Evidence of the Bible’s Inspiration – Part 1
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

The Bible Under Attack
Today, the Bible faces relentless attacks—from the media, schools, secular writers, and even some in the religious world. Many claim the Bible is outdated, full of errors, or even dangerous. Prominent atheists like Richard Dawkins have declared it harmful, especially to children. So, how do we as Christians respond? 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to always be ready to give an answer. We must be able to defend why we believe the Bible is inspired by God.

Claiming Inspiration
The first and most fundamental point is this: the Bible claims to be inspired. It doesn’t merely suggest divine influence—it clearly and boldly declares it. In 2 Samuel 23:1–2, David said, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.” These were not David’s personal ideas—they were God’s words. Similarly, 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” That phrase literally means “God-breathed.” These are not the thoughts of Shakespeare, Milton, or Peter. The Bible contains the very mind of God. There are more than 2,500 passages throughout the Old and New Testaments where the Bible affirms its own inspiration. That leaves us with only two possibilities: either the Bible truly is from God, or it was written by deceitful men. There’s no middle ground.

Scientific Accuracy Before Science Knew
Another powerful evidence of inspiration is the Bible’s scientific accuracy—written during times when popular science got it wrong. While ancient cultures believed the earth was flat or held up by animals or mythological figures, the Bible accurately described the shape of the earth long before science caught up. Proverbs 8:27 says, “He drew a circle on the face of the deep.” The Hebrew word here means “sphere” or “ball.” Isaiah 40:22 echoes the same truth: “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth.” These verses were written over 2,700 years ago—when no civilization believed the earth was round. So how did Solomon and Isaiah know? Someone had to tell them. That someone was God. These weren’t guesses—they were revelations from the Creator Himself.

Columbus and the Bible
Even Christopher Columbus credited the Bible, particularly the book of Isaiah, as his inspiration for making his voyage. He believed that Isaiah 40:22 proved the earth was round, and that truth gave him the confidence to seek a westward route to the Indies. Long before science confirmed it, the Bible declared it. That’s not human wisdom—that’s divine knowledge.

Unity Across Centuries
The Bible is also inspired because of its remarkable unity. It was written over a span of 1,500 years by around 40 different men—many of whom never met, lived in different countries, and spoke different languages. And yet, from Genesis to Revelation, it tells one consistent, unified story: God's plan to save mankind. Every part—from genealogies to sacrifices—serves that single purpose. Even monumental events like the miraculous conception of Jesus are covered in just one verse (Luke 1:35), because God includes only what is necessary for our salvation. Human authors would have written volumes, but the Bible maintains perfect focus and restraint.

Nothing Left Out, Nothing Extra Added
The Bible contains exactly what we need—no more, no less. 2 Peter 1 says holy men of God were “moved by the Holy Spirit.” They didn’t write based on their own wisdom or imagination. 2 Timothy 3:17 tells us that Scripture provides everything we need to be complete—thoroughly equipped for every good work. There is no need for further revelation, new doctrines, or additional books. The Word of God is sufficient to build faith (Romans 10:17), lead us to Christ, and guide us to salvation.

Conclusion and Invitation
God’s Word is not just another ancient text—it is a living, powerful, inspired book breathed by God Himself. It is accurate in science, united in theme, and complete in purpose. Tonight, we’ll continue exploring more evidences that prove the Bible’s divine origin. But this morning, ask yourself: have you obeyed the Word? Have you responded to the call of the gospel that came from the mind of God? If you need to repent, confess Christ, or be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, now is the time. Or if you simply need prayers, come forward as we stand and sing.

Sermon Outline: Evidence of the Bible’s Inspiration – Part 1
I. The Bible Under Attack
– Modern voices claim the Bible is outdated or dangerous
– 1 Peter 3:15 – Be ready to give a defense

II. The Bible Claims to Be Inspired
– 2 Samuel 23:1–2 – “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me”
– 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed”
– Over 2,500 passages claim divine authorship

III. Scientific Accuracy of the Bible
– Proverbs 8:27 – Earth described as a sphere
– Isaiah 40:22 – “Circle of the earth”
– Writers knew truth before science discovered it

IV. Columbus Believed the Bible
– Columbus cited Isaiah 40 as proof the earth was round
– The Bible inspired real-world action

V. The Bible’s Remarkable Unity
– 66 books, 40 writers, 1,500 years—one consistent message
– Every verse ties into God’s plan of salvation
– Even the smallest details serve divine purpose

VI. The Bible Is All We Need
– 2 Peter 1 – Writers were moved by the Spirit
– 2 Timothy 3:17 – Scripture equips for every good work
– Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing the Word

Call to Action
The Bible is not the word of men—it is the Word of God. Will you believe it? Will you obey it? If you need to become a Christian or return to faithful service, the inspired Word tells you how: believe in Christ, repent of your sins, confess Him before men, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Let the power of God’s Word guide your steps today.

Scripture References:
1 Peter 3:15
2 Samuel 23:1–2
2 Timothy 3:16–17
Proverbs 8:27
Isaiah 40:22
2 Peter 1:21
Romans 10:17
Luke 1:35
James 1:21