(1) By virtue of the number of copies or parts of
ancient manuscripts extant, their closeness in years to the original,
and the agreement of scholars on their accuracy, the Bible is by far
the most reliable of all ancient works, much more so than the next
most reliable, Homer's Iliad;
(2) It was written over a period of about 1,600 years,
on three continents, in three languages, and by some 40 authors ranging
from peasants to kings. In spite of that, it has an amazing consistency
and continuity, making an external Guiding Hand an obvious necessity;
(3) The Bible uniquely claims itself to be divine,
and in its pages God speaks even in the first person;
(4) Prophecy and later exact fulfillment give the
Bible an internal authenticity;
(5) The modern science of archaeology has consistently
confirmed the Bible's most minute details, silencing previous critics
and scoffers;
(6) Jesus Christ Himself believed and taught the Bible's
complete accuracy, both before and after His resurrection, even to
the "jot" and "tittle," the smallest components
of the Hebrew alphabet;
(7) Modern computer and mathematical analysis has
revealed evidence of previously hidden word and number patterns that
could not have been placed by mortals or occurred by chance -- apparently
a divine signature of the Creator to further authenticate His work
and to demonstrate His power.
