The Bible is estimated to have been written between 1450 B.C. and 95 A.D. This chart shows scientific facts and principles referred to in this ancient Bible, but not actually discovered by humankind until later centuries. Dead sea scrolls, historical documentation, and other sources all confirm the authenticity of the Bible. Since people had no official knowledge of these scientific facts until more than a thousand years after the Bible was written, is this scientific proof that the Bible was inspired by God?
Scientific Fact or Principle | Bible reference | Date of discovery by man |
Air has weight | Job 28:25 | 16th Century |
The Earth is round | Isaiah 40:22 | 15th Century |
Oceans have natural paths in them | Psalms 8:8 | 1854 |
Both man and woman possess the seed of life | Genesis 3:15 | 17th Century |
There is a place void of stars in the North | Job 26:7 | 19th Century |
Earth is held in place by invisible forces | Job 26:7 | 1650 |
Taxonomic classification of matter | Genesis 1 | 1735 |
Certain animals carry diseases harmful to man | Leviticus 11 | 16th Century |
Early diagnosis of leprosy | Leviticus 13 | 17th Century |
Quarantine for disease control | Leviticus 13 | 17th Century |
Blood of animals carries diseases | Leviticus 17 | 17th Century |
Blood is necessary for life | Leviticus 17:11 | 19th Century |
Earth was in nebular form initially | Genesis 1:2 | 1911 |
Most seaworthy ship design ratio is 30:5:3 | Genesis 6 | 1860 |
Light is a particle and has mass (a photon) | Job 38:19 | 1932 |
Radio astronomy (stars give off signals) | Job 38:7 | 1945 |
Oceans contain fresh water springs | Job 38:16 | 1920 |
Snow has material value | Job 38:22 | 1905, 1966 |
Infinite number of stars exist | Genesis 15:5 | 1940 |
Dust is important to survival | Isaiah 40:12 | 1935 |
Hubert Spencer’s scientific principles | Genesis 1 | 1820 |
Light can be split up into component colors | Job 38:24 | 1650 |
Matter is made up of invisible particles | Romans 1:20 | 20th Century |
Plants use sunlight to manufacture food | Job 8:16 | 1920 |
Arcturus and other stars move through space | Job 38:32 | 19th Century |
Water cycle | Ecclesiastes 1:7 | 17th Century |
Life originated in the sea | Genesis 1 | 19th Century |
Lightning and thunder are related | Job 38:25 | 19th Century |
Human beings were the last living things created | Genesis 1 | 15th Century |
Credit: John N. Clayton
This certainly must have taken much time and effort to put together. Thank you.
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The credit for this post can not be taken by anyone but John N. Clayton who was the original author of the piece. I have to agree such a compilation as this would require great patience and research.
It is quite interesting, nonetheless, how something as ancient as the Bible could give such insight to the world and the world miss it for 100’s or even thousands of years. A piece such as this certainly shows the “Inerrancy of the Bible” [a Bible free of error]. And the world needs to be aware of this.
I wish, as always, to thank you for your comment. It is greatly appreciated.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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Interesting post.
I am a science student and a Christian.
I have never felt any personal need to separate the two. My astronomy is all factual and evidence – based. My Christianity is all faith based, with daily proof of Christ’s power in and over my life.
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Hello, cello and thank you for your comment.
I am puzzled over the usage of the word “astronomy” and your comment concerning it (My astronomy is all factual and evidence – based). I am wondering whether, or not, you meant “astrology and zodiacs?” There is a vast difference between the two; especially from a Biblical perspective.
Astronomy is the science which studies the properties of the heavens and the objects therein and, as such, is devoted to the analysis of a portion of God’s creation. Genesis 1:1 declares that “in the beginning, God created the heavens” and that on the fourth day of His creative acts, “God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars” (Genesis 1:16). The Bible therefore teaches that the origin of the heavens and all astronomical bodies contained in them is God Himself, the Creator of all things.
The Bible portrays the Lord not only as Creator of the heavens, but as their ruler and sustainer as well, “sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3). Psalm 102:25-26 reminds us that “the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish but you remain…Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.” Isaiah tells us that God “stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in,” and the use of the present tense implies that even to this day, God continues to interact with and sustain His heavenly creation (Isaiah 40:22). Again, we see that “he who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns blackness into dawn and darkens day into night…the Lord is his name” (Amos 5:8). This verse refers to the Lord as Creator of the constellations and the One who orchestrates the transitions between day and night. The Lord thus maintains complete control over the heavens and sustains them by His power in their daily and yearly rhythms.
Moreover, the heavens are a medium which God uses to clearly and unmistakably communicate His existence, power, and glory. David tells us that “the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). The apostle Paul is emphatic on this point; although he does not explicitly mention the heavens, he makes it clear that “since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:20). The heavens therefore leave humanity without excuse for any disbelief in God’s existence and power, for “God has made it plain to them” (Romans 1:19).
Astrology is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the stars (and planets) exert on human destiny. This is a false belief. The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet Daniel (Daniel 1:20) and were powerless to interpret the king’s dream (Daniel 2:27). God specifies astrologers as among those who will be burned as stubble in God’s judgment (Isaiah 47:13-14). Astrology as a form of divination is expressly forbidden in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). God forbade the children of Israel to worship or serve the “host of heaven” (Deuteronomy 4:19). Several times in their history, however, Israel fell into that very sin (2 Kings 17:16 is one example). Their worship of the stars brought God’s judgment each time.
The stars should awaken wonder at God’s power, wisdom, and infinitude. We should use the stars to keep track of time and place and to remind us of God’s faithful, covenant-keeping nature. All the while, we acknowledge the Creator of the heavens. Our wisdom comes from God, not the stars (James 1:5). The Word of God, the Bible, is our guide through life (Psalm 119:105).
The Bible expressly forbids divination, sorcery, and hidden arts (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). God’s people are to heed God only (Deuteronomy 18:15). Any other source of guidance, information, or revelation is to be rejected outright. (See also Acts 16:16-18.) The Bible points to Jesus Christ as the only proper focus of faith (Acts 4:12; Hebrews 12:2). Our trust is in God alone, and we know that He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Faith in anything besides God is misplaced.
Astrology, then, opposes biblical teaching in at least two ways: it advocates faith in something other than God, and it is a form of divination. We cannot determine God’s will for our lives through horoscopes. As Christians, we are to read the Bible and pray to God in order to gain wisdom and guidance. Consulting a horoscope is a violation of God’s means of communicating with His children. We strongly believe that horoscopes should be rejected by Christians.
Then too, along the same lines, is “Religious Science.” Religious Science started in 1927 when a man named Ernest Holmes was encouraged to organize a group to formally study his teachings on metaphysical spirituality. Holmes himself studied the mind science teachings of Dr. P. Quimby, Mary Baker Eddy, Charles Filmore, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, along with Eastern mysticism and religions such as Hinduism. He took a little from each of these (Christian Science, Unity, transcendentalism, etc.) and formulated his own belief system, which he then gave lectures on. It was after writing a book titled The Science of the Mind that his teachings became very popular, and the Institute of Religious Science and School of Philosophy was formed. More groups were started each year through the mid-1950s, when leaders within the Institute proposed to create a central governing body to oversee each group. Many of the “churches” balked at this, which created a rift. From this rift formed the United Church of Religious Science, also known as Science of Mind, and Religious Science International. Both of these groups of churches have the same basic belief system, though teachings can vary quite widely, and coexist very well together.
The bulk of Religious Science belief centers on the idea that God is everywhere and everything is in God—also known as pantheism. Religious Science, then, promotes getting in touch with this ever-present Source and becoming unified with it. Religious Science teaches that all paths lead to God, and so all sacred literature is used to define and discuss spiritual principles for living, the Bible just one of many. The key, however, to unlocking the mysteries of God isn’t found in a book or in writings, but within oneself. Religious Science teaches how this might be done.
Obviously, Religious Science is a complete departure from biblical teaching. There isn’t one biblical doctrine held as Truth by Christians that Religious Science believes is true. From God to sin, creation to salvation, each belief held by the Religious Science adherents is in direct opposition to Scripture. Religious Science is what John spoke of 1 John 4:1–3: “Beloved, do not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world. By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source]; And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now it is already in the world” (Amplified Bible). The “spirit” that inhabits Religious Science is the spirit of anti-Christ, who is Satan, who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
According to Religious Science, salvation comes from the realization that you are actually a part of God, and by weeding out the bad in your life through scientific/philosophical principles. Religious Science, like all false religions, denies the deity of Christ and preaches a works-based salvation. Unfortunately for Religious Science adherents, Christ has something quite different to say about that: “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6). Ephesians 2:8–9 tells us about works-based salvation, even if the “works” are such things as “weeding out” the bad in our lives: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Cello I trust this has brought some insight and assistance to you concerning “Astronomy, Astrology and Religious Science.” I once again wish to thank you for your comments. They bare always greatly appreciated.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours always.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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Thanks for your insights, Micheal. I definitely meant “astronomy” – it is what I study at university, and something I have been passionate about since I was a child.
I don’t necessarily look down upon other religions, or spiritual paths. I stand by my faith in God, and do my best to study the Word so that I may recognize truth and Godliness in my spirit.
I believe that the stars affect our lives: but again; this comes from my love of science; and the deep connection I feel I have to all the universe as God created it – not from superstition!
Stay blessed!
Colleen
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I thank you, Colleen, for taking the time to set the record straight. I am quite relieved to know that “Astronomy” is what you truly meant to say and not Astrology. Knowing this has brought a smile to my face and much relief; I assure you.
God has created for you a vast and wondrous universe for which to study and be amazed. The universe and all contained within it holds such beauty and intrigue. No wonder you love it so much. I only wish others might take the time in order to search it’s wonderment and find the magnificence it holds. I find such peace in it as I know you do.
Thank you for your comments and clarification. I wish you well in your studies and life, Colleen, and hope you will come visit us again. You are always welcome.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and yours.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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You are very kind, Micheal! I appreciate your encouragement, and you are spot on: God’s creation is most wondrous. The funny thing to me is when people wonder how I could be a science student and still believe in God and the Bible. Honestly, I don’t understand how anyone could study the universe and not believe in God! Life is a miracle. Every star is a miracle. I think of the scripture, Job 38:7 of stars singing, and the fact that God knows every star by name (Psalm 147:4) – and I am blown away!
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I thank you, Colleen, for your warm response and I will always try my very best to encourage you. Both as a Christian and a friend.
I absolutely love your comment: “people wonder how I could be a science student and still believe in God and the Bible. Honestly, I don’t understand how anyone could study the universe and not believe in God!” Regardless of what people might perceive from such a statement – it is profound. Anyone who has observed the Heavenly bodies, whether as a novice or a student of Astronomy, has to be overtaken by the magnificence and complexity of it’s being.
Thinking about it, I see exactly how you’re able to say “life is a miracle and belief in God comes natural.” And I can not get over how eloquently you have stated your comments. In one short paragraph you have captured the entire essence of the creation of life and the heavenly realm. But your final statement: “and I am blown away” is climatic and poetic. It leaves me, the reader, in awe.
I would like sharing another post of which you might find informative, as well as, educational concerning “science.” It is titled “How is Theology, The Queen of Science.” I trust you will enjoy it.
I see great things ahead for you, Colleen, and thank you again for your comments. They are greatly appreciated and I will not forget them.
thank you.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you. May His face shine upon you and yours.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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