Is The Bible Even True?
If we’re going to have meaningful discussions about theology, faith, and life, we have to start with the most foundational question: Is the Bible even true?
Everything we believe about truth itself hinges on whether or not the Bible is reliable. If it’s just another ancient book filled with myths, then our discussions have no real weight. But if the Bible is truly the inspired Word of God—authoritative, accurate, and trustworthy—then it has the power to shape our lives and guide our understanding.
This question isn’t new. Throughout history, skeptics and believers alike have wrestled with the Bible’s authenticity. Can we trust what it says? Has it been changed over time? Does it hold up historically and scientifically? Most importantly, does it bear the marks of divine truth?
Let’s dive into this discussion together—not with blind faith, but with open hearts and minds, ready to examine the evidence and explore what makes the Bible unlike any other book.
Let’s reason together.
The Bible wasn’t written as a single book but as a collection of 66 books, written over 1,500 years by more than 40 different authors from various backgrounds—kings, prophets, fishermen, shepherds, and scholars. Despite this diversity, it tells one unified story: God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew (with small portions in Aramaic) and was completed around 400 B.C. It contains the Law (Torah), historical books, poetry, and prophecies—all pointing forward to the coming Messiah. The Jewish people meticulously copied these texts to ensure their accuracy.
The New Testament was written in Greek between A.D. 45 and 95 by eyewitnesses of Jesus or those who recorded firsthand accounts. These books include the Gospels (which tell of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection), the Acts of the Apostles, letters to early churches, and Revelation, which speaks of Christ’s return.
The process of gathering these books into what we now call the Bible was guided by careful historical and spiritual scrutiny. The Old Testament was already recognized as authoritative by Jewish leaders and Jesus Himself (Luke 24:44). The New Testament books were affirmed by the early church based on their apostolic origin, doctrinal consistency, and widespread acceptance among believers.
Over time, thousands of copies of biblical manuscripts were preserved with remarkable accuracy, making the Bible the most well-documented ancient text in history. Despite attempts to destroy or discredit it, the Bible remains the most widely read, translated, and influential book in the world.
Knowing where the Bible came from gives us confidence that it wasn’t randomly put together—it was carefully written, preserved, and affirmed as God’s Word. Now, the question is: Can we trust what it says?
Well, if the Bible really is God’s Word, then it should be trustworthy, historically accurate, and unchanged over time. So, how do we know that’s true?
1. Manuscript Evidence – Has the Bible Been Changed?
One of the biggest objections people raise is whether the Bible has been altered over the centuries. Yet, the evidence overwhelmingly shows that it has been faithfully preserved.
The Old Testament was meticulously copied by Jewish scribes who followed strict guidelines to ensure accuracy. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947, confirm that the Old Testament text remained virtually unchanged for over 1,000 years.
The New Testament has more than 5,800 Greek manuscripts, with thousands more in Latin and other languages. This makes it the most well-preserved ancient document—far surpassing works like Plato’s Republic or Homer’s Iliad.
Despite minor variations (such as spelling differences), no core doctrine of Christianity has been altered. The message remains intact.
2. Historical Accuracy – Does the Bible Line Up With History?
The Bible is not just a spiritual book; it records real events, real places, and real people.
Archaeological discoveries have confirmed numerous biblical details, from the existence of King David (once thought to be a myth) to the ruins of cities like Jericho and Nineveh.
Secular historians, such as Josephus (a first-century Jewish historian) and Tacitus (a Roman historian), recorded events that align with the biblical accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion and the early Christian movement.
The New Testament mentions over 30 historical figures, including Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Herod, all of whom have been confirmed by outside sources.
If the Bible were filled with fabrications, history would expose them. Instead, history repeatedly affirms its accuracy.
3. Prophecy – Did the Bible Predict the Future?
One of the most compelling reasons to trust the Bible is fulfilled prophecy. The Old Testament contains over 300 prophecies about the coming Messiah—Jesus—written centuries before His birth.
Isaiah 53 describes a suffering servant who would die for the sins of the people—fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion.
Micah 5:2 predicts the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem—fulfilled in Jesus’ birth.
Psalm 22 describes crucifixion (pierced hands and feet) hundreds of years before it was even a known execution method.
These prophecies weren’t vague guesses; they were precise, and Jesus fulfilled them all.
4. The Bible’s Impact – Does It Change Lives?
Beyond historical and textual reliability, the Bible has transformed millions of lives throughout history. It has been the foundation for human rights, justice, and morality. People from all backgrounds—atheists, skeptics, and criminals—have encountered the Bible and been radically changed.
Conclusion: Yes, We Can Trust the Bible
The Bible is historically accurate, faithfully preserved, filled with fulfilled prophecies, and life-changing. No other book in history compares to its reliability and influence. If it is truly God’s Word, then it deserves our attention, study, and trust.
So, what do you think? Have you ever wrestled with trusting the Bible? Let’s reason together.
