God loves us.
Romans 5:8 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
It is difficult to understand the blessing of what God did until we understand that the bible is the inspired word of God and what is sin.
The Bible is the inspired word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, and for training in righteousness
Proof supporting that the bible is the inspired word of God.
Uniqueness of the bible
66 books, 1400 years to write, 40 authors writing at different times and places, most not knowing each other, yet the entire book tells only some without contradiction.
Scientific truths in the bible before they were discovered by scientists
- The shape of the earth is found in Isaiah 40:22
- Gravity found mentioned in Job 26:7
- Atmospheric circulation found in Ecclesiastes 1:6
- Reference to ocean currents found in Psalms 8:8
- Hydraulic cycle is described in Ecclesiastes 1:7
Additional proof supporting that the bible is inspired word from God
Mathematics and Astronomy professor Peter W Stoner calculated the probability of just 8 prophecies being fulfilled in the life of Jesus was 1 in 10 to the 17th. This is only 8 of more than 300 prophecies that point to Jesus Christ.
8 of the over 300 prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus
- Micah 5:2 The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem.
- Malachi 3:1 A messenger will prepare way for the Messiah
- Zechariah 9:9 The Messiah will enter Jerusalem as a king riding on a donkey.
- Zechariah 13:6 The Messiah will be betrayed by a friend and suffer wounds in his hands.
- Zechariah 11:12 The Messiah will be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver
- Zechariah 11:13 The betrayal money will be used to purchase a potter's field.
- Isaiah 53:7 The Messiah will remain silent while he is afflicted.
- Psalm 22:16 The Messiah will die by having his hands and feet pierced.
What does 1 in 10 to the 17th look like? Imagine covering the state of Texas with silver dollars 2 feet deep and picking out one you marked. This is only 8 of the more than 300 prophecies that point to Jesus Christ. Imagine the mathematical probability of
300 !
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
What is sin?
In the bible, God has given us instructions for how to live our lives, and we sin when we don't live by those instructions.
What are the consequences of sin?
Sin separates us from God
Isaiah 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
Sinners will be cast away from God on the day of judgement.
Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.
A blood sacrifice is required for the forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 9:22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
Jesus had to shed his own precious blood for the forgiveness of our sins.
Matthew 26:28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,