Attestation, in the context of biblical studies, refers to the confirmation or validation of the truth, reliability, and authority of the Scriptures. This concept is crucial for understanding the divine inspiration and historical credibility of the Bible. Attestation can be seen through various means, including internal consistency, external evidence, and the witness of the Holy Spirit.

Internal Consistency

The Bible's internal consistency is a significant form of attestation. Despite being written over approximately 1,500 years by more than 40 different authors from diverse backgrounds, the Scriptures maintain a unified message and coherent theology. This remarkable harmony attests to the divine inspiration of the Bible. As the Apostle Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). This verse underscores the belief that the Scriptures are not merely human words but are inspired by God Himself.

External Evidence

External evidence also plays a vital role in the attestation of the Bible. Archaeological discoveries, historical records, and ancient manuscripts corroborate the events, places, and people mentioned in the Scriptures. For instance, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the mid-20th century provided significant attestation to the reliability of the Old Testament texts, as these ancient manuscripts closely align with the Masoretic Text, which forms the basis of most modern Old Testament translations.

Moreover, historical records from other ancient civilizations, such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians, often align with biblical accounts, providing further attestation to the historical accuracy of the Scriptures. The existence of figures like King David and events like the Babylonian Exile are supported by extra-biblical sources, reinforcing the Bible's credibility.

Witness of the Holy Spirit

The witness of the Holy Spirit is another crucial aspect of attestation. According to Christian belief, the Holy Spirit testifies to the truth of the Scriptures in the hearts of believers. This internal witness assures Christians of the divine origin and authority of the Bible. As Jesus promised, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). This guidance by the Holy Spirit is seen as an essential attestation to the truth of God's Word, providing believers with confidence in the Scriptures' teachings.

Prophetic Fulfillment

The fulfillment of prophecy is a powerful form of attestation within the Bible. Numerous prophecies in the Old Testament find their fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For example, the prophecy in Isaiah 53 about the suffering servant is seen as fulfilled in Jesus, as described in the Gospels. The precise fulfillment of these prophecies serves as a testament to the divine origin of the Scriptures, as only God could orchestrate such events across centuries.

Testimony of Jesus Christ

The testimony of Jesus Christ Himself is a critical attestation to the authority of the Scriptures. Jesus affirmed the Old Testament as the Word of God and often quoted it in His teachings. In Matthew 5:18, Jesus states, "For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" . His affirmation of the Scriptures as unbreakable and authoritative provides a strong attestation to their divine nature.

In summary, attestation in the biblical context encompasses internal consistency, external evidence, the witness of the Holy Spirit, prophetic fulfillment, and the testimony of Jesus Christ. These elements collectively affirm the truth, reliability, and divine inspiration of the Scriptures, providing believers with a firm foundation for their faith.(n.) The act of attesting; testimony; witness; a solemn or official declaration, verbal or written, in support of a fact; evidence. The truth appears from the attestation of witnesses, or of the proper officer. The subscription of a name to a writing as a witness, is an attestation.3513. ne -- by (a particle of affirmation employed in oaths)
... Probably an intensive form of nai; a particle of attestation (accompanied by the
object invoked or appealed to in confirmation); as sure as -- I protest by. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3513.htm - 6k8584. teudah -- testimony, attestation
... 8583, 8584. teudah. 8585 . testimony, attestation. Transliteration: teudah
Phonetic Spelling: (teh-oo-daw') Short Definition: testimony. ...
/hebrew/8584.htm - 6k

Of God's Attestation to Abraham, by which He Assures Him, when Now ...
... Chapter 26."Of God's Attestation to Abraham, by Which He Assures Him, When Now Old,
of a Son by the Barren Sarah, and Appoints Him the Father of the Nations ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 26 of gods attestation to.htm

Whether Man is More Shamefaced of those who are More Closely ...
... I answer that, Since reproach is opposed to honor, just as honor denotes attestation
to someone's excellence, especially the excellence which is according to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether man is more shamefaced.htm

The Power of the Holy Ghost
... There are four works which are the outward and manifest signs of the power of the
Spirit; creation works; resurrection works; works of attestation, or of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the power of the holy.htm

Why is it that the New Testament Also Contains Other Books Beside ...
... to Christ in that they, being chosen not only to be His witnesses, but also dispensers
of His power, are His continuation; and (B) that the attestation of a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 2 why is it.htm

Synopsis. --The Cardinal Point in the Present Discussion
... those who reject the claims of supernatural Religion been misinformed as to what
it is?" Is it, as they have been told, dependent for its attestation on signs ...
/.../miracles and supernatural religion/viii synopsis the cardinal point in.htm

Of the Direct Historical Evidence of Christianity, and Wherein it ...
... to be original witnesses of the Christian miracles passed their lives in labours,
dangers, and sufferings, voluntarily undergone in attestation of the accounts ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/of the direct historical evidence.htm

Chapter i
... to be original witness of the Christian miracles, passed their lives in labours,
dangers, and sufferings, voluntarily undergone in attestation of the accounts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter i.htm

Chapter v.
... to be original witnesses of the Christian miracles, passed their lives in labours,
dangers, and sufferings, voluntarily undergone in attestation of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter v.htm

The First Disciples: iii. Philip
... occupied the first day. On the second Jesus comes back to John after His
temptation, and receives his solemn attestation. On the third ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the first disciples iii philip.htm

Prologue.
... is to attempt the construction of a single narrative, in which we shall include
all the particulars, and for which we shall possess the attestation of those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the harmony of the gospels/prologue .htm

Attestation (1 Occurrence)
... The truth appears from the attestation of witnesses, or of the proper officer. The
subscription of a name to a writing as a witness, is an attestation. ...
/a/attestation.htm - 7k

Witness (295 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (vi) Attestation of a fact or an event;
testimony. 2. (vi) That which furnishes evidence or proof. ...
/w/witness.htm - 44k

Vouch (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (vi) To bear witness; to give testimony or full attestation. 7. (vi) To
assert; to aver; to declare. 8. (n.) Warrant; attestation. ...
/v/vouch.htm - 7k

Pastoral
... I. Genuineness. 1. External Evidence: In regard to the genuineness of the
epistles there is abundant external attestation. Allusions ...
/p/pastoral.htm - 39k

Attest (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (vt) To call to witness; to invoke. 4. (n.) Witness; testimony; attestation.
Multi-Version Concordance Attest (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/attest.htm - 7k

Seal (47 Occurrences)
... Circumcision is a seal, an attestation of the covenant (Romans 4:11). Believers
are sealed with the Spirit, as God's Mark put upon them (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). ...
/s/seal.htm - 38k

Attested (9 Occurrences)

/a/attested.htm - 9k

Archaeology
... (a) Theories Need Attestation: No theory is to be finally accepted and made applicable
to faith and life until tested and attested by facts; if it be a theory ...
/a/archaeology.htm - 61k

Criticism (1 Occurrence)
... (a) Theories Need Attestation: No theory is to be finally accepted and made applicable
to faith and life until tested and attested by facts; if it be a theory ...
/c/criticism.htm - 101k

Legalizing (1 Occurrence)
... and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man took off his shoe, and gave
it to his neighbor; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel. ...
/l/legalizing.htm - 6k

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