THE STYLE OF THE BIBLE


  I. The Record of Doubt:
        The many fears and doubts of the outstanding characters in
the Bible would not have been written if it is a forgery. Such as:
Peter denying the Lord three times; the disciples fleeing when Christ
was taken captive; the disciples falling asleep in Gethsemane; etc.
The admission of doubt is an assurance of a correct record. Man does
not wish to express his shortcomings, his mistakes.

 II. The Impartiality of the Writers of the Bible:
        The open statements of the sins and frailties of even its
heroes is unique in the history of mankind. The writings of men
usually exalt their heroes; their sins and foolishness are not
mentioned. The Bible reveals the truth. Abraham is called the father
of the faithful; but we are told about his lying. Moses lead the
Israelites for 40 years; yet, sinned and was refused entrance into
Canaan. We are told of Noah's drunkenness; Jacob's deceit; David's
adultery; Aaron's sin in making the golden calf; Paul's blasphemy,
etc.

III. The calmness and brevity of the Bible in recording the most
     astounding events and tragedies is unlike the writings of men:
        1. The creation of the world and man -- two chapters.
        2. Death of Christ -- about eight chapters.
        3. The Flood -- three chapters.
        4. The destruction of Jerusalem -- three chapters.
            Compare this reserved calmness with the volumes written
            on the deaths of Lincoln, Kennedy, Churchill or the
            natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, etc.

 IV. Familiar details:
        The Bible has many familiar details which a forger would
never have included. The woman wiping Jesus' feet with her hair; John
outrunning Peter to the tomb, but waiting outside while Peter went
in; Rhoda running to tell of Peter's knock without first letting him
in; Paul sending for his books and coat; the linen cloth that had
been around the Saviour's head lying apart from the shroud.
        These simple, personal details simply mean we are reading an
honest and truthful account of what really happened. The books of the
Bible do not suggest forged documents.

    NOTE: These things within themselves may not be conclusive
evidence of inspiration; but, added to all the other points do add
creditable witness and testimony to our conclusion: TRULY, THE BIBLE
IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD.

                         Credit for much of this to:
                         "Why We Believe the Bible," by George Dehoff

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