We can't go through life without it, even though it is one of the most difficult things in life. We are often told to trust others or authority. When we are young, we trust our parents. Not all parents are good parents though. Others are good enough, but make mistakes. Yet, we put our trust into them as we begin our lives.
Later in life we trust our teachers and those who educate us. We trust that they know what they are talking about when we learn about math, science, history, and health. We begin at a young age trusting people in authority. We trust what we see on television and what we read. Yet, there is a point in life, as we get older, where we start to question things. Were our parents wrong? The media is not always correct. History books are often filled with ideas that are not always 100% true. Therefore, we become skeptical as we grow older, searching for things that we can trust.
Yet, trust is important. We have to trust in certain things or we would not survive. We have to trust that the foods we eat will not poison us. We have to trust that medicine will cure us or help us. When we get sick or get hurt, we have to put trust in doctors and remedies. When we get in a car, bus or train with someone else, we have to trust the driver or the creators of the machine. We have to trust the pilot and the mechanics and inspectors that overlooked the plane before take off. We have to trust that the parts are in perfect working order. When we go somewhere, we trust it is safe. Almost everything we do is based on trust.
It is very important to know what we can trust. Those who trust something incorrectly sometimes do not survive their misjudgment. When we make a wrong decision, it can hurt us financially, physically, or even mentally. Sometimes we regret our choice and wished that we never trusted in something, and if we had not, we would have been better off.
Many people put their trust in the larger universe in some theory. Some believe that science has all the answers, others believe that there is some kind of creator. There are many religions that all claim that there is one (or many) being(s) that is/are in control. Mohammed, Buddha, Jesus and others are all beings that people have put their trust into.
Having spent time studying various religions, I have come to the conclusion that the Bible is the one thing that we can trust. Yet, while the Bible is a very popular book, few people really have read the Bible and less people still really study it. Yet, the Bible is a very trustworthy book.
For example:
The Bible accurately predicted the rise of kingdoms and world events that took place after it was written. Take a look:
1. The Bible stated that four world empires would arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8.
2. Cyrus was to be the warrior to capture Babylon Isaiah 45:1-3.
3. After Babylon's destruction, it would never be inhabited again: Isaiah 13:19, 20 Jeremiah 51:37.
4. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations Ezekiel 29:14, 15 30:12, 13.
5. The Bible also mentions Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time Luke 21:25, 26.
6. The Bible talks about moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
EARTH AND ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCE
The Bible has made scientific claims that were proven far later. Many of these claims were not even considered at the time the Bible was written.
1. "He . . . hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible's oldest book. (This point refers to the earth "floating in space")
2. "He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out.
3. "To make the weight for the winds." Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight.
4. "By Him [Jesus] all things consist." Colossians 1:17. The word "consist" here literally means "hold together" or "cohere." Many Bible translations put it "hold together." This is the answer to the nuclear physicists' worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, "Why doesn't the atom fly apart?" Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn't. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself.
HEALTH and PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Biblical claims regarding health were found to be true. Take a look:
1. Cover body waste with dirt: Deuteronomy 23:12, 13.
The Bible provision of Moses' day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled.
2. "Neither let us commit fornication." 1 Corinthians 10:8.
The word "fornication" denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is.
3. Leave alcoholic beverages alone Proverbs 23:29-32.
If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean:
Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens. Millions of families reunited. Millions of broken homes mended. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving. Thousands of government, business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions. Billions of dollars available for humanitarian use.
HISTORICAL PROOF THAT WAS ONCE REJECTED IS NOW FOUND TO BE ACCURATE
The places and events described in the Bible were rejected for centuries, yet many of the things that the Bible discusses have been proven to have actually existed.
1. Sodom and Ninevah, cities that had disappeared, were found:
For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation Deuteronomy 7:1 and cities like Nineveh Jonah 1:1, 2 and Sodom Genesis 19:1, which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist.
2. Belshazzar and Sargon existed:
Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar Daniel 5:1and Sargon Isaiah 20:1 never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist.
3. Writing and wheeled chariots did exist in Moses' time:
2. Belshazzar and Sargon existed:
Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar Daniel 5:1and Sargon Isaiah 20:1 never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist.
3. Writing and wheeled chariots did exist in Moses' time:
Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing Exodus 24:4 and wheeled vehicles Exodus 14:25, neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today.
4. Thirty Nine Kings of Ancient Israel and Judah:
At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so.
THE BIBLE IS AN INSPIRED BOOK
The Bible itself is a miracle. No other book comes close:
There are 66 books in the bible. They were written:
1. On three continents.
2. In three languages.
3. By about 40 different people kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician.
4. Over a period of about 1,500 years.
5. On the most controversial subjects.
6. By people who, in most cases, had never met.
7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly.
Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable,
The 66 books maintain harmony with each other.
Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject.
If you can trust in any book, the Bible should be the book that you trust. Yet, trusting and understanding the Bible are two different things. The Bible is filled with knowledge that still applies today. Many have not shown that they trust the Bible and instead turn to other books and sources for knowledge. Yet, many internet sites and videos are found not to be trustworthy or are later found as false. Many books written on science have later on been corrected and found to be complete rubbish. Ideas in medicine have come and gone, yet the Biblical aspects of medicine and what foods are healthiest is considered correct knowledge by doctors and scientists today.
YOU CAN TRUST IN JESUS
If you can trust in the Bible, you can trust in Jesus, who came to "forgive man for his sins." The Bible is correct on all things, including the fact that Jesus healed the sick, brought people from the dead, and He, Himself, rose from the dead. People were willing to die for their faith, even one time skeptics. I, myself, have put my trust in many things in life, and many of those things I deeply regret, but in all my life, I have never once regretted trusting God's word.
4. Thirty Nine Kings of Ancient Israel and Judah:
At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so.
THE BIBLE IS AN INSPIRED BOOK
The Bible itself is a miracle. No other book comes close:
There are 66 books in the bible. They were written:
1. On three continents.
2. In three languages.
3. By about 40 different people kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician.
4. Over a period of about 1,500 years.
5. On the most controversial subjects.
6. By people who, in most cases, had never met.
7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly.
Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable,
The 66 books maintain harmony with each other.
Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject.
YOU CAN TRUST IN THE BIBLE
If you can trust in any book, the Bible should be the book that you trust. Yet, trusting and understanding the Bible are two different things. The Bible is filled with knowledge that still applies today. Many have not shown that they trust the Bible and instead turn to other books and sources for knowledge. Yet, many internet sites and videos are found not to be trustworthy or are later found as false. Many books written on science have later on been corrected and found to be complete rubbish. Ideas in medicine have come and gone, yet the Biblical aspects of medicine and what foods are healthiest is considered correct knowledge by doctors and scientists today.
YOU CAN TRUST IN JESUS
If you can trust in the Bible, you can trust in Jesus, who came to "forgive man for his sins." The Bible is correct on all things, including the fact that Jesus healed the sick, brought people from the dead, and He, Himself, rose from the dead. People were willing to die for their faith, even one time skeptics. I, myself, have put my trust in many things in life, and many of those things I deeply regret, but in all my life, I have never once regretted trusting God's word.
Resources:
Print: "Is there anything left we can trust?" - http://www.bibleuniversity.com/University/Lesson.asp
"In God we Trust?" - http://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/study-guide/e/5002/t/in-god-we-trust
Article on Trust: "The trouble with trust" - https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/tech-support/201403/the-trouble-trust
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English Journal
Who do you trust?
Who has broken your trust?
What are some good ways to build and repair trust?
What questions do you have about being able to trust the Bible as God's word?
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