7 Compelling Reasons to Trust the Bible Unconditionally

Trusting the Bible: A Creationist Perspective

The reliability of the Bible is a topic of great importance for those who base their beliefs on its teachings. Some skeptics argue that the Bible has been re-written so many times that we no longer have the original text. They also claim that it was written long after the events it claims to report and that archaeology disproves its accuracy. Furthermore, even if it is true, some wonder what the point is. In this article, we will address these concerns and provide evidence for why we can trust the Bible.

Is our New Testament Text Reliable?

Critics often doubt the authenticity of the New Testament, questioning whether we have the original writings. However, by using bibliographical tests for reliability, similar to those used to judge other ancient works, we can confidently affirm the trustworthiness of the New Testament.

The New Testament was written by baptized Jews in the first century. We have over 24,000 manuscripts of the New Testament, with some dating back within 100 years of its composition. For comparison, other well-known works from history have far fewer manuscript copies and longer time spans between the original writing and the earliest copies. Applying rigorous standards, we can conclude that the New Testament we have today is a reliable copy of the original.

Reliability of the New Testament Content

Once we establish that we have a trustworthy copy of the original New Testament, we must determine whether the original itself is reliable. Some liberal scholars argue that the Gospels were written long after the events they claim to record. However, alternative arguments suggest earlier dates for these writings.

Scholar J.A.T. Robinson proposed redating the Gospels to between 40 and 65 AD, placing them within the lifetimes of those who knew Jesus personally. This aligns with references in Matthew and Luke regarding Jesus' prophecies about Jerusalem's demise and the destruction of the Temple, which were not recorded as fulfilled events. Additionally, the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts do not mention significant historical events such as the fall of Jerusalem, the persecution under Nero Caesar, or the martyrdoms of James, Paul, and Peter. This suggests that these writings were likely composed before those events occurred.

Furthermore, evidence indicates that the disciples of Jesus were capable of accurately recording His statements. The oral teaching methods of the time fostered a strong collective memory, ensuring accurate communication between Jesus and His followers. The Gospels also include admissions of facts that forgers would likely omit, adding to their credibility. Internal evidence points to the Gospels being written before many of the early Church's controversies arose.

Archaeological Confirmation for the Bible

Archaeological discoveries have repeatedly supported the historical accuracy of the Bible. Non-Christian historians and writers from the first century, such as Tacitus, Josephus, and Lucian of Samosata, confirm the existence and execution of Jesus. These independent accounts demonstrate that even opponents of Christianity in ancient times did not doubt Jesus' historicity.

Archaeology has also provided evidence for various Old Testament accounts. For example, the discovery of the Hittite capital at Hattusa confirmed the existence of a civilization once considered a biblical myth. The war between four kings and five mentioned in Genesis 14 and Belshazzar's kingship in Daniel have also been vindicated by archaeological findings.

The Key Teaching of the New Testament

The New Testament teaches important truths about God and salvation. It reveals that God created humanity and set a perfect moral standard that we fail to meet. Our transgressions offend God's infinite holiness, necessitating punishment. However, out of His love for us, God provided a solution. Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, became the mediator between God and humanity.

Salvation cannot be earned through our deeds; it is a gift received through faith in Christ. Justification, the declaration of legal innocence before God, takes place when we have faith in Jesus. The content of this faith is centered on Christ's death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection on the third day.

Why This Matters

Trusting the Bible has profound implications for our faith and understanding of God's plan for humanity. The reliability of the Bible's accounts, both historically and archaeologically, provides a strong foundation for our trust in its teachings. By recognizing the accuracy of the New Testament and the key events it describes, such as the Resurrection of Christ, we can have confidence in our faith and hope for eternal life.

Think About It

Consider the significance of the Resurrection of Christ in your own life. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, what would that mean for your faith? Reflect on the evidence presented for the Resurrection and how it impacts your understanding of salvation. How does knowing that the Bible is supported by historical and archaeological evidence strengthen your trust in its teachings?