Artifacts, History, Facts, or Wishful Thinking?

Artifacts of Proof?

Have you noticed in recent years that more "artifacts" are being found that "proves" or "disproves" what is written in the Bible? Some items prove that things said in the Bible actually are grounded in fact. Some items "prove" things are not as the Bible says - but those are not on solid ground.

It is generally agreed upon that the Bible contains true history - the coins used in those days are found to be the same ones found in digs of the time. The fertile lands described existed and certain ones are still fertile. There are countless facts that can be proven, although there is no solid proof about Jesus other than the Word - so many different people have documented Jesus' life and doings - shouldn't that be enough proof, since so many other facts are all correct?

The recent finding of a tomb that "says" the names of "Jesus, son of Joseph", two Mary's, and "Judah, son Jesus" - and people were quick to conclude this as Jesus the Savior's tomb. The Bible tells us he was put into a tomb of his own, while his mother was still alive, and He rose from that tomb - there should be no bones that existed to place in a tomb. Jesus, Joseph and Mary were all quite common names back then and could have belonged to any family of the time. In fact, investigators are at odds about the actual name - it might not even say "Jesus" but rather, some other name - it is, after all, in an ancient language.

So - would you rather believe those people who spend so much time trying to tear down the Bible, or would you rather have faith that God is, was and always will be, and Jesus was a real person? The fact that there is no solid "proof" is no indicator that He isn't real - no one knew of his purpose until the last three years, and they were amazed with him, not picking up mementoes to keep, as we would these days. Even if they did get a memento, would they have labeled it as being from Jesus, or perhaps kept it close to their hearts and know it was special to them, and the next of kin would have no idea of its significance. The fact there are no bones to show are due to Jesus being risen from the dead.

I personally put no faith in the findings of the tombs, or other finds that are so warped in trying to discredit the Bible. These are just stretches made by non-believers. I have faith in our God and in our Jesus that the Bible is true.

Of course, there is a huge amount of history in the Bible that can be substantiated - from the timelines of rulers to the coins of the times, to the descriptions of the foods grown at the time, to the areas as they are still named, and much more. You can't discount the Bible as a great source for ancient history.

P.R.