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Contending for the Word — October 3, 2025
The Reliability of Scripture: Confidence in God’s Word
Written by Dave Jenkins
Introduction
In a culture that constantly questions truth, many wonder if the Bible we have today is trustworthy. Has it been changed? Is it just a collection of myths? These are not new questions. From the earliest days of the church, critics have tried to undermine confidence in God’s Word. Yet again and again, the evidence points us back to the reliability of Scripture.
How Can We Trust the Reliability of Scripture?
The New Testament is the best attested document of the ancient world. We have over 5,000 Greek manuscripts, in addition to thousands of Latin and other translations. By comparison, most classical works survive in only a handful of copies, yet no one doubts their authenticity. The sheer quantity and consistency of biblical manuscripts give us overwhelming confidence that the Bible we hold today is the same Word God inspired.
Fulfilled Prophecy
The Bible contains hundreds of prophecies fulfilled in detail, especially in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53 describes the suffering Servant seven centuries before Christ came. Micah 5:2 foretells the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem. These fulfilled prophecies confirm that the Scriptures are not man made fabrications but divine revelation.
Historical Accuracy
Archaeological discoveries continue to affirm the historical reliability of Scripture. From the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which confirm the accuracy of Old Testament transmission, to findings that verify the existence of biblical cities and rulers, history supports the testimony of the Bible. Luke’s careful attention to detail in Acts, for example, has been confirmed repeatedly by archaeology.
Why It Matters
If the Bible were unreliable, our faith would be built on shifting sand. The abundant evidence reminds us that God has preserved His Word faithfully through the centuries. We do not have to approach Scripture with doubt or suspicion, we can receive it with confidence, knowing it is trustworthy and true.
Application
When you read the Bible, remember that you are not handling a corrupted or altered text. You are holding the very Word of God, carefully preserved and proven reliable. Let this strengthen your faith and deepen your devotion. In a skeptical world, you can boldly say with the psalmist,
“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Psalm 119:160).
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.