Is there a logical way to know if the Scriptures actually came from God?

One of the best ways is the simple fact that Jesus said so. In their book, When Skeptics Ask: A Handbook on Christian Evidences, Norman Geisler and Ron Brooks layout the logic behind this simple answer. Here are the key points in the argument:

 

1. God exists

2. The New Testament is historically reliable.

3. Miracles are possible.

4. Miracles confirm Jesus’ claim to be God.

5. Whatever God teaches is true.

6. Jesus being God confirmed the Old Testament and promised the New Testament.

 

They also establish the logical basis for each one of these points in their book, so I would recommend reading it if you’d like to explore it in depth.

 

The Significance of Jesus’ Endorsement

Can you think of anyone more qualified to make a statement about the reliability of the Bible? Jesus was able to suspend the laws of nature at will, which he demonstrated by:

1. Walking on water

2. Commanding storms to stop

3. Commanding thousands of fish to swim into a net

4. Commanding a fish to have a coin in it’s mouth

5. Feeding thousands of people with one person’s lunch

6. And many others...

 

...and it all happened exactly as He had commanded!

 

He also healed immediately every sickness that he came in contact with and brought dead people back to life! He commanded demons around with total authority, telling them to speak, be quiet, or come out of their host and go somewhere else—and they had no choice, but to obey—immediately!

 

In short, Jesus demonstrated complete authority over the physical world and the non-physical world. It didn’t matter, whatever He said should happen, would happen! So when Jesus said, “It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of God’s law to be overturned.” (Luke 16:17), as well as many other statements about the Scriptures, He was making very powerful pronouncements about their reliability! It was God telling us how to think about His own thoughts written down for our benefit!

 

What Did Jesus Say About the Scriptures?

Jesus Approved the Old Testament

 

“And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered.” — John 10:35 (NLT)

 

“Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in. But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of God’s law to be overturned.” — Luke 16:16, 17 (NLT)

 

“I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.” — Matthew 5:18 (NLT)

 

Jesus Promised the New Testament

 

“I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” — John 14:25-26 (NLT)

 

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” — John 16:13 (NLT)