Many people doubt the Bibles’ trustworthiness, but here are the most simple reasons why the bible is trustworthy.
While some believe it to be the word of God, others consider it to be a collection of myths and legends. However, there are several reasons why the Bible has proven to be an accurate representation of the world we live in.
I personally used to believe the Bible as being true. Over years of study however, I’ve now come to know the Bible is true. The difference between believing and knowing can make a huge difference in the way we approach the Bible.
So, in this article, we will explore some simple reasons why the Bible can be trusted and has proven to be authentic in the truth it provides.
1. The Universal Establishment of Right and Wrong
Picture this: a vast, untouched wilderness, unblemished by the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. Here, in the most remote and isolated parts of the world, you’ll find people living in a way that has remained unchanged for centuries. But even in this untamed wilderness, there is a common thread that ties all of humanity together – an innate sense of right and wrong.
It’s a truly remarkable thing when you think about it.
Despite having no formal education, these people understand that it’s wrong to take what isn’t theirs or to harm another person. It’s a basic understanding that is hardwired into our very being, but where does it come from?
God created us this way
According to the Bible, this knowledge is a reflection of God’s moral character, which is revealed through the pages of the Bible. (Genesis 1:27) In other words, the fact that people all over the world share a basic understanding of right and wrong is evidence that there is a universal standard of morality that is based on God’s character.
Genesis 1:27 NKJV
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
This idea is supported by the fact that the Bible provides a remarkably accurate and expansive account of moral principles. From the Ten Commandments to the teachings of Jesus, the Bible presents a comprehensive framework for understanding what is right and wrong. It teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to be honest and truthful, to show kindness and compassion to those in need, and to work for justice and righteousness.
But the Bible doesn’t just provide a theoretical framework for understanding morality. It also provides practical guidance for how we should live our lives. It teaches us to seek forgiveness when we have done wrong, to show mercy to those who have wronged us, and to work for reconciliation and healing in our relationships.
All of these teachings are based on the idea that we are all created in the image of God, and that we are all deserving of respect and dignity. When we live according to these principles, we honor the God who created us, and we make the world a better place for ourselves and for others.
2. Internal Consistency
Another compelling reason why the Bible can be trusted is its remarkable internal consistency. Despite being written by many different authors over a period of more than 4000 years, the Bible maintains a remarkable coherence of message and theme.
Consistent Themes:
The sacrificial system – Throughout the Old Testament, we see a system of animal sacrifices established by God as a means of atonement for sin. This sacrificial system ultimately points to Jesus, who would become the ultimate sacrifice for sin, taking on the punishment that we deserved (Hebrews 10:10). This theme remains consistent throughout the Old Testament, but the truth of it is only revealed and confirmed 3000 years later in the person of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:10 NKJV
“ By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.“
The problem of sin – The Bible consistently acknowledges the reality and gravity of sin and its consequences. From the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to the final judgment in Revelation, the Bible affirms that sin is a pervasive problem that affects every aspect of our lives.
The need for redemption – In response to the problem of sin, the Bible consistently presents the need for redemption, salvation, and reconciliation with God. From the promise of a coming Messiah in Genesis to the redemption accomplished by Jesus in the New Testament, the Bible affirms that salvation is available to all who repent and believe.
Moreover, the Bible’s internal consistency extends to its historical accuracy. Archaeological discoveries have repeatedly confirmed the accuracy of biblical accounts. For example, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 provided copies of Old Testament books dating back to the second century BC, which confirmed the accuracy of the text over a span of thousands of years.
Furthermore, the Bible contains many prophecies that were fulfilled in precise detail. For instance, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah predicted that a virgin would give birth to a son who would be called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born to the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23).
Isaiah 7:14 NKJV
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.“
Matthew 1:23 NKJV
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
The Bible’s remarkable internal consistency is a testimony to its divine inspiration. Despite the different authors and cultures involved in its composition, the Bible speaks with a unified and consistent voice. This is a testament to the power and truth of the message it contains.
So, the Bible’s internal consistency is one of the key reasons why it can be trusted. Its message is clear, coherent, and consistent throughout its entirety, and it has been confirmed by historical and archaeological evidence. The Bible is a trustworthy guide for anyone seeking to understand the nature of God, the meaning of life, and the path to salvation.
3. Archeological Discoveries
Archeological discoveries have played a significant role in supporting the trustworthiness of the Bible. The Bible provides a historical account of various events and people, and archeological findings have verified many of them. One notable example of such verification is the discovery of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Sodom and Gomorrah
According to the Bible, Sodom and Gomorrah were two cities that were destroyed by God for their wickedness. The story is well-known, but for centuries, their actual location was unknown. However, in the 1970s, archeologist Ron Wyatt claimed to have found the site of the two cities in the southern region of the Dead Sea.
The Rock of Horeb
Another remarkable discovery that supports the accuracy of the Bible is the discovery of the rock at Horeb. In the book of Exodus, the Israelites were led by Moses into the wilderness after escaping from Egypt. While they were wandering in the wilderness, they grew thirsty and complained to Moses. God instructed Moses to strike a rock with his staff, and water gushed out for the Israelites to drink. The rock at Horeb is believed to be the very rock that Moses struck.
The Red Sea Crossing
The Red Sea crossing is another significant event mentioned in the Bible that has been supported by archeological discoveries. In the book of Exodus, Moses leads the Israelites across the Red Sea, which miraculously parted, allowing them to escape the pursuing Egyptians. The discovery of chariot wheels and other artifacts at the bottom of the Red Sea lends credibility to this account.
The Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant, a gold-covered wooden chest that contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, is another significant biblical artifact whose discovery would be a major archaeological breakthrough. While the exact location of the Ark is unknown, there have been various claims of its discovery, including one by Ron Wyatt, who claimed to have found it beneath the site of the crucifixion of Jesus.
These archeological discoveries, along with many others, provide tangible evidence that supports the accuracy and truthfulness of the Bible. They show that the events and people described in the Bible are not just myths and legends, but historical facts that have been verified by archeological findings.
4. The Growth of the Early Church
The early church was more than just a small group of disciples, it was a revolutionary movement that sparked a global transformation. Despite facing extreme opposition and persecution, the church continued to thrive and spread throughout the world. This growth was not merely a result of strategic planning or organizational tactics, but rather a testament to the power of the message of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The fact that the growth of the early church was not limited to one region or culture is also significant. It demonstrates the universal nature of the message of the Gospel and its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. This universality is a testament to the timeless and enduring nature of the Gospel message, which continues to impact lives and transform communities to this day.
Moreover, the growth of the early church was not a linear or straightforward process. It was characterized by setbacks, conflicts, and challenges. However, it was the perseverance and commitment of the early Christians that sustained the growth of the church. Their unwavering faith and dedication to the Gospel message provided the impetus for the growth and expansion of the church.
In conclusion, the growth of the early church is a compelling reason why the Bible can be trusted. It is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel message and the work of the Holy Spirit. The fact that the church grew despite facing extreme opposition and persecution, and that it was not limited to one region or culture, underscores the universality and enduring nature of the Gospel message. The growth of the early church is a reminder that the impact of the Gospel transcends time and space and continues to transform lives and communities to this day.
5. Prophecy Fulfillment
The fulfillment of biblical prophecies is a remarkable phenomenon that sets the Bible apart from other religious texts. The accuracy and precision with which these prophecies were fulfilled is a compelling reason to trust the Bible as a reliable source of truth.
The prophecies in the Bible were not vague or ambiguous predictions. They were specific and detailed prophecies that were fulfilled in precise detail. The fact that these prophecies were fulfilled is a testament to the supernatural inspiration and divine authority of the Bible.
Increasing Knowledge
Daniel 12:4 prophesied that in the last days, knowledge would increase. This prophecy has certainly been fulfilled in our modern times. Advancements in science, technology, and medicine have led to unprecedented knowledge and understanding of the world around us. The internet and the digital age have made information and knowledge more accessible than ever before. This increase in knowledge has also led to advancements in fields such as transportation, communication, and agriculture, among others.
The Birthplace of Jesus
Micah 5:2 prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1)
The Destruction of Jerusalem
Jesus prophesied the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 24:2), and this prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Roman army destroyed the temple and the city.
The fulfillment of these prophecies provides hope and encouragement to believers. It reassures them that God is in control and that his plans and purposes will ultimately prevail.
In conclusion, the fulfillment of biblical prophecies is a compelling reason to trust the Bible. The accuracy and precision with which these prophecies were fulfilled demonstrate the supernatural inspiration and divine authority of the Bible. The fulfillment of these prophecies also provides evidence of God’s sovereignty and his active involvement in human history. It is a reminder that God’s plans and purposes will ultimately prevail and provides hope and encouragement to believers.
Final Thoughts
The Bible can be trusted for several simple reasons. The establishment of moral justice, internal consistency, archeological discoveries, the growth of the early church, and prophecy fulfillment all provide compelling evidence for the trustworthiness of the Bible.
While there will always be debate and disagreement about the Bible, it remains one of the most important and influential books in human history. Whether you believe it to be the word of God or not, it is undeniable that the Bible has had a profound impact on the world and continues to inspire and guide millions of people today.
As you explore the Bible and its message, may you be open to the truth that it contains and may it inspire you to live a life of faith, love, and service to others.