Understanding Your Religion

There are many reasons why Satan would not want us to have knowledge of God's will. Perhaps a leading reason is the power of having knowledge that others do not have. If Satan can keep us ignorant of truth and control the flow of information, then we would not know God's true will. His attempt to compromise scripture is seen in many ways throughout history and even to this day.

Perhaps the best way to overcome his efforts is to gain personal knowledge and help others also gain knowledge of scripture.

Attack by the Roman Empire – It became a capitol (death penalty) to own any portion of the Christian scripture. Later, Emperor Constantine permitted the reading of scripture and even provided copies.

Attack by the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages – The Catholic church attempted to restrict the use of scriptures to clergy only. This was due to the possible threat to church power if the common person knew the scriptures. By the 16th century, King James provided Bibles in the common language which eventually led to the breaking of the monopoly of the Catholic church.

Attack by philosophers, skeptics and critics – In the 17th to 19th centuries, writers and thinkers began to question the Bible's inspiration and authority. A leading figure was Voltaire, a French philosopher.

The Bible, unlike religious writings developed by man-made religions has withstood a myriad of tests and threats against it. It has remained relevant to all of humanity no matter the time period or society. We change and our understanding and application of scripture changes, but God's word has remained constant.

Its depth of insight and beauty – Other religious writings do not possess the depth of the Bible, yet it is understandable by virtually any age group.

In its unity – The totality of scripture written over 1400 years and by approximately 40 writers in different times, places and societies unknown to each other, tell the same story without contradiction, confusion or disorder. All scripture points to Jesus and His role as our Savior.

In its universality – The Bible is the most read book of all history. It continues to appeal to all people who seek God's true will.

The teachings of scripture work. It works in our personal spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships and certainly in our relationship with God. Societies that live by Christian principles thrive. Other societies thrive for a period, but any person or society that moves away from God's will, eventually ceases to exist or does not reach full potential.

The Bible contains many detailed and verified historical references not found in other sources. We see references to leading figures, historical locations and nations. These and other references serve as markers to be studied by archeologists and historians and serve to confirm the inspiration of scripture.

A major test of the inspiration of scripture are the many prophecies that came about as prophesied. This phenomenon is seen in the interactions between nations or peoples and especially information pertaining to Jesus.

When prophecies are fulfilled, they confirm the truthfulness of the prophet and his writings. This is considered as direct and irrefutable evidence for the inspiration of scripture.

Answers will vary as to which is significant. As a follow-up question consider asking if there are other insights that someone might have gained that further offers proof of inspiration. This question is designed to help learners internalize the lesson.

No matter the threat or attempt to destroy God's word, it has and will continue to be available for us to learn God's will. We can see from the many threats that it has survived, that it is inspired. We can see from how it has revealed God's will through prophecies made and fulfilled that what God says is true. As we read in scripture how to be added to God's Kingdom and how to live faithfully, we also learn of God's promise to save us through our faith. No other philosophy or teaching of man provides for our salvation, and promises us eternal life.