Is the Bible revelation or myth? - RC Sproul

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Radical liberal theologians such as Rudolph Bultmann maintain that Scripture is not revelation—that neither words nor nature reveal God. We must look to wordless “encounters” or mystical experiences.

God reveals himself in many ways. First, let us focus on the necessary relationship between God’s acts and God’s words. Perhaps the best illustration of this relationship is the crucifixion of Christ, which surely is the central event of history. But what do we know about this event? What does it mean? Here is a Jew being crucified outside Jerusalem. How would you interpret this event? How does the Man on the center cross differ from those crucified on either side of him? Does his death differ from theirs?

The Roman interpretation is that this man has been charged, probably falsely, with insurrection. To prevent trouble, however, they will play along with the Jewish leaders. The Jewish Sanhedrin is partly concerned that this Man’s teaching will bring down Roman wrath upon Israel. They also are infuriated by his claims to be God in flesh. One thief ridicules him as deluded; the other grasps at the chance to enter into God’s kingdom. All of these perspectives interpret the event. Not all can be correct.

New Testament writings provide the true interpretation of this event. The New Testament says this Man was God incarnate, the promised Messiah. His death effected cosmic redemption. The New Testament writers and their believing readers based this interpretation on writings in the Old Testament that predicted and explained these events. Into the second century of the church, the primary defense of the faith was made by appealing to predictive Old Testament prophecy. Events without interpretive words are meaningless.

The primary defense of the faith continues to be based upon Scripture. If the Bible’s authority is undermined and inspiration denied, then all certainty is destroyed. Without a sure word from God, our hope of salvation is merely wish projection. Settle the question of scriptural authority or you will never have the assurance of salvation.

Sproul, R.C., Before the Face of God: A Daily Guide for Living from the Old Testament, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books) 1994.

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