Trusting the Bible: Why Scripture Is Reliable, True, and Authoritative

By Dave Jenkins | Contending for the Word Q&A Series

Christians trust the Bible because it is God’s inspired, inerrant, and sufficient Word—historically reliable, theologically unified, affirmed by Jesus, and powerful to transform lives.

Why should Christians believe that the Bible is trustworthy, true, and authoritative?

In every generation, Christians are faced with this vital question: Can we really trust the Bible?

Some doubt its historical accuracy. Others question its divine origin or moral relevance. But if the Bible truly is the Word of God, then it is not optional—it is essential. Christians believe the Bible is trustworthy because it is the inspired, inerrant, and sufficient Word of God. Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16–17), meaning it is not merely a human product—it is divine revelation with authority, clarity, and truth.

Here are five compelling reasons why Christians trust the Bible:

1. The Bible Claims to Be God’s Word

Over 2,000 times, Scripture uses phrases like “Thus says the Lord” or “God said.” The Bible speaks as God speaks.

“No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – 2 Peter 1:20–21

The Bible does not present itself as man’s thoughts about God, but as God’s revelation to man.

2. It Has Proven Historically Reliable

The Bible is rooted in real history, not mythology or abstract spiritualism.

• Archaeology has confirmed countless biblical details—cities, cultures, kings, and customs.
• The manuscript evidence for the New Testament (5,800+ Greek manuscripts) far surpasses that of any other ancient text.
• Unlike myths, Scripture contains real people, real places, and verifiable events.

Christianity is grounded in truth that can be tested—not blind faith, but historical faith.

3. Jesus Affirmed the Scriptures

Jesus consistently quoted the Old Testament and declared it to be the Word of God:

• “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4
• “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” – John 17:17

Jesus affirmed the literal truth of Genesis, Jonah, the flood, and other often-disputed passages. To deny the authority of Scripture is to deny the authority of Christ Himself.

4. It Is Theologically Unified and Coherent

Despite being written:

• Over 1,500 years
• By more than 40 authors
• In 3 languages
• Across 3 continents

…the Bible speaks with one unified voice: the story of redemption through Jesus Christ.

From Creation → Fall → Redemption → Consummation, the Bible tells one grand narrative centered on God’s glory and the gospel.

5. It Transforms Lives

Hebrews 4:12 tells us the Word of God is living and active. For millennia, the Bible has:

• Convicted sinners
• Saved the lost
• Sanctified believers
• Comforted the suffering
• Equipped the Church

No other book possesses the power of God to transform hearts, renew minds, and anchor souls.

But hasn’t the Bible been changed or corrupted over time?

No. The Bible we have today is remarkably textually pure. With thousands of ancient manuscripts and the rigorous field of textual criticism, we can confidently say the Bible is 99.9% accurate, with no essential doctrines affected by any minor variants.

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

God has preserved His Word through the ages.

What happens when Christians don’t trust the Bible?

When the Bible is treated as optional, outdated, or only partially true:

• Churches drift into error and compromise
• False teaching multiplies
• The gospel is lost or redefined

The battle for the Bible is ultimately a battle for the soul of the Church. Without a sure foundation, the Church falters.

Where should I start if I’ve struggled with trusting the Bible?

• Read it daily. Pray Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
• Study trustworthy resources like:
  • Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung
  • The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell
• Talk to mature pastors or teachers who handle Scripture faithfully.
• Listen to expository preaching that exalts the Bible as the final authority (try our Reading the Bible Daily with Dave podcast).

Summary

Christians trust the Bible because it is:

• Inspired by God
• Historically reliable
• Theologically unified
• Affirmed by Christ Himself
• Transformative for life and godliness

The Word of God has not changed—and it still changes lives.

Reflection Questions

• Do you trust the Bible as the final authority in your life? Why or why not?
• How has God’s Word transformed your thinking or behavior recently?
• What steps will you take this week to grow in confidence in Scripture?

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