Why You Can Trust the Bible: Examining Its Reliability and Accuracy

The Bible is an amazing book because it is the written Word of God. It tells us who God is, what He has done, and what He is doing throughout history, both in judgment and salvation [1]. The Bible is completely trustworthy and authoritative, and we as believers can depend on it and must obey it [1]. However, there is much more to explore when it comes to understanding how and why the Bible is so significant. Here are some key points to consider:

• One way to approach the question of the reliability and accuracy of the Bible is to consider its inspiration. This means that God guided the human authors of Scripture to write His words without error or contradiction. The Bible claims to be inspired by God in many places, such as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21. The inspiration of Scripture guarantees its truthfulness and trustworthiness [1]. It's also important to note that the inspiration of the Bible extends beyond just its authors; it also applies to the translations of the Bible. God ensured that the translations of the Bible are inspired and accurate, allowing people all over the world to read the Bible and understand its message, no matter what language they speak.
• Another way to approach the question of the reliability and accuracy of the Bible is to consider its inerrancy and infallibility. These terms mean that the Bible does not contain any errors or mistakes in its original manuscripts and that it cannot fail or deceive us in any way. The Bible affirms its own inerrancy and infallibility in passages such as Psalm 19:7-9 and John 17:17. The inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture ensure its consistency and authority [1]. Additionally, the fact that the Bible has been consistently translated and interpreted throughout the centuries is a testament to its inerrancy and infallibility.
• A third way to approach the question of the reliability and accuracy of the Bible is to consider its clarity and sufficiency. These terms mean that the Bible can be understood by anyone who seeks its meaning with a humble heart and that it provides all that we need for salvation and godliness. The Bible attests to its own clarity and sufficiency in verses such as Psalm 119:105 and 2 Peter 1:3-4. The clarity and sufficiency of Scripture enable its relevance and usefulness [1]. Moreover, the Bible is a book that is accessible to everyone and has the power to transform lives. It is a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance that can be applied to everyday life.

Of course, there is also external evidence that supports the reliability and accuracy of the Bible, such as archaeological discoveries, historical records, manuscript evidence, prophetic fulfillment, scientific accuracy, moral impact, and much more [2][3]. These pieces of evidence serve to confirm what we believe by faith based on God's testimony. However, it's important to remember that our faith in the Bible doesn't rest on this external evidence, but on the trust, we have in God.

Therefore, we can confidently say that the Bible is not only reliable and accurate but also a book that can change lives. It reveals God's character, His will, His works, His grace, His glory, and His love for us. It invites us to know Him personally through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3). It calls us to live for Him by obeying His commands (John 14:15). It promises us eternal life with Him if we believe (John 3:16).

In conclusion, the reliability and accuracy of the Bible is both a matter of faith and fact, and its importance cannot be overstated.

Joey Pierlioni