The Bible proves itself (3)

15-07-2025 - Posted by Geert-Jan
Originally posted on July 13, 2025 – by Andre Piet

The Bible not only stands out through its unity and foretellings, but also by its unique message. The content of Scripture sharply contrasts with anything people devise—whether in philosophy or religion. It is in that divergence that its divine origin becomes evident.

Why does the Bible stand in stark contrast to human thought? What humans conceive always bears the imprint of human logic, moral self-improvement, or religious effort. Philosophers seek wisdom and insight; religions prescribe actions to reach God or the divine; both focus ultimately on what people must do. The Bible, on the other hand, speaks of what God does: HE is the One who acts, saves, and brings everything to its goal.

Where human systems rely on human merit, the Bible places all emphasis on God’s sovereignty and grace. Where humans explain evil as a mistake or an independent force outside God, Scripture reveals that God is the Creator even of that. And where people look for hope in an immortal soul or reincarnation, the Bible speaks of death—and resurrection.

These ideas, radical opposites to anything devised by people, point to an origin higher than humanity. This is not human philosophy, but divine revelation.

1. Unique in historic reality

The Bible is thoroughly historical (“through and through historical”) (2 Peter 1:16). The Gospel is not a moral or inspiring story, but a good message—a joyful announcement of what God has done. The resurrection of Jesus Christ forms its heart. If Christ has not been truly raised from the dead, faith is empty and without substance (1 Corinthians 15:14). Then the apostles’ message would be no more than an empty philosophy, devoid of real perspective.

But the Gospel is a factual event, concrete and demonstrable in history. Christ has truly been raised, as the firstfruit of all mortal ones (1 Corinthians 15:23). That resurrection is proof that Christ has conquered death and brought imperishable Life to light (2 Timothy 1:10).

2. Unique teaching on death

The Bible has a unique view of death. Where religions and philosophies often teach that people continue to exist after death—whether as immortal souls or through reincarnation—Scripture teaches that death truly means death. The first lie in the Bible is the denial of death (Genesis 3:4): “You shall not surely die.”

But Scripture teaches:

• Death is the opposite of life (Genesis 3:19).
• Death is a return to dust (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
• Death is like sleep, in which one experiences nothing (John 11:11–14).
• Life after death is only possible through resurrection, when God makes alive (Ephesians 5:14).
• Death will be abolished when all are made alive (1 Corinthians 15:26).

The hope of the Bible is not that the person continues to live in death, but that the person will live again after death. Not “where does a person go at death?”, but: “will he live again?”.

3. Unique teaching on the origin of evil

Also unique is the biblical teaching on the origin of evil. Scripture states unequivocally that God creates evil:

“I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create evil.” — Isaiah 45:7

Evil is therefore not a mistake or an independent power, but an instrument in God’s hand. Just as a jeweler uses a dark background to make a diamond sparkle, God uses evil to display His love and grace even more clearly (John 9:3). Evil has its place in His plan, and nothing escapes Him. As Job said, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10).

4. Unique teaching on purpose and redemption of every creature

Scripture teaches that GOD gives everything a place and will save all. He has locked up all in disobedience so that He may have mercy on all (Romans 11:32). Just as all are sinners by no choice of their own, so all will be justified by God’s grace:

• All are justified (Romans 3:23–24; 5:18).
• All are saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 4:10).
• All are made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22–28).

Not human choice or performance is decisive, but God’s intention to have mercy on all. Thus He becomes the Savior of all people (1 Timothy 4:10).

5. Unique teaching on the one GOD

The core message of the Bible is the unity of God. Everything is out of Him, through Him, and to Him:

“For from Him and through Him and unto Him are all things. To Him be the glory unto the eons. Amen!” — Romans 11:36

There is only one GOD who places and directs everything. He is not dependent on human will or subject to powers outside Himself. He is the source of everything, the channel through which everything occurs, and the goal into which everything converges. Therefore, to Him belongs all the glory.

Summary

The message of the Bible is unique:

• It proclaims the good news of a historical, resurrected Christ.
• It teaches that death is truly death, and that life comes through resurrection.
• It reveals that evil is not a mistake but an instrument in God’s hand.
• It speaks of universal redemption: God has mercy on all.
• It points to one God who orders everything toward His purpose.

This message was not devised by people. It proves its divine origin because it leaves no glory for humanity, but all glory for God. Thus the Bible proves itself as what it claims to be: the Word of God.

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