The latest entry into the list of so-called "discoveries", which have emerged over the centuries to be touted as casting doubt on the genuineness and authenticity of the Bible, is a book called The Da Vinci Code. I have not read the book, so I cannot comment on its contents, but there are two things
I would like to point out. First, history is made up, not of a series of facts recorded for posterity, but a series of interpretations of those facts. The fact may be a reality, but the interpretation is subject to the mind-set, the bias, and the intent of the one doing the writing. Despots and cynics have often used their interpretation of the details of history to excuse acts of aggression, or to discredit existing institutions and beliefs.
Second, I would point out that there have been many of these attempts to discredit the Bible, but they have all faded away over the centuries, while the
Bible remains unchanged and perhaps the most powerful force in the ongoing history of civilization. One scholar pointed out that we have more proof for the authenticity and genuineness of the Biblical records than we do for the writings of Shakespeare, which postdate the Bible by nearly fifteen centuries. That is how much careful research has been done to assure the authenticity and genuineness of the Biblical text.
It should surprise no one that this book has become so popular. A hedonistic and self-serving society is always anxious to partake of the fruit of any tree, as did Adam, which will free it from the discipline and self-denying teaching of the Bible, no matter the credentials of the serpent who offers it.
When have the moguls of Hollywood not been anxious to discredit the Bible, and to ridicule those who trust in its message?
In this first chapter of II Peter, after the writer has laid out the principles which the followers of Jesus Christ should develop in their lives, he proceeds to authenticate his message. He points out that he is the "reminder" not the author of these things. His strong emphasis is that those who follow this course are increasing in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is not only the author but the model for these things, and He alone has the power to reward the one who adapts them to his life.
Peter further shows his artistry in this literary masterpiece by laying out three lines of evidence for our consideration. With these three things he
effectively proclaims the authenticity of his message and its heavenly source.
First, he says, "We were eye witnesses of His glorification". Here I would like to point out that we must believe his witness, or we must believe that a
small group of men penned the purest and most perfect book of moral goodness, but were, themselves, the most vile group of charlatans and liars in history. Take your pick. Peter says, "We were on the Mountain (Transfiguration in Matthew 17), and heard the voice from heaven proclaim Him to be the Son of God". "We saw, and we heard, and we attest to the fact of His glory".
Second, Peter points to the incredible evidence of prophecy, made across almost twenty centuries of time, which was fulfilled by His birth, His life, and His teaching, in the most intimate detail. The men who wrote the Biblical account were well versed in the writings of the prophets of Israel, and were constantly reminded of the exactness with which Jesus fulfilled them all.
As a finishing touch, Peter alludes to the fact that these prophets of the past had to speak by inspiration, for no man could have known in advance the things they foretold. So Peter simply says that the final proof lies in the fact that the writings which prophesied the life and work of Jesus had to be inspired of God.
It is interesting to note that Peter anticipated those who would wish to cast doubt on his message, and even anticipated their argument. He said, "We did
NOT follow cleverly devised fables". In the last few days, I have heard the claim that Christianity was devised by a clever secret society, and foisted on mankind. Peter knew they would say that, almost twenty centuries ago, and gave us an answer more believable than all the machinations of the practiced critics of Christianity.
