Do you trust the Bible?

Have you ever considered why so many trust the Bible? The Bible is unlike any other book in the world. It is a library of sixty-six books that purports to tell us about God, who he is and his nature and works in the world. The first part of the Bible, the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament, is the record of God creating the world, man’s sin and rebellion against God, and God forming a special people, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and giving them his instructions for life. For the next two millennia, God works with these people through their history, both good and bad, and promises them a Savior who will guide them in the ways of God. In the Old Testament are found some of the most spiritual devotions, prayers and praises ever written, as well as practical lessons on the joys of obeying God and the consequences for those who do not. Perhaps you are aware of some of the best-known stories found here like Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah and the ark, Joseph and his coat of many colors, Moses receiving the law at Mt. Sinai, the walls of Jericho falling down, David defeating Goliath with a sling and a stone, Jonah being swallowed by the big fish and Daniel surviving in the lions’ den.

The second part of the Bible, the New Testament, reports the fulfillment of God’s promises and prophecies in the birth, life, ministry, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus of Nazareth. Recorded here is Jesus when he calls Peter and other followers, tells stories like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, works miracles like turning water into wine, walking on water, feeding thousands with a boy’s lunch of five fish and two small loaves of bread, and raises Lazarus from the dead. Careful and deliberate attention is focused on Jesus’ death on the cross, his burial and his resurrection from the tomb three days later. Here is the story of the followers of Jesus preaching and teaching of the good news about Jesus and offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who would accept it.

Here is the story of the church, the people of God on earth. Special followers called apostles and friends of the apostles write letters to churches and individuals. These letters encourage believers in the faith, correct their teaching and relationship issues and urge them to follow God’s will in all things. The last book in the New Testament, the book of Revelation, contains letters to seven churches describing their strengths and weaknesses and Jesus’ praise of their faith and disapproval of their disobedience. Using picturesque descriptions, the writer details the future of the people of God and their ultimate victory and the destruction of all that oppose God.

The Bible is a universal book that speaks to the heart of man, no matter who he or she is, where they live or in which of the more than 2,200 translations they read it. Some of the greatest stories of faith are here, as well as some of the most tragic ones. Reading the Bible warms the heart, educates the mind and convicts the will. It describes a better way of life, a life of faith and trust, love, peace, kindness, forgiveness and joy that most people find consoling and comforting.

The Bible describes reality and real-world experiences. It is not a book of fiction imagined by man but a real-life story of truth and of God working in human lives and events.

Much of the Bible’s stories and events are reported and recorded by credible eyewitnesses, many of whom died for their faith. People do not die for what they know is a lie.

The Bible can be investigated. The records of history and archaeology confirm many of the details, people and events named in the Bible.

All of this adds up to create trust in the Bible and its message.