Chapter 2 - THE BOOK THAT REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

ACCURATE AND RELIABLE

Though the Bible is not a science textbook, it is scientifically accurate.  For example, at a time when most people believed that the earth was flat, the prophet Isaiah referred to it as  a "circle" (Hebrew, chugh, which here carries the idea of  "sphere").  (Isaiah 40:22)  The idea of a spherical earth was not widely accepted until thousands of years after Isaiah's day.  Furthermore, Job 26:7 -written more than 3,000  years ago-states that God is  hanging the earth upon nothing."  Says one Bible scholar:  "How Job knew the truth, demonstrated by astronomy that the earth hangs self-poised in empty space, is a question not easily solved by those who deny the inspiration of Holy Scripture."

The style reporting found in the Bible also strengthens our confidence in this age-old book.  Unlike myths, the events covered in the Bible are linked to specific people and dates.  (1 Kings 14:25; Isaiah 36:1; Luke 3:1, 2)  And whereas ancient historians nearly always exaggerated the victories of their rulers and hid their defeats and mistakes, the Bible writers were candid and honest - even about their own serious sins. -Numbers 20:7-13; 2 Samuel 12:7-14; 24:10.

Next time: A BOOK OF PROPHECY

The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995