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Question #6 - Is the Bible Reliable?

The reliability of the Bible is being challenged on multiple fronts. At this point in history, an intelligent and thorough conversation about the reliability of Scripture is essential. Jews and Christians hinge their faith squarely on the words of the Bible. Therefore, if the Bible is not reliable, the implications for these faiths are significant. On the other hand, if the Bible is a reliable record of historical events (not to mention theological principles), then the entire world must consider God’s plan as recorded in it.

​This is a 10-minute collection of subject matter experts discussing the question “Is the Bible reliable?” It displays the various questions, struggles, and perspectives of these individuals regarding this week’s topic. See what they have to say ...
The Bible, though hard to understand at times, is a beautiful collection of books that tells the same consistent story throughout. And it’s very, very reliable. Let’s examine why that is:
  • It’s a collection of 66 different books, written from 1500 BC to 100 AD, by 40 different authors, in 3 different languages.
  • The first 39 books make up the Old Testament and include the Law of Moses, the history of the Jewish people, and the foretelling of the Messiah.
  • It comprises the sacred Scriptures of Jewish and Christian people.
  • The last 27 books make up the New Testament and were written by eyewitnesses of Jesus’s life, documenting his ministry and explaining God’s plan to bring about his kingdom. It also includes letters about how to live out the gospel.
  • How can we be confident it’s reliable?
    Prophecy: Some 1,800 prophetic statements can be verified or refuted. None, to date, have ever been refuted.
    Textual evidence: We have more high-quality copies of the text than any other historical document.
  • Self-declaration: The text itself claims authority in 1 Timothy 3:16.
  • Corroboration: You don’t hear people say they regret following the words of Scripture.
    You don’t hear: “Ten years ago I decided to read and follow Scripture, build my business, nurture my marriage, raise my kids, handle my money, and take care of my body according to the wisdom of Scripture—and I completely regret it.”
  • Universality and Invitation: No other sacred scriptures invite all people of all time.
    In Genesis 12:3, God tells one man, “I will bless you and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
We can trust the Bible because of prophecy, history, integrity, and what it’s done in people. When you’re wondering about the reliability of the Bible, consider these facts. But more than that, remember that the Bible is God’s love letter to you. Open it, read it, and consider how God wants you to live out his kingdom calling.

Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” In what ways might the Bible be “offering a better story, a story to help make sense of our crazy human existence”?