The Reliability of the Bible Part 2

“As a matter of fact, however, it may be clearly stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever contradicted a single Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible.”
Noted archaeologist Nelson Glueck

The power of Bible archaeology and historical research is not just the ability to confirm the history of the Bible and the accuracy of the Biblical record. Its inability to disprove Biblical accounts is an even more significant contribution to the credibility of the Scriptures. This is a very powerful point. Interpretation of archaeological evidence depends on a researcher’s presuppositions and worldview. Many researchers are openly skeptical of the Scriptures and hostile to its worldview. They can be tempted to reach conclusions that discredit Biblical accounts. Well, there is only one problem. No matter your worldview, the facts are the facts. The harder one tries to discredit the Bible, more credible it becomes. Again, its inability to disprove the Bible gives it even more credibility! People try to disprove the Bible to justify sin. If there is an Ultimate Authority, then they will be held accountable and that hurts! The problem with most people today is that they don't understand that the Bible is not just a "religious" book. It is a history book. It is a book of astronomy, anthropology, geology, paleontology, biology, meteorology, hydrology, physics, ethics, philosophy, and it explains things that science can't. People believe what they hear versus studying it for themselves. They are told over and over that “Science proves the Bible is wrong.” Where? You have heard it said, but where is it wrong? People can't answer this because they haven't studied it for themselves. Again, the stronger point is not that we have to prove it right, but they need to prove it wrong!

If the history and science is true in the Bible than this creates a problem for a lot of people. First for atheists. Why? Because it contradicts everything they stand on. There IS a Creator. OUCH! Second, for the muslim. If the history of the Bible is true than the Quran is false. Why? Because the histories of these two books are completely contradictory! Let me give you an example:

Surat al-Nisa (Women) 4:157-158
And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger--They slew him not nor crucified, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain. But Allah took him up unto Himself. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise.

What this Sura is saying is that there was no crucifixion of Christ. Let's see what the Bible has to say:
Matthew 27:35-51
35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
36And sitting down they watched him there;
37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
39And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
40And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
41Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
43He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
44The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
47Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
48And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
49The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
50Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Again if the Bible is true than Christ was crucified. This is just one of the many. Third, for everyone else! If the Bible is true, then when Jesus said in John 14:6 that "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" this would be true also. He is the only way to heaven. This is a problem for everyone, except the believer. And this is THE WHOLE TRUTH- Joe