Journal: Bible and Spade (Second Run)
Volume: BSPADE 25:3 (Summer 2012)
Article: Prophecy, The Bible And Jesus
Author: Matt Slick

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BSpade 25:3 (Summer 2012) p. 75

Prophecy, The Bible And Jesus

Matt Slick

How do you respond to someone’s claim that the Bible is not inspired? Is there a way to prove inspiration or, at least, intelligently present evidence for its inspiration? The answer is, “Yes!” One of the best ways to prove inspiration is by examining prophecy. There are many religious books in the world that have many good things to say, but only the Bible has fulfilled prophecies—with more fulfillments still to come. The Bible has never been wrong in the past, and it won’t be wrong in the future. It claims inspiration from God (2 Tm 3:16). Since God is the creator of all things (Is 44:24), then He is also the creator of time. It is under His control. Only God, then, would always be right about what is in the future, our future.

Fulfilled prophecy is strong evidence that God is the author of the Bible, because when you look at the mathematical odds of prophecy being fulfilled, you quickly see a design, a purpose, and a guiding hand behind the Bible. If just one prophecy failed, then we would know that God is not the true God, because the Creator of all things, which includes time, would not be wrong about predicting the future. Deuteronomy 18:22 says, “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously” (NIV). Isaiah 46:9–10 says,

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

One approach to use with an unbeliever is to turn to Psalm 22 and read verses 12–18. This is a detailed description of the crucifixion—1000 years before Jesus was born. After you read the section, ask him what it was about. He’ll say, “The crucifixion of Jesus.” Then respond with something like, “You’re right. This is about the crucifixion. But it was written 1000 years before Jesus was born. And on top of that, crucifixion hadn’t even been invented yet. How do you think something like this could happen?” After a brief discussion, you could show him or her a few other prophecies, like where Jesus’ birthplace was prophesied (Mi 5:2), that He would be born of a virgin (Is 7:14), that His side would be pier...

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