Can I Trust the Bible?
“We need to ask ourselves things like: Can I trust the Bible? How do I know this is the Word of God? Is the Bible true? Is this just a book of myths and fairy tales, or is it historically accurate?” – Tony Walliser
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Can I Trust the Bible?
When you buy a new car – or a new-to-you car – it usually comes with an owner’s manual, right? You probably don’t sit down and spend hours reading through it, but you probably don’t question whether those guidelines and instructions from the manufacturer are accurate, right?
Similarly, when was the last time you got an owner’s manual for anything – maybe an appliance, a TV, or a computer – and thought, “Who are they to tell me how to set up and operate this?” We don’t do this because we trust that the manufacturer has determined the correct specifications and how to get the maximum benefit from using whatever it is.
Have you ever considered that maybe the Bible is God’s “owner’s manual” for our everyday lives? Some people view the Scriptures as a collection of “do’s” and “don’ts,” but in reality it’s God providing us with principles and instructions for how to enjoy the most fruitful, most fulfilling lives possible.
Speaking to His followers, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Another translation calls it “the abundant life.” Jesus says we can experience this by following the guidelines set forth for us in His Word.
Writing to his protégé, Timothy, on how to live a godly life, the apostle Paul declared, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
When many of us have started new jobs, one of the first things we received was a job description of what the job entailed, what our responsibilities were, and how we were to carry them out. Paul was reminding Timothy that the Scriptures are essentially God’s ‘job description’ for us – teaching us about Himself; rebuking us when we’ve gotten off track; correcting us when changes are necessary; and showing us what righteous, holy living should look like.
We have much to prove the authenticity and trustworthiness of the Bible. There’s a lot of historical, scientific, and prophetic evidence to demonstrate this. But the greatest proof is when we learn and apply the truths and principles God gives to us through His Word. When we do, we come to the realization, “This works!”
In doing so, we discover what it means to have a personal, growing relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We become what some might describe as “satisfied customers,” having learned through first-hand experience that the Bible is true and gaining the desire for others to find that out for themselves.
As Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). In a world in which truth is becoming harder and harder to find, the Scriptures are the one unchanging, unfailing source of truth. Not only for today, but for all of eternity!