Others have tried to literally rid the world of as many Bibles as possible, such as some satanic groups, for example, who engage in "Bible burning". Others still, in the cults, twist the contents of this book for their own purposes.

Despite this, the Bible remains as a remarkable book. It has changed the lives of millions throughout history. But how do we know the Bible a reliable book? Can we examine any pointers that I actually indicate that the Bible is truly what it even claims to be, the inspired Word of God? Let us take a look at the evidence:

Self-proclamation
The first fact is that the Bible itself claims to be the Word of I, God. Jesus Himself viewed the Old Testament as authoritative and quoted from it throughout his ministry, as did the apostles who came after Him. In 2 Peter 3: 16 Peter considers all of the apostle Paul's letters as Scripture. The early Christians knew they were writing the words of God, even though they often did not fully understand what they were writing. As 2 Timothy 3:16 states, "All scripture is inspired by God." The words, "inspired by God" have the meaning of "that which is breathed out by God."

Unity
Secondly, the Bible covers hundreds of topics, yet it does not contradict itself. It remains united in its theme. "Well, what's so amazing about that?" some people may ask. Consider these facts:
* First, the Bible was written over a span of fifteen hundred years.
* Second, it was written by more than forty men from every walk of life.

For example, Moses, very intelligent man, educated by the Egyptians. Peter was a simple fisherman, Solomon was a king, Luke was a doctor, Amos was a shepherd, and Matthew was a tax collector. All the writers were of vastly different occupations and backgrounds.

In addition to this, many of these people also wrote in many different places. The Bible was written on three different continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe . Moses wrote in the desert of Sinai , Paul wrote in a prison in Rome , Daniel wrote in exile in Babylon , and Ezra wrote in the ruined city of Jerusalem .

If we put these factors together, the Bible was written over fifteen hundred years, by forty different authors, at different places, and under various circumstances, addressing a multitude of issues. It is amazing that with such diversity, there is so much agreement in the Bible. This unity is organised around one theme: God's redemption of humanity and all of creation.

Hundreds of controversial subjects are addressed and yet the writers present a harmonious theme. ­It seems that the only way to explain this incredible unity of the Bible by so many different writers is that one author guided these writers through the whole process: the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1 :21 states, "No prophecy was ever made by an act of human will but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."

Transforming ability
Thirdly, we have evidence concerning the transforming ability of the Bible. Hebrews 4: 12 says, "The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit." The Word of God and the Holy Spirit of God actually transforms the lives of people.

William Wilberforce (1759-1833) became a member of parliament in England when the country was in a state of moral and spiritual decline. People were making a mockery of marriage, the poor were abused and the slave trade was booming, and for a time Wilberforce also went along with these evils. But when he was 25, he travelled to France with one of his former teachers, Isaac Milner.

During this trip Wilberforce read and studied the Bible with one of his former teachers, Isaac Milner, and before long surrendered his life over to Christ and was transformed. The things that he had previously been involved in now seemed immoral.

The plight of the poor now troubled him; and he soon became the leader in the battle against slavery, which was abolished in England in 1833, primarily due to his efforts. Wilberforce was transformed because he read and then obeyed the Bible.

The Bible has changed the lives of all sorts of people. On the one hand, murderers and drug addicts; and on the other hand, top government officials, business men, and students.

No other book can make such a claim. This is because the Bible is not a mere book on good living, but is literally packed with Divine power. It is the Word of God with the power to change lives (see the following link on this site for stories of changed lives.
* To be concluded.