Historical Accuracy of the Bible Part 3

Once again, taken from http://www.xenos.org/teachings/topical/objections/accurate.htm

Question 3
Does the Bible provide a unique means of authenticating its claim to be God's Word?

WHY IMPORTANT:
Since the Bible makes such a claim for itself (DIVINE INSPIRATION), might we not expect it to produce some unique way of authenticating its claim ("CREDENTIALS" STORY)?

RESPONSE: The Bible actually anticipates our need for such unique authentication and provides its own means of authentication via fulfilled prophecy. Consider these passages, which were written in a religiously pluralistic, competitive environment.
Read Isa. 41:22-24; 44:6-8; 48:4,5. Such detailed knowledge of the future would require either sovereignty over history or freedom from constraints of time (or both)--i.e., deity.
Read Deut. 18:20-22. Old Testament prophets were required to give verifiable (short-term, detailed) predictions--and they were to be executed if they were wrong!
It was this kind of evidence to which the apostles referred when they proclaimed that Jesus' death and resurrection was "according to the scriptures" (Lk. 24:44-48; Acts 3:18,24; 17:2,3; 1 Cor. 15:3-5). Because Jesus had no control over most of these events, purposeful fulfillment was impossible.
EXAMPLES:
Time (Dan. 9:24,25) - Over 500 years earlier, his death was predicted to the year.
Birthplace (Micah 5:2) - Of course, Jesus had no control over this.
Response of Jews (Isa. 53) - So detailed that prior to DSS, many though it was a Christian forgery.
Mode of Execution (Ps. 22:1-18) - This was predicted several centuries before crucifixion was invented.
Of all the "scriptures" of major religions, only the Bible provides an objective means of authentication. Except for the Quran, they don't claim to be revelation. The Quran is mere assertion.

Conclusion

SUMMARIZE:
There is unsurpassed evidence that the Bible is a reliable source of religious truth!! After answering such questions, you must personalize the issue.
1. God doesn't give you this information for your entertainment, or to stimulate your curiosity (though many start here).
2. God isn't satisfied with you only coming to the conclusion that the Bible is inspired and that theism is the correct position (Satan shares this conviction).
3. God wants you to listen to him and respond to him in the way described in Isa. 55:2-3, 6-7.