THE BIBLE: IS IT RELIABLE?
TRUTH ON TRIAL
KEYS FOR LIVING - THE BIBLE: IS IT RELIABLE?
—Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States
TRUTH ON TRIAL
Most Christians recognize the Bible as a book that is full of “good advice,” but the question remains as to whether or not Scripture has the inherent authority that it should have if we are to be truly obedient to God. If we believe that Scripture is more than simply “good advice”—that it is, in fact, the inspired Word of God—then “all the words in Scripture are God’s Words in such a way that to disbelieve any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.”
Some uninformed or sincere doubters question the authority of the Bible, believing that it is just a collection of myths and inaccuracies.
Three things characterize almost everyone who has difficulty accepting the authority of the Scripture:
- They seldom, if ever, bother to read the Bible.
- They approach the Bible with prejudiced ideas learned from Bible critics and their writings.
- They are not acquainted with the Bible’s “Author.”
Can we trust the Bible? Yes!
Divine revelation is essential if we are to know something about God’s character and moral laws. And even though He has placed in every person’s heart an awareness of His existence and attributes (Romans 1:18-20), the Scriptures are essential if we are to know and understand the Gospel, maintain a dynamic spiritual life, understand His intentions for the church, and know God’s will.
Understandable & Trustworthy
If the Scriptures are to be profitable for us, then they must be understandable and trustworthy. And since God Himself is the author of Scripture, the Bible must necessarily be sufficient and comprehensible so as to communicate His purposes. God did not reveal His Word to the writers of Scripture for us not to understand it! In fact, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” The clarity and trustworthiness of the Scriptures should lead us to:
- Recognize our individual responsibility to search out and know for ourselves w hat God desires and requires
- Apply His Word in every circumstance, even though our knowledge and understanding of the same may never be complete
- Continue to study His Word to improve our knowledge and understanding
The Bible Has Authority Because It Is...
Inspired:
The Bible is supernaturally inspired. ... It comes from God Himself. In fact, the Bible is the precise message God wanted recorded.
2 Timothy 3:16
Infallible:
The Bible is incapable of deception. ... It is totally trustworthy. In fact, the Bible is totally truthful.
Psalm 19:7
Inerrant:
The Bible tells the truth and does so without error. ... It is absolutely accurate. In fact, the Bible contains no mistake, falsehood, or flaw.
Psalm 12:6
Inclusive:
The Bible is all inclusive. ... It encompasses all truth necessary for life. In fact, the Bible contains everything we need for ...
- Salvation (1 Corinthians 15:2)
- Instruction (2 Timothy 4:2)
- Hope (Romans 15:4)
- Blessing (James 1:25)
What Are Surface Causes of Disbelief?
Ignorance:
Originating from little knowledge of Scripture
Matthew 22:29
Insolence:
Stemming from intellectual pride
Romans 1:21–22
Impurity
Emanating from living in sin
John 3:19–20
Indifference
Derived from no fear [reverential awe] of God
Proverbs 1:7
“Even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
John 10:38
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Do you or do you know someone who has additional questions or requires help?
If so, please choose Women of Faith's other resources on this and other relevant topics (Quick Reference Guide, Keys for Living Books and e-Books).
Grace Filled Words:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16
God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13
Additional Scriptures:
Isaiah 55:11
Romans 1:17
Psalm 19:7
Romans 15:4
Romans 10:17
Psalm 119
