Verse of the day:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Question
How can we be sure that the Bible is really from God? Isn’t it just an old book written by men? How do we know it hasn’t been changed or corrupted over time?
These are real questions, and they deserve real answers. God doesn’t ask you to follow Him blindly. In fact, He gave us a faith that stands up to investigation.
The Struggle
Many people today doubt the Bible simply because it’s ancient. They wonder how something written thousands of years ago could still be relevant or reliable today. Others assume it’s full of contradictions or myths.
When we take an honest look at the evidence, we find that the Bible is not only trustworthy, it is unlike any other book in history.
The Truth
Here are several reasons we can be confident that the Bible is true and inspired by God:
- Historical Accuracy
The Bible’s events, places, and people have been repeatedly confirmed by archaeology and historical research. Cities like Jericho, Nineveh, and Jerusalem have been uncovered exactly where Scripture says they were. Luke’s detailed accounts in Acts have been verified again and again by historians. Many, many more examples are throughout the Bible that can be confirmed by non-biblical historical accounts.
2. Manuscript Reliability
The Bible we have today is nearly identical to the ancient copies. There are over 25,000 ancient New Testament manuscripts, far more than any other ancient work. The Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered in the 1940s) showed that the Old Testament has been faithfully preserved for over 2,000 years.
3. Unity Across Time
The Bible was written by about 40 different authors over the span of 1,500 years. It was written in three different languages and on three different continents. Yet it tells one unified story: God’s plan to redeem humanity through Jesus. That kind of unity is impossible without divine guidance!
4. Fulfilled Prophecy
Hundreds of prophecies in the Old Testament came true in exact detail through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. For example:
- He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
- He would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13).
- His hands and feet would be pierced (Psalm 22:16).
These were written CENTURIES before Jesus was born.
5. Transforming Power
No other book has changed as many lives as the Bible. From kings to criminals, the Word of God has brought people to repentance, hope, and new life. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is living and active…” When people open Scripture with honest hearts, it changes them because God still speaks through it.
6. Jesus’ Endorsement
Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of Scripture. He quoted it as truth, fulfilled it in His life, and promised that “Scripture cannot be broken…” (John 10:35). If we trust Jesus, we can trust what He trusted.
The Response
There are so many more examples that God has given us that confirm the Bible as truth. God’s Word isn’t just a book to be admired. It’s a message to be obeyed. The same Bible that is historically reliable is also personally transforming.
When you read it, you’re not just reading ancient words. You are hearing the voice of the living God.
So don’t just take others’ word for it. Open it! Read it! Test it! Let it speak to you. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures for yourself and watch how God confirms the truth in your life.
Reflection Questions
- What evidence from this lesson gives you more confidence in the Bible’s reliability?
- How does fulfilled prophecy strengthen your faith in God’s Word?
- What can you do this week to spend more intentional time in Scripture?
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us Your Word. Thank you for giving us this message that we can trust. Help me to love it, study it, and to live it out. Strengthen my faith through its truth and use it to guide my steps each day. Amen.
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