The British Museum and the Bible

I recently visited the British museum and what a rich historical resource this place is! For Christians and lovers of the Bible, this would make an inspirational visit for anyone. It is probably best to be informed before a visit and there is a good book available published by Day One Publications called: "Through the British Museum with the Bible Third edition (Day One Travel Guide)". This would provide helpful information ahead of a visit.

Here are three things that I found stimulating on my recent visit.

1. To look at Greek and Roman seal stones. These were used as a form of identification and ownership and Paul the apostle picks up this New Testament time imagery and applies it to the gospel. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee". Also look at Ephesians 1:13, 4:30; Romans 4:11, 1 Cor. 9:2; 2 Tim. 2;19 and also in the ministry of the Lord Jesus, John 3:33 and 6:27.

2. A golden crown/wreath was on display in the Greek historical section. These were used in the Graeco-Roman world in sporting events and in religious ceremonies. Presumably as a mark of honour. The theme of being given an eternal crown that does not perish is to be preferred. Of course many crowns were made of plant material and rarely perhaps of gold. The golden one is in the museum because it has survived 2000 years unlike plant-material crowns. Hear Paul takes up this crown/wreath imagery in 2 Timothy 4:8: "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing".

3. In one section of the museum, I came across the "Cyrus Cylinder". This clay cylinder is inscribed in Babylonian cuneiform with an account by Cyrus, king of Persia (559-530 BC) of his conquest of Babylon in 539 BC and capture of Nabonidus, the last Babylonian king (this is copied from the British museum website at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/me/c/cyrus_cylinder.aspx

For those lovers of the Bible, you will know that king Cyrus is spoken of in the Book of Daniel in the Bible. All historical and archeological finds always confirm the truth and integrity of the Bible to be the very reliable word of God. Daniel 1:21 "And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus".

For those people reading this blog who may not be Christians or who may not be familiar to the Bible, let me encourage you to visit the British museum. However, I urge you also to accept that the Bible is unique among any literature among humanity. It is a book which cannot be categorised because it is the revelation of the One True God. The author of the Bible is God Himself, who inspired men across centuries to teach us the way of salvation. This is how Jesus Christ described the teaching of the Old Testament writings: John 10:35 "And Scripture cannot be broken".