Bible Question:

Many religious scholars believe that the Bible is not historically correct. They say it was written by people who never met Jesus. Also, there are many different religions. Since God does not lie, why would He tell different people conflicting accounts about the creation and spiritual truth? For example, originally there were 27 different gospels in the Bible; but in 329 AD, Constantine reduced them to just four. Why did God allow that to happen? Why do different religions quote God but have different points of view? What does this mean?

Bible Answer:

Every religion, cult, many atheists and some non-Christians attack the Bible and Christ. Have you ever wondered why this occurs? The purpose of this article is to answer the question, “Why do the religions disagree about spiritual matters and Christ?” This question can be rephrased as, “Why is the Bible and Christ attacked by non-Christians or unbelievers?”

Foolishness of the World

The “God of This World”

The Bible teaches us that God is currently allowing Satan or the devil to control our world.  For example in 1 John 5:19, the apostle John states that Christians are of God. That is, God is in control of their lives; but that is not true of non-Christians. The Evil One controls their thoughts and influences their behavior.

We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19 (NASB)

The Bible has a variety of names for the evil one, who is Satan or the devil (Revelation 12:9). The Bible also tells us that the evil one is a fallen angel or demon. He is called “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the “prince of the power of this air” (Ephesians 2:2), The point is clear that this powerful demon is in control of  this world, except for the times that God chooses to interfere with his plans.

The World Has Been Blinded

Scripture teaches that Satan is not a good or holy angel. For example, John 8:44 states that he is the father of lies and Acts 5:3 indicates that he motivated a couple to lie. The devil is a deceiver and seeks to deceive everyone. He is at war against God. He does not want anyone believing in God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 teaches us that the devil, the god of this world, does not want anyone to believe in the good news about Christ.

. . . in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB)

As a result, the evil one influences people to criticize and discredit the Bible and claim that there are no ancient historical records about Jesus or reliable prophecies about Him. The current trend in our world is to claim that Jesus never existed and that God is dead, but that is contrary to the facts. The reader is urged to visit Historical Quotes About Christ and Prophecies About Christ.

The evil one not only influences people to believe lies, he starts false religions and cults. He influences them to be anti-Christ by claiming that Christ was not God or the Messiah whom the Jews have long expected. 2 Corinthians 11:14 reveals that he disguises himself as an angel of light. He influences people to believe lies. As a result, false religions and cults have been started by individuals who have believed Satan’s lies and the members believe their teachings are correct. This means that these religions, cults and the atheists themselves are followers of demonic doctrines. 1 Timothy 4:1 states,

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons . . . 1 Timothy 4:1 (NASB)

The Gospel Is Foolishness To Non-Christians

Another reason that the teachings of the Bible and Christ are being rejected by unbelievers is that it appears to be foolishness to them, including those who think they are wise. They may have advanced educational degrees, be professors, scientists, politically famous and ultra-wealthy, but that does not mean they have insight into spiritual truth. That is the message of the following passage,

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (NASB)

This passage teaches that the wise of this world have rejected what God and the Bible teach and often do not believe He exists (Psalm 14:1)! Romans 1:21-22 also communicates this point,

For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools . . . Romans 1:21-22 (NASB)

Conclusion:

We have discovered that unbelievers believe that Christ and the Bible are foolishness and that Satan, who is in control of this world, is actively blinding their spiritual sight or understanding. This explains why there are religious scholars who believe the Bible is wrong and why some claim that the authors of the New Testament never met Christ, when in fact all of them were with Christ when He walked upon the earth. Only two of the authors, Mark and Luke, may not have been eyewitnesses of Christ. This also explains why all of the religions and cults of the world except biblical Christianity are against Christ and His followers, or Christians.

In Matthew 24:9 Jesus warns Christians with these words,

 Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. Matthew 24:9 (NASB)

That is, the world will hate Christians and kill them in the last days upon the earth. Hatred against Christians is on the increase. The hatred is growing and Christians are being murdered, insulted, mocked and imprisoned. Christians were once highly respected and preferred; but in recent decades, the persecution of Christians is on the increase. This itself is a fulfillment of prophecies.

Suggested Links:

Historical Quotes About Christ
Prophecies About Christ
Can Satan put thoughts into our mind?
How can I help someone who is deceived by false teaching?
How does God feel about the many religions we have?
Are the Masons and Eastern Star biblical?
How do the rabbis interpret prophecies about Jesus?
Aren’t the gods of every nation and religion the same god?
How can I explain that we do not all worship the same god?
Da Vinci Code — Attack On Christianity