Introduction

One of the most common objections to Christianity is the claim that the Bible has been corrupted or altered over time. Some argue that centuries of copying and translation have distorted the original message. Has the Bible been preserved accurately through history? The testimony of Scripture and the evidence of history both point to God’s faithful preservation of His Word.

God’s Promise to Preserve His Word

God has not left His Word to chance. He has promised to preserve it.

• Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
• Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

The same God who inspired His Word has also preserved it for every generation.

Evidence of Preservation

• Manuscript Tradition: We possess thousands of ancient manuscripts of both the Old and New Testaments. Comparing them shows remarkable consistency, with only minor variations that do not affect doctrine.
• The Dead Sea Scrolls: Discovered in the 20th century, these scrolls included copies of Old Testament books over a thousand years older than previously known manuscripts. They confirmed the accuracy of transmission across centuries.
• Faithful Translations: From the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, to modern English Bibles, God’s Word has been made available in language after language, demonstrating His ongoing care.

Why It Matters

If the Bible had been corrupted beyond recognition, our faith would be built on shifting sand. But the evidence shows that God has faithfully preserved His Word, so that what we read today is the same truth He gave long ago. This means we can confidently say with the psalmist, “Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89).

Application

When doubts creep in about whether the Bible has changed over time, remember God’s faithfulness in preserving His Word. Read it with confidence, knowing that you hold the very words God intended for His people. The Bible is not a broken telephone of human error, it is the living Word of God, preserved for you today.

For more from Contending for the Word Q&A check out our page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.