thirteen evils in the heart of man. "Judas Iscariot" has thirteen letters. Nimrod, a type of Antichrist, was the thirteenth from Adam (I Chr. 1). The Old Testament has thirty-nine books (3x13), and it ends with a curse. There's a curse in Galatians 3:13. "Roman Catholic" has thirteen letters. In Luke 4, Satan quoted from Psalm 91, but he omitted verse thirteen. In Revelation 17:5 (MYSTERY BABYLON...)there are thirteen block capital words consisting of sixty-five letters (5x13). The thing just never ends. Remember, numbers have meaning in the Bible.

There's no quick and easy method of learning God's word. It takes WORK (II Tim. 2:15). If you're lazy, then you'll never learn it. If you DO want to study and learn, you may start anywhere, and you may read as many books and commentaries as you like, but don't ever forget the BASIC RULES. They'll prove helpful time and time again.

Don't waste your time with these modern perversions. They'll only hinder your spiritual growth and understanding. Use the Book that GOD uses. (The New King James Version and the New Scofield Reference Bible are NOT King James Bibles.)

Bible study is great, but don't forget to spend some time each day simply reading the Bible. The Christian needs to feel at home in the "Bible environment". By reading it regularly, you'll become familiar with it's vocabulary, it's characters, special memory verses, it's precious promises, valuable lessons, and doctrinal truths. The more familiar you become with God's word the more you'll enjoy it.

God's word is your spiritual food and your weapon, so why leave home without it? I personally have a few different Bibles that I use for different purposes. I keep one in my truck for reading, one in our family vehicle for personal work, one for street preaching, one in the bedroom for reading, and the rest in the office. This way I avoid having to carry the same one everywhere. There's nothing wrong with carrying the same Bible everywhere, but you will wear it out quickly.

The Author of the Bible is STILL ALIVE, so He can help you understand it (James 1:5; I John 2:27; I Kings 3:5-12). When is the last time you asked the Lord for understanding?

Keep yourself clean (I John 1:9) so that God can pour His truth into a clean vessel, a vessel that is fit for the Master's use. God is not particularly interested in teaching His word to someone with a wicked heart (Psa. 66:18; Eze. 14:1-9). I believe it was John Bunyan who said that the Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.

To question God's word is satanic (Gen. 3:1), so don't ever question it. Just believe it by faith. If you can't understand it, then at least believe it.

You aren't growing any younger, so your memory isn't growing any better. Start marking your Bible by underlining or circling special words and verses. Write important notes and references in the margins. A few years from now you'll be very glad you did. Just ask anyone who does it.

What should you mark it with? I've tried these special pens that aren't supposed to bleed through the paper, and I personally do not care for them. I use a fine point, black, ball point pen and dry highlight markers. For special notes, I use other color ball points, but they're all fine point and I never press hard. Never use felt tips or roller balls.

Get a good concordance, such as Strong's or Young's. This will allow you to look up any word in the Bible in all of the places where it is found. If you have a computer, get a good program like QuickVerse, which has a Strong's concordance along with a Bible dictionary, an atlas, and several other options.

Dispensational Truth by Clarence Larkin has been one of the best general study books for several decades. His other works are also very good.

Two small booklets that we publish are also very helpful. The Bible Believer's Helpful Little Handbook contains definitions and Scripture references to many doctrines and theological terms. Fighting Back! is a handy reference guide to help you better understand the King James Bible debate.

An Old Scofield reference Bible is very helpful (1909 or 1917 edition).

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge is a jewel, as it contains thousands of helpful Scripture references. It is also available as an option in QuickVerse software packages.

Tapes and books from Pastors James Knox, Greg Estep, Peter Ruckman, or Steve Sturgeon will be a great help.

We really are unworthy to sit at the feet of our Saviour and learn, yet He commands us to do so. We should count it an honor and privilege! When you learn a new truth, no matter how small, always THANK Him! (I Ths. 5:18; Rom. 1:21).

James 1:22 tells us to DO the word, not just hear it. A sponge that only soaks up water will become sour! Don't be a sour Christian. God teaches us the word because He desires to use us in His service. He feeds us that we might be healthy and strong to fight His battles. Don't be a draft dodger. Apply what you learn as you learn. Get your basic training and then get on the battlefield!

The issue of archaic words has really been overdone. Most of the so-called "archaic" words in the Bible can be understood by the context, while many others can be found in a Webster 1828. However, the following list should serve as some help in those times when you just need a quick reference list.

abjects, outcasts
adamant, very hard stone
affinity, related by marriage
afore, before
amerce, fine
amiable, lovely
anathema, cursed
anon, immediately
apothecary, spice dealer
assay, attempt
asswage, restrain
avouched, declared
beeves, cattle
besom, broom
bestead, facing difficulty
bewrayeth, betrays
blains, boils, sores
bowels, affections
bruit, rumour, report
buckler, small shield
bunches, humps
careless, free from care,secure
carriages, baggage
causeway, paved road
chamberlain, household manager
chapiter, head of a column
charger, large dish
chode, complained
churl, miserly
clouts, rags
coasts, borders
cockatrice, adder, cobra
cockle, weeds
coffer, box
collops, lumps
comeliness, beauty
compass, go around
confectionaries, ointment makers
contemn, despise
convocation, assembly
coulter, plough blade
covert, shelter
cumbered, worried
cunning, skill
curious, embroidered
curious arts, sorcery
custom, tax
damsel, girl
daysman, mediator
describe, divide
descry, search out
diadem, head dress, crown
dispensation, stewardship, distribution
distaff, rod for holding wool
divers, different
divination, magical prediction
earing, ploughing
earnest, deposit, pledge
emerods, swellings
ensue, to follow
eschew, avoid
fain, gladly
fetters, shackels
fray, frighten
fret, to be worried, angry
froward, perverse
fuller, cleaner of cloth
garner, barn
gier eagle, vulture
gin, trap
greaves, leg armour
grisled, grey
hart, deer
helve, ax handle
holpen, helped
hosen, stockings
hough, cut hamstrings
husbandman, farmer
implead, accuse
jangling, foolish talking
kine, cows
laden, loaded
laud, praise
leasing, lying
leaven, yeast
lewd, vicious
listeth, chooses
mammon, riches
maul, hammer
mete, to measure
mitre, head dress
muffler, facial scarf
murrain, cattle plague
noisome, very hurtful
pate, head
peradventure, perhaps
pilled, peeled
polled, cut hair
post, mail man
potsherd, broken pottery
pottage, soup
profane, dishonorable
proselyte, convert
publican, tax collector
pulse, vegetables
purtenance, internal organs
quarternions, group of four guards
quick, alive
quit, behave
rail, boldly speak against
rase, destroy
rereward, rear guard
rue, a herb
savour, taste
scall, sore
scrip, bag
seethe, boil
severally, separately
shambles, meat market
silverlings, silver coins
sleight, deceitfulness
sod, boiled
sottish, foolish
stay, support
strake, streak
subtil, sly, cunning
tabering, hitting
taches, fastenings
tell, count
tares, weeds
tire, head dress
traffick, trade
trow, think
usury, interest
vagabond, fugitive
vaunt, boast
venture, at random
vestments, apparel
vex, trouble
victuals, food
vile, useless, wicked
wist, knew
wont, accustomed
wot, know
wroth, wrathful, angry

Due to the various nations involved, and also the time span that the Bible covers, monies, weights, and measurements are often hard to determine. Please take the following figures with a "grain of salt". The numbers are general and approximate.

Bath about 9 gallons
Bekah � of an ounce
Cab 2 quarts
Cubit about 18 inches
Day's journey 20-25 miles
Ephah about 1 bushel
Farthing � cent
Fathom 6 feet
Finger ž of an inch
Firkin 9 gallons
Furlong _ of a mile
Gerah .4 ounces
Handbreadth about 3ž inches
Hin 6 quarts
Homer 90 gallons liquid
11 bushels dry
Log 1 pint
Mite _ of a cent
Omer 7 pints
Pound about $16 in money
Reed about 11 feet
Sabbath Day Journey, 1 mile
Shekel .5 ounces weight
$5 in gold
64 cents silver
Span about 9 inches
Talent $1000
about 75 lbs. weight

The Bible always runs a few thousand years ahead of "science". Notice the following facts that were revealed in the Bible long before man discovered them with telescopes, microscope, and scuba divers:

No actual "moon light" Job 25:5
Light travels Job 38:19
Stars cannot be counted Genesis 15:5; 22:17
Cosmic light Gen. 1:3; Psa. 74:16
Empty place in North Job 26:7
Earth suspended in space Job 26:7
Entropy increases Psa. 102:25-27
Sound waves from stars Job 38:7
Pleiades star cluster Job 38:31
Sea mounts Jonah 2:3-6
Sea springs Job 38:16; Pro. 8:28
Submarine canyons II Sam. 22:16
Ocean currents Psalm 8:8
Earth not flat Isaiah 40:22
Running water more sanitary, Leviticus 15:13
Circumcision on 8th day Genesis 17:10-12
Electric telephone and TV Job 38:35

I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible. Moody

Other books were given for our information. The Bible was given for our transformation.

Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.

I have always said, I always say, that the studius perusal of the sacred volume will make better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands. Thomas Jefferson

The Bible is a Book in comparison with which all others in my eyes are of minor importance; and in all my perplexities and distresses has never failed to give me light and strength. Robert E. Lee

Must everything in our age be predigested? Does the Bible have to be reduced to pablum? I refuse to believe that modern man, who split the atom and is exploring space, is unable to cope with the grandeur and glory of the King James Version. Winston Churchill

I sought for the greatness of America in her harbors and rivers and fertile fields, and her mines and commerce. It was not there. Not until I went into the churches and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the greatness of her power. America is great because she is good; and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great. Alexis De Tocqueville (1805-1859), French politician, political scientist, and author

In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine Protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard -- and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. . . . And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need its assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow can not fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?...We have also been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that 'except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.' (Psalm 127:1) I firmly believe this, and I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. . ." Benjamin Franklin's appeal to President Washington for a National Day of Prayer

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but the gospel of Jesus Christ. Patrick Henry

The deathless Book has survived three great dangers: (1) The negligence of it's friends, (2) the warfare of it's enemies, (3) and the false systems built upon it. Isaac Taylor

We are indebted to the Book of books for our national ideals and institution. Their preservation rests in adhering to it's precepts. Herbert Hoover

The destiny of America is to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men everywhere. John Adams

That Book, Sir, is the Rock on which our republic stands. Andrew Jackson

I Thoroughly believe in a University education for both men and women, but I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college education is more valuable that a college education without the Bible. William Lyon Phelps

I have made a covenant with my God that He send me neither visions, dreams, nor even angels. I am well satisfied with the gift of the Holy Scriptures, which give me abundant instruction and all that I need to know both for this life and for the life which is to come. Martin Luther

"Genesis is a myth." -Pope John Paul II

"Ten years from today and the Bible will be a dead book." -Bob Ingersol said that and then died 8 years later. The Book lives on.

"In 100 years, the Bible will only be found in a museum." -Voltaire said that over 150 years ago, but thousands are still being produced daily.

B.I.B.L.E. - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

Five places where the new translations alter Scripture while someone is being saved:

John 9:35, where KJV says "Son of God"
Luke 23:42, where dying thief says, "Lord"
Acts 9:5-6, where Saul gets saved
Acts 8:37, where the Eunuch is saved
Acts 16:30-31, the word "Christ" is omitted

"Honey, go get mother that grand ole Book that she loves so well," a woman said during a pastoral visit. The girl returned with the TV guide.

It is just as natural for a new Christian to cry for Bible knowledge as it is for a baby to cry for milk (Pro. 2; 1 Pet. 2).

The Bible is an amazing Book! When you're down, it'll lift you up. When you're up, it'll bring you down. When you're in, it'll get you out. When you're out, it'll bring you in!

A new Christian had been attending Church services for a good while, and the pastor noticed that he had a rather confused look on his face during the sermons. After a message one Sunday, the preacher asked the gentleman if there was a problem. The new Christian showed the pastor his Bible and stated that he just couldn't understand it. After one glance at the Bible the pastor knew why: it was cut all to pieces! Words, phrases, and even entire verses were cut completely out! The pastor asked in shock, "Why, man, what have you done to your Bible?" "Well," replied the Christian, "as I listened to your messages, I just cut out the words that you said were wrong! This is what I have left!"

Four reasons why so many people do not understand the Bible:

1. Some don't believe it - Heb 11:6; 3:18-19
2. Some lack a desire to learn - I Pet. 2:2
3. Some are too lazy to study - II Tim. 2:15
4. Some are lost - I Cor. 2:1

Someone asked Luther, "Do you feel that you've been forgiven?"
He answered, "No, but I'm as sure As there's a God in Heaven!"
For feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving.
My warrant is the word of God;
Naught else is worth believing.
Though all my heart should feel condemned
For want of some sweet token,
There is One greater than my heart
Whose word cannot be broken.
I'll trust in God's unchanging word
Till soul and body sever;
For though all things shall pass away,
His word shall stand forever."

Hammer away you hostile hands.
Your hammers break; God's anvil stands.
    Motto on the seal of a Waldensen church

Dr. Stanly Blanton, a psychiatrist, was asked if he read the Bible: "I not only read it, but I study it. It's the greatest text Book on human behavior ever put together. If people would just absorb its message, a lot of us psychiatrists could close our offices and go fishing."

The Bible offers many similitudes for God's word.
God's Word Is Like:

A mirror, James 1:22-25
A sword, Ephesians 6:17
Light, Psalm 119:105, 130
Fire, Jeremiah 20:9
A seed, I Peter 1:23
A hammer, Jeremiah 23:29
Milk, I Peter 2:2
Apples, Proverbs 25:11
Honey, Psalm 119:103
Bread, Matthew 4:4
Meat, I Corinthians 3:2

The following is a list of a few good sources for obtaining Bibles or Bible related materials. This is by no means a complete listing, but rather a "starter" list for those looking for Bibles or study materials: