Why We Can Trust The Bible?

When asked, "What credentials back-up the claims of Christianity?" how do you respond?

As Christians, the basis for our beliefs (and worldview) are dependent upon the Truth claims as revealed by the God of the Bible. Consider however, that the Bible was penned over a span of 1,500 years, comprising over 40 generations and over 40 authors (from every walk of life), across 3 continents, and in 3 languages. As such, can the Bible be trusted as a reliable source of our faith and practice in the 21st century? After considerable personal due diligence on this topic, I join a multitude of scholars by answering that question with a resounding yes!

Essentially, our trust in God's plan of salvation not have to be based on just blind faith, sincere feelings, or circular reasoning -- when we have objective biblical (and extra-biblical) data to draw from. While this article does not provide exhaustive sources, I have listed some summary thoughts for why we can trust the Bible as the source of our faith and practice. This format, which originated from the Bible Answer Man's "MAPS" acronym, has since been embellished with the work of other Christian scholars as noted. Essentially, we can place our trust in the world's most prolific book based on:

Manuscript Evidence, which answers the "accuracy" questions. As for the NT alone, there are over 24,000 manuscript copies in existence today. These are comprised, according to McDowell's Evidence that Demands a Verdict (pg. 39), of more than 5,300 known Greek manuscripts, plus over 10,000 Latin Vulgate, and at least 9,300 other early versions. As for the OT, there is a wealth of corroborating manuscript evidence as well, such as the Greek Septuagint and the Hebrew Dead Sea Scrolls. Given the weight of available manuscript evidence, there is no basis to question the accuracy of Scripture. To do so, is to discredit all books of antiquity.

Archeological Finds, which addresses "authenticity" issues. For example, in Ron Rhodes book, The Complete Book of Bible Answers (pg. 21), sources indicate that more than 25,000 OT region sites have substantiated Scripture by producing artifact discoveries of ancient Biblical societies and cultures that have long since disappeared. It goes on to state categorically "that no archeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference." Only the Bible substantiates its historicity in this manner.

Predictive Prophecy, which answers "authority" questions, since only God can demonstrate that He knows the "end from the beginning." Involving over one fourth of Scripture, the Bible contains over 2,000 specific prophecies (involving people, places, and events), made hundreds of years in advance of their fulfillment (according to apologetic works by McDowell, Lindsey, Jeffrey, Kennedy, Swindoll, Hagee, etc.). For me, the book of Daniel is most notable in that it traces the rise and fall of world kingdoms like Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome (before they happened) as they intersect with Jewish history. Also, 1 of every 30 verses in the Bible refers to the prophetic 2nd return of Christ. Predictive prophecy sets the Bible apart as divinely inspired.

Statistical Probability, which answers "absolutely," scientifically. In evaluating the claims that Jesus is the Savior of the world, Norman Geisler in When Skeptics Ask (page 116) mentions, "Logically, it is possible for chance to have caused all things to converge on one man, but it is certainly not probable. Mathematicians have calculated the probability of sixteen predictions being fulfilled in one man at 1 in 10 (to the 45th power). If we go to forty-eight predictions, the probability is 1 in 10(157) ...All evidence points to Jesus as the divinely appointed fulfillment of the messianic prophecies." By the way, if chance exceeds 1 in 10(50), it's considered beyond reasonable probability. So for Jesus to be anybody other than who he claims, is beyond reasonable doubt.

In summary, the Bible is altogether trustworthy and uniquely different from every other so-called "holy" book based on evidences of divine inspiration and inerrancy. As such, the Bible's message to you and me today is as relevant as when it was first delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And what is that message? Essentially, from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible deals with God reconciling mankind to Himself through the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ."

In God we trust" becomes more than a motto for our legal tender, when the Almighty speaks to us through His Word -- the Bible.

Roy Tanner