The Bible is often regarded as the most influential book ever written, but how do we know what it claims is true? Moreover, how do we know that the Bible is from God Himself?
The Bible does not contradict itself
The Bible is not one book but a collection of 66 books, written by about 35 writers over 1500-1600 years. These writers lived across different centuries in different parts of the world. Despite that, what they wrote complemented and never contradicted each other. The Bible tells us this is because they were moved by God's spirit to write what He wanted them to write:
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
The Bible is in harmony with science
The Bible speaks of scientific truths which were not 'discovered' by man until hundreds or thousands of years after the Bible recorded them. Among them include:
That the earth is round (Isaiah 40:22) and is suspended in space (Job 26:7)
The existence of 'paths' in the sea (Psalm 8:8)
The life of the physical body is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11), which is why today medical professionals no longer bloodlet although it used to be the standard medical practice for most diseases
The Bible is consistent with archeological discoveries
The Bible mentions endless numbers of nations, cities and people later corroborated by archeological findings. Skeptics used to criticize the Bible for its mention of the Hittite people (2 Kings 7:6) due to the lack of any archaeological evidence to support thir existence. Around 1876, however, archaeologists discovered evidence of the Hittite nation, and by the early 20th century the vastness of the Hittite nation and its influence in the ancient world was common knowledge.
The Bible records fulfilled prophecies
Some biblical writers predicted future events centuries in advance. If even one of the events predicted had occurred, it would be astounding. But the Bible contains many prophecies that came true, such as
Ezekiel 26:3-14 which predicted the destruction of Tyre, its debris being thrown into the sea, and the site becoming a place for spreading nets. Alexander the Great destroyed Tyre in 332 BC by using debris from the old city to build a causeway to the new city. Today, the site of the old city is now a small fishing village.
Over 300 prophecies about Jesus that were all fulfilled, down to specific details like His birthplace (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1), manner of death (Psalms 34:20; John 19:33-36) and resurrection (Psalms 16:8-10; Luke 24:6)
The above evidence would not be possible without the hand of a higher, all-knowing being - God. If we can accept then, that the Bible is true, then it stands to reason that what the Bible teaches us about what will happen to us after we die is also true:
That every human being has a physical and spirtual body (the soul) (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
After death, though our physical body will return to the earth, our soul will continue to exist (Luke 16:19-31)
There are two places the souls of all humans will spend eternity in - either eternal life in heaven or eternal punishment in hell (Matthew 25:31-46)
The only way to get to heaven is through believing in Jesus Christ as our Saviour:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
The Bible also tells us what we must do to be saved:
Hear the gospel of God’s gift of salvation to all mankind (Mark 16:15)
Believe Jesus is the son of God who died for us (John 3:16)
Repent of every sin (Acts 3:19)
Confess faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9)
Be baptised for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
Stay faithful (2 Timothy 4:7-8)