I believe in the Bible because of revelation. The Bible claims to infallibly reveal the very words and mind of God. Now, step back for just a second to ponder this incredible claim.

I am an early riser and enjoy the wee hours of the morning before the sun comes up. I purposefully turn off the lights in the house, take my cup of coffee, and walk out into my backyard to look up at all the stars. The immense sky full of stars is amazing. Whenever I gaze at the stars, I always think to myself, for thousands of years people have looked up into the sky and have seen the same stars I am looking at right now. Scripture tells me that God spoke the world into existence (Gen. 1) and the One who spoke those words wants to be known. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” God’s power and majesty are revealed through creation.

About halfway through my cup of coffee, it always hits me that God did not stop there, but He wants me to know Him personally. Then I go into my study, I open up my Bible and read the words of God. I am literally in awe that the God who spoke galaxies into existence would actually speak to me through the Bible.

There are many religious books that offer wisdom, but the Bible claims far more than that. The unique claim of the Bible is that it is the very Word of God. Second Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is inspired by God—literally, God-breathed—and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correcting, and for training in righteousness. The next verse goes on to say that the man or woman of God might be equipped for every good work. In other words, the Bible is not simply a written proposition or even truth for life; it is far more.

The Bible claims itself to be an active, powerful force in our lives. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing to the division of soul and spirit, joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12 NASB).

These passages make the astounding claim that God’s Word, the Bible, is actually inspired by Him, and that He can be personally known and experienced through the Scriptures.

Ingram, Chip. 2017. Why I Believe: Straight Answers to Honest Questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker.

We have just completed a 6-Week Bible Study Lesson Series on Chip Ingram’s book, Why I Believe. It is available on Amazon in both print and Kindle versions, as well as part of Good Questions Have Groups Talking Subscription plan. The idea is to invite each participant to purchase their own book and discuss it each week.

Topics include:

Why I Believe, Lesson #1
Chapters 1, 2
Why I Believe in the Resurrection
Did Jesus Really Die?

Why I Believe, Lesson #2
Chapters 3, 4
Why I Believe the Bible
Don’t Take My Word for It

Why I Believe, Lesson #3
Chapters 5
Why I Believe in Life After Death

Why I Believe, Lesson #4
Chapters 6, 7
Why I Believe in Life Creation
Science or God?

Why I Believe, Lesson #5
Chapter 8
Why I Believe in the God of the Bible

Why I Believe, Lesson #6
Chapter 9
How is that Working for You?

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