Is the Bible Reliable?

Is the Bible reliable?

One of the most important questions asked by non-Christians as they look into Christianity is whether or not the Bible is trustworthy. Can the Bible be trusted? If it has been corrupted, then we cannot trust what is attributed to Jesus' words and deeds. So, is the Bible reliable or not?

Yes, the Bible was reliable. The original writings of the Bible have been lost. But before they were lost, they were copied. These copies were incredibly accurate, very meticulous, and very precise. The people who copied them were extremely dedicated to God and their copying tasks. They took great care when copying the original manuscripts. This copying method is so exact, and so precise, that the New Testament alone is considered to be 98.5% textually pure. This means that of the 6000 Greek copies (the New Testament was written in Greek), and the additional 21,000 copies in other languages, there is only one half of 1% variation. Of this very slight number, the great majority of the variants are easily corrected by comparing them to other copies that don't have the "typos" or by simply reading the context. You should know that copying mistakes occur in such ways as word repetition, spelling, or a single word omission due to the copyist missing something when moving his eyes from one line to another. The variants are very minor. Nothing affects doctrinal truth and the words and deeds of Christ are superbly reliably transmitted to us.

The science of studying ancient literature and its accuracy of transmission to is called historicity. The Bible is so exceedingly accurate in its transmission from the originals to the present copies, that if you compare it to any other ancient writing, the Bible is light years ahead in terms of number of manuscripts and accuracy. If the Bible were to be discredited as being unreliable, then it would be necessary to discard the writings of Homer, Plato, and Aristotle as also unreliable since they are far less well preserved than the Bible.

The Bible was written by those who were inspired to God. When we look at the New Testament we realize that it was written by those who either knew Jesus personally, or were under the direction of those who did. They wrote what they saw. They wrote about the resurrection of Christ. They recorded His miracles and His sayings. It comes down to whether or not you believe what it says about Christ. Do you?

For more information on the Bible and its reliability, please go to .

Give Me the Bad News First

When Adam and Eve were given the opportunity to live in the Garden of Eden they were free from the consequences of sinful choices (Ge. 2:8-17). Satan offered his perspective to Eve, specifically that God’s one rule of not eating from the tree of knowledge was unreasonable. Eve and Adam then both listened to Satan’s persuasive deception and chose to eat the forbidden fruit (Ge. 3:1-7). This resulted in a loss of innocence (Ge. 3:10,11) and a curse on the earth with all of it’s inhabitants (Ge. 3:14-19; Ro. 8:20-22; Re. 21:4 ). Adam and Eve’s sin introduced mankind and the world to spiritual and physical loss, suffering and death (Ro. 5:12). Since that time all mankind has made the same choice following Satan’s lure to reject God’s will(Is. 53:6). Every person who has ever lived except for Jesus has sinned (Ro. 3:23)!

In the Old Testament era God revealed his character through nature (Ro.1:20), the words of Moses and the prophets(He. 1:2). Once again the alternatives of good and evil were presented (De.30:19) and rejected in varying degrees by mankind (Is. 53:6). While no one was perfect a few persistently looked to God with faith in His goodness (He.11). God worked with the faithful few to bring about a plan to redeem mankind back from slavery to sin and Satan’s deception (Ge. 3;15; 12:3; 49:10; De. 18:15; 2 Sam. 7:12; Ps.22; Is. 7:14; 9:6; 49:6; 53).

In the New Testament era God revealed himself through Jesus’ and the Apostles’ words (He. 1:2; Eph 2:19-22). But once again everyone chose to sin at varying degrees of rebellion. All people who have lived and remain outside of faith in Jesus Christ stands guilty, destined to eternal punishment for their sin (Jn. 3:36; Re. 20:11-15). The wages of sin is death (Ro. 6:23). There is a spiritual death that is a consequence of each individual’s choice to sin (Ez. 18:22), and a consequence of physical death (He. 9:27) which was introduced at the time of Adam’s sin (Ro. 5:12 ).

God has revealed what he expects from mankind, and what he has planned for those who reject His grace (Jn. 12:48) . Those individuals who ignore His gift of grace, choosing a life absent of faithfulness to Christ will be lost into eternal condemnation (Re. 21:8). This “Hell” is literal and eternal according to Scripture (Mt. 13;50; 25:41 ). It isn’t a place where bar room buddies toast the absence of nagging wives and irritating preachers, nor is it a short time of punishment followed by a painless ceasing to exist (Mt. 25:41).

Please, Give Me Some Good News!

When Adam and Eve were confronted by God for their sin in the garden He gave hints of a plan to crush Satan’s influence and redeem mankind through Eve’s family tree (Ge. 3:15). Though God was grieved by man’s sin (Ge. 6:5,6) he was grieved even more by the suffering of those who chose to look to Him for forgiveness (Ex. 3:7,8; Is. 63:9). Moses and the prophets gave us the law that reveals fleshly appetites which are in us all (Ro. 7:5-8), They are described as a “sinful nature” in the NIV translation and “the flesh” in the NASBU. Living just to feed these appetites, unrestrained by God’s standard of goodness, is very destructive (Ja. 1:15; Ro. 6:21-23). “Following your heart” without God’s nature as a standard leads to a deceived and enslaved “heart,” (Jer. 17:9) making us objects of wrath (Eph. 2:3).

Jesus, [the only righteous person to have lived] died a sinner’s death (Lk. 22:37), allowing sinful man, to receive a righteous person’s reward (He. 10:14). This way God (through Jesus Christ) became the one to affirm the standards of righteousness while suffering the consequences for and justifying the unrighteous (Ro. 3:26). This offer of salvation is free (Eph. 2:8-10), but not unconditional (Phil. 2:12; Mt. 7:21; Rev. 22:14). One must develop a faith and dependence on God that is life changing (Rom. 12:1-2). This faith is “conceived” by hearing the word of God. Acting upon its guidance (Rom. 10:17; Mt. 7:24,26) “gives rebirth” to anyone who will accept Jesus as Lord and Savior (Jn. 3:7,16-18). The price of this gift was extreme and demands a “faithful” response (Tit. 3;4-7) [not perfection based on fear(1 Jn. 4:17-19), but a pursuit of perfection rooted in love(Tit. 2:10; 3:8)]. Any response less than our best makes a mockery of Jesus’ sacrifice and calls our faith into question (He. 10:26-31).

God has revealed what he expects from mankind (1 Jn. 3:23; 8:24; Lk. 13;3; Ro. 10:9; Ac. 2:38; Re. 2:10). His word describes only a fraction of what He has planned for those who accept his grace as revealed and fulfilled through Jesus Christ (1 Cor 2:9-10). There will be a new order of life. There will be no sin, sorrow, sickness, nor death (Rev. 21:4; 1 Jn. 2:17). Until that day God is calling the church to a ministry of sharing this good news throughout the world (2 Cor. 5:18). The church has been equipped through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Cor. 12:11) to serve one another and win the lost (Gal. 5:13; Mt. 28:18-20)!

Truths I Can Count On

1.The Bible is the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16)

2.The Bible contains God’s will for you and me (Ps. 19:7-8)

3.All disobedience to God’s will is called sin (1 Jn. 3:4,; Ja. 4:17)

4.All have sinned (Ro. 3;23; Is. 53;5-6; Pr. 16:2)

5.The wages of sin is death (Ro. 6:23; Ez 18:20; Re. 21:8)

6.Jesus is God in the flesh (Jn. 1;1; Mt. 16:16; Mt. 4:23; Ac. 2:22-24)

7.Jesus paid the wages [our debt] of sin (1Pe. 3:18; 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21; Ro. 5:6-9)

8.Man must respond to God’s offer of grace (Jn. 1:12-13)

a. The Bible says to BELIEVE— I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am [the one I claim to be]. John 8:24 (He. 11:6; Ro. 5:8))

b. The Bible says to REPENT—I tell you, no! But unless you repent , you too will all perish. Luke 13:3, (Ac. 17:30,31; 2 Pe. 3:9; Lk. 15:17,18)

c. The Bible says to CONFESS—That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Rom 10:9, (Mt. 10:32,33 Ro. 10:10; Mt. 16:14-17)

d. The Bible says to be BAPTISED—Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized , every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38, (Gal. 3:26,27; Ac. 22:16; 1 Pe. 3:21)

e. the Bible says to be FAITHFUL—Be faithful, even to the point of death , and I will give you the crown of life. Rev 2:10, (Mt. 10:22; 1 Cor. 15:2;)

9. The benefits of the gospel are greater than gold(He. 8;12; Acts 2:38; Phil. 4:19; Jn. 3:36;)

10. You can accept Christ — or reject Him, NOW! (Ac 8:36-38; 24::24-25) (See Don Dewelt’s outline Ten Timely Truths)

11. To not accept these biblical truths will result in consequences. 2 Thess 2:9-10 “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Luke 12:47-48 “"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.

Above Articles with Scriptures Footnoted

THE BAD NEWS

When Adam and Eve were given the opportunity to live in the Garden of Eden they were free from the consequences of sinful choices [1](Ge. 2:8-17). Satan offered his perspective to Eve, specifically that God’s one rule of not eating from the tree of knowledge was unreasonable. Eve and Adam then both listened to Satan’s persuasive deception and chose to eat the forbidden fruit[2](Ge. 3:1-7). This resulted in a loss of innocence[3](Ge. 3:10,11) and a curse on the earth with all of its inhabitants[4](Ge. 3:14-19; Ro. 8:20-22; Re. 21:4 ). Adam and Eve’s sin introduced mankind and the world to spiritual and physical loss, suffering and death[5](Ro. 5:12). Since that time all mankind has made the same choice following Satan’s lure to reject God’s will[6](Is. 53:6). Every person who has ever lived except for Jesus has sinned [7](Ro. 3:23)!

In the Old Testament era God revealed his character through nature[8](Ro.1:20), the words of Moses and the prophets[9](He. 1:1,2). Once again the alternatives of good and evil were presented[10](De.30:19) and rejected in varying degrees by mankind[11](Is. 53:6). While no one was perfect a few, people persistently looked to God with faith in His goodness[12] (He.11).

God worked with the faithful few to bring about a plan to redeemmankind back (buy back from Satan’s dominion)from slavery to sin and Satan’s deception[13](Lk. 24:44; Ge. 3;15; 12:3; 49:10; De. 18:15; 2 Sam. 7:12; Ps.22; Is.

7:14; 9:6; 49:6; 53).

In the New Testament era God revealed himself through Jesus’ and the Apostles’ words[14] (He. 1:2; Eph 2:19-22). But once again everyone chose to sin at varying degrees of rebellion. All people who have lived and remain outside of faith in Jesus Christ stands guilty, destined to eternal punishment for their sin[15](Jn. 3:36; Re. 20:11-15). The wages of sin is death[16](Ro. 6:23). There is a spiritual death that is a consequence of each individual’s choice to sin[17](Ez. 18:22), and a consequence of physical death[18](He. 9:27) which was introduced at the time of Adam’s sin[19](Ro. 5:12 ).

God has revealed what he expects from mankind, and what he has planned for those who reject His grace[20](Jn. 12:48) . Those individuals who ignore His gift of grace, choosing a life absent of faithfulness to Christ will be lost into eternal condemnation[21](Re. 21:8). This “Hell” is literal and eternal according to Scripture[22](Mt. 13;50; 25:41 ). It isn’t a place where bar room buddies toast the absence of nagging wives and irritating preachers, nor is it a short time of punishment followed by a painless ceasing to exist[23](Mt. 25:41).

THE GOOD NEWS

When Adam and Eve were confronted by God for their sin in the garden He gave hints of a plan to crush Satan’s influence and redeem mankind through Eve’s family tree[24](Ge. 3:15). Though God was grieved by man’s sin[25](Ge. 6:5,6) he was grieved even more by the suffering of those who chose to look to Him for forgiveness[26](Ex. 3:7,8; Is. 63:9). Moses and the prophets gave us the law that reveals fleshly appetites that are in us all[27](Ro. 7:5-8), They are described as a “sinful nature” in the NIV translation and “the flesh” in the NASBU. Living just to feed these appetites, unrestrained by God’s standard of goodness, is very destructive[28] (Ja. 1:15; Ro. 6:21-23). “Following your heart” without God’s nature as a standard leads to a deceived and enslaved “heart,”[29](Jer. 17:9) making us objects of wrath[30] (Eph. 2:3).

Jesus, [the only righteous person to have lived] died a sinner’s death[31](Lk. 22:37), allowing sinful man, to receive a righteous person’s reward[32] (He. 10:14). This way God (through Jesus Christ) became the one to affirm the standards of righteousness while suffering the consequences for and justifying the unrighteous[33](Ro. 3:26). This offer of salvation is free[34](Eph. 2:8-10), but not unconditional[35] (Phil. 2:12; Mt. 7:21; Rev. 22:14). One must develop a faith and dependence on God that is life changing[36](Rom. 12:1-2). This faith is “conceived” by hearing the word of God. Acting upon its guidance[37](Rom. 10:17; Mt. 7:24,26) “gives rebirth” to anyone who will accept Jesus as Lord and Savior[38](Jn. 3:7,16-18). The price of this gift was extreme and demands a “faithful” response[39](Tit. 3;4-7) [not perfection based on fear[40](1 Jn. 4:17-19), but a pursuit of perfection rooted in love[41](Tit. 2:9-12; 3:8)]. Any response less than our best makes a mockery of Jesus’ sacrifice and calls our faith into question[42](He. 10:26-31).

God has revealed what he expects from mankind[43](1 Jn. 3:23; 8:24; Lk. 13;3; Ro. 10:9; Ac. 2:38; Re. 2:10). His word describes only a fraction of what He has planned for those who accept his grace as revealed and fulfilled through Jesus Christ[44](1 Cor 2:9-10). There will be a new order of life. There will be no sin, sorrow, sickness, nor death [45](Rev. 21:4; 1 Jn. 2:17). Until that day God is calling the church to a ministry of sharing this good news through out the world[46](2 Cor. 5:18) . The church has been equipped through the ministry of the Holy Spirit [47](Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Cor. 12:11) to serve one another and win the lost[48](Gal. 5:13; Mt. 28:18-20)!

TRUTHS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

1.The Bible is the Word of God[49](2 Tim. 3:16)

2.The Bible contains God’s will for you and me[50] (Ps. 19:7-8)

3.All disobedience to God’s will is called sin[51](1 Jn. 3:4,; Ja. 4:17)

4.All have sinned[52] (Ro. 3;23; Is. 53;5-6; Pr. 16:2)

5.The wages of sin is death[53] (Ro. 6:23; Ez 18:20; Re. 21:8)

6.Jesus is God in the flesh[54](Jn. 1;1; Mt. 16:16; Mt. 4:23; Ac. 2:22-24)

7.Jesus paid the wages [our debt] of sin.[55](1Pe. 3:18; 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21; Ro. 5:6-9)

8.Man must respond to God’s offer of grace[56](Jn. 1:12-13)

a. The Bible says to BELIEVE— I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am [the one I claim to be]. John 8:24 [57](He. 11:6; Ro. 5:8))

b. The Bible says to REPENT—I tell you, no! But unless you repent , you too will all perish. Luke 13:3, [58] (Ac. 17:30,31; 2 Pe. 3:9; Lk. 15:17,18)

c. The Bible says to CONFESS—That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Rom 10:9, [59](Mt. 10:32,33 Ro. 10:10; Mt. 16:14-17)

d. The Bible says to be BAPTISED—Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized , every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38, [60](Gal. 3:26,27; Ac. 22:16; 1 Pe. 3:21)

e. the Bible says to be FAITHFUL—Be faithful, even to the point of death , and I will give you the crown of life. Rev 2:10, [61](Mt. 10:22; 1 Cor. 15:2;)

9. The benefits of the gospel are greater than gold[62](He. 8;12; Acts 2:38; Phil. 4:19; Jn. 3:36;)

10. You can accept Christ — or reject Him, NOW![63](Ac 8:36-38; 24::24-25) (See Don Dewelt’s outline Ten Timely Truths)

[1]Ge. 2:8-17 Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground — trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10 A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. 11 The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

[2]Gen 3:1-7 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" 2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" 4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.