Subject: Focus On Faith
The Most Crucial "What If"

Haven’t we all questioned ourselves with “What Ifs”? Well there is one “What If” that is critically fundamental in every human’s life, and that is “What if the Bible is true”? Regrettably millions of people don’t’ even want to entertain that thought! After all, if the Bible is true, one has to face unpleasant and frightening realities about themselves and eternity. Realities such as there is a living God; we are all sinners in need of Jesus Christ; and Hell is real! Therefore, our eternal destination – Heaven or Hell – depends on how we answer this “What If”!

Nevertheless, there are those who will adamantly state that the Bible isn’t remotely reliable or true. Others allow self-serving logic to sway them into believing that much of the Bible is stale, not pertinent for today. Many pick and choose from the Bible that which seems applicable to their life styles while totally dismissing anything that may prick their conscience as to what’s right and what’s wrong. Then there are those who believe the Bible is nothing more than farcical fantasies!

So, IS the Bible 100 percent true? Absolutely! The Bible says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Unfortunately for those who refuse to accept the Scriptures’ divine inspiration, quoting Bible verses to prove its integrity is nothing more than useless circular reasoning. But there are many wonderful and unshakable ‘outside the Bible’ proofs. If a person would only rid oneself of religious pseudo babble uttered by a world that follows Satan not God, would set aside preconceived ideas and religious traditions, shove ego away and be honest with oneself, these many proofs will undeniably authenticate the Scriptures!

Archaeological finds, for example, have and will continue to verify the truth of the Bible. Outstanding Jewish archeologist, Dr. Nelson Glueck, stated, “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological finds have been made which confirm in clear outline or in exact detail historical statements in the Bible.” Two of thousands of evidentiary examples is the Tel Dan (David) Stela (inscribed stone), the 9^th century BC inscription that furnished the first historical evidence of King David outside the Bible. Then there is a limestone block discovered in 1961, with the name Pontius Pilate inscribed – the man who ordered Jesus’ death - revealing Pilate was at the same place and time as the Bible’s information about Jesus’ crucifixion! (Matthew 27) Archaeologists continue to dig-up evidence supporting the flawlessness of the Bible!

Next is science. The Bible details the creation of the universe and all that’s in it, but man discounts it. So scientists continue to search for scientific ‘truths’. But proven is that many ‘new’ scientific discoveries were written in the Bible thousands of years before modern man discovered them! Examples are cycle of air current (Ecclesiastes 1:6); the earth is round (Isaiah 40:22), air has weight (Job 28:25), and every star is different (I Cor. 15:41)! Numerous scientific facts could be cited!

What about Bible prophecies? How could mere men have fabricated prophecies that at the time of their penning were impossible for any human to grasp, let alone write? (II Peter 1:21) Yet many biblical prophecies have already been accurately fulfilled with others currently underway, with more to come! Through many past fulfilled prophecies, history itself corroborates the Bible! Additionally, textual uniformity of the Bible, especially since it was written over a period of 2,000 years by 40 different writers, further verifies the truthfulness of the Bible.

Every word written within the Bible is accurate! Please, prove it to yourself by delving into scientific facts, researching the Biblical prophecies, and studying other ‘outside the Bible’ verifications! Don’t be afraid of the truth for the truth can’t hurt, but the rejection of it can and will go far beyond!

So…What if the Bible IS true? For those who are born-again believers, having placed our faith in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, we rejoice in the Lord, knowing confidently that the Bible tells us one day we will look upon the face of our precious Savior and walk streets of gold throughout eternity!

But for those who continue to disregard God’s Word, they have NO hope because the Cross has been side-stepped, God’s love has been ignored, His warnings go unheeded, and His call has been rejected! Every denier will come face-to-face with the Lord (Acts 17:30-31), and be cast into the fiery torments of Hell - and ultimately the Lake of Fire - where the darkness is never pierced, the suffering never ceases, the fire is never quenched, the tormented cries are never silenced and God and His mercy are forever gone! (Note: Read some of Jesus’ words about Hell in Mark 9:43-48/Matthew 10:28; 25:41,46/Luke 12:5).

Allow absolutely no one – preacher, priest, parent, or pal - to create a questioning ‘what if’ mentality that casts shadows of doubt over the realness of God’s Word! Think for yourself, and don’t be afraid of discovering God’s life offering, comfort giving, peace providing words of eternal life. Your eternity depends on it!