Are the Dead Sea Scrolls historical proof that the Bible is a valid book?
Listen: 147.2
This is an interesting question, for if someone had been asked to prove that the original Hebrew Scriptures from the Old Testament were reliably copied without error throughout the last two thousand years, he would have had difficulty providing an answer. Why? Because the oldest manuscript used by the King James translators was dated approximately 1100 A. D. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 was monumental, for they date from about 250 B. C. to 68 A. D. and scholars have determined that these manuscripts are virtually identical to the manuscripts used by the King James translators. I believe they do in fact prove that the Bible is a “valid book.” But the real question is, “Do they prove that the Bible, though written by men, was Divinely Inspired by God Himself?”
The Bible makes this claim in 2 Timothy 3:16, which says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 2 Peter 1:21 reads, “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Yet in spite of these clear and emphatic statements from God’s Word, Bible scoffers still reject it and in defiance they boldly say, “Give me proof that the Bible is the Word of God.” Devout believers are faced with this challenge, “How can we prove to the unbelieving skeptic that the Bible is God’s infallible, inerrant Word?” I can think of several points that are usually offered as proof.
1) The fulfillment of BIBLE PROPHECY is a strong argument. You may recall the conversation that Jesus had with a couple after His resurrection where He turned them to the Old Testament prophets to encourage them to believe. He said, in Luke 24:25-27, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.” What a Bible study that must have been! The Lord turned them to every single prophecy that had foretold His death, resurrection and coming glory in order to prove to them that He was indeed the Messiah. How can an unbeliever read passages such as Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 and not see that Jesus fulfilled these scriptures perfectly? If one does admit to this, they would have to conclude that God, Who alone can see the future, inspired men to write it.
2) CHRIST’S RESURRECTION is another compelling argument. The Bible has many references to the resurrection of Christ and if He did rise from the dead then the Bible must be God’s Word. Is there any real evidence that Christ rose from the dead? 1 Corinthians 15 has been called the “Resurrection chapter” because the apostle Paul defends this vital truth by presenting multiple eye witnesses to this grand event. Verse 6 is especially convincing, “After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.” If one stood in doubt of the resurrection they had opportunity to seek out these witnesses to see if their testimony was clear and consistent. Such a grand testimony would not only prove that the resurrection had truly occurred, but that the Bible is indeed the Word of the ever-living God.
3) The PRESERVATION OF THE JEW is one of the most amazing proofs that the Bible is God’s Word. Even though the Jews were dispersed throughout the world thousands of years ago, they still have retained their national identity. Attempts have been made by Hitler and others to exterminate them, but God’s Word has declared they will not only survive, but be brought back into their homeland to be blessed by their God. Jeremiah 32:37-38 tells us, “Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger…and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: And they shall be My people, and I will be their God.”
4) The WORD OF GOD itself is the greatest proof. I often encourage people who doubt the Bible to simply read it, knowing that the Bible can convince the agnostic, the atheist, or the skeptic that its author is Divine. Let’s never forget the power of the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Men may sit in judgment upon God’s Word, but God is able to open their minds and hearts and bring conviction of its truth to them. Once He does convict them, He delights to take it one step further and bring them to faith in His beloved Son. This, too, is accomplished by His blessed Word, as seen in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (147.2) (DO)