"Altogether about forty persons, in all stations of life, were engaged in the writing of these oracles, the work of which was spread over a period of about 1,600 years" (Sidney Collett, All About the Bible, 20th edition, p. 11).

In spite of all those authors and all that time, the Bible "is found to contain in itself a well-considered plan throughout, showing that each part belongs to, and contributes towards the beauty and perfection of, the whole" (p. 159). This we see as a tribute to God's inspiration.

Gleason Archer, a scholar of biblical studies, also wrote about the trustworthiness of the Bible: "As I have dealt with one apparent discrepancy after another and have studied the alleged contradictions between the biblical record and the evidence of linguistics, archaeology, or science, my confidence in the trustworthiness of Scripture has been repeatedly verified and strengthened by the discovery that almost every problem in Scripture that has ever been discovered by man, from ancient times until now, has been dealt with in a completely satisfactory manner by the biblical text itself—or else by objective archaeological information" (Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, 1982, p. 12).

The Bible claims to be true and inspired by God (see John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16) and millions of people through history have embraced that claim.

Sir Isaac Newton said, "There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history."

George Washington said, "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."

Napoleon said, "The Bible is no mere book, but a Living Creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it" (quoted in Halley's Bible Handbook, 1965, pp. 18-19).

In spite of many attempts to destroy it through history, today the Bible is the most widely published and widely translated book in the world. For more evidence of the Bible's validity download or request Is the Bible True?. VT

A Few Failed Human Predictions

"The telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us." —Western Union internal memo, 1876.

"Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible." —Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895.

"Everything that can be invented has been invented." —Charles Duell, commissioner, U.S. Office of Patent, 1899.

Science will soon solve all problems and eliminate war. —Ernst Haeckel in his book The Riddle of the Universe, 1899.

"The [atomic] bomb will never go off, and I speak as an expert in explosives." —Admiral William Leahy to U.S. President Harry Truman in 1945.

Sources: James Canton, The Extreme Future, 2006, p. 247; Bill Emmott, 20:21 Vision, 2003, p. 340; Michio Kaku, Visions: How Science Will Revolutionize the 21st Century, 1997, p. 5.