The Bible makes some bold claims. It claims to be the inspired word of God – a revelation from the all-knowing Creator of the universe to His creation. Understandably, many people are skeptical of such claims. Why should we believe that this ancient book holds any authority or truth for our lives today?
Here are 9 reasons to consider trusting what the Bible says:
1. The Bible’s historical and archaeological accuracy
For a long time, skeptics dismissed many of the Bible’s historical claims as myth or legend. However, over the past 150 years, archaeological discoveries have consistently confirmed that the Bible’s history is accurate. Places and people that some skeptics claimed didn’t exist have been found – over and over again. Archaeology has verified many details in the biblical record that naysayers said couldn’t have been true.
Top biblical archaeologists such as Nelson Glueck have stated, “It may be clearly stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a single biblical reference.” The respected archaeologist William F. Albright stated, “The excessive skepticism shown toward the Bible by important historical schools of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, certain phases of which still appear periodically, has been progressively discredited.” He added, “Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of numerous details.”
The biblical record has been proven trustworthy time and again by history and archaeology. As archaeologist John Elder has said, “After all these years, I am still amazed at the accuracies in the Scriptures.”
2. The Bible’s scientific accuracy
The Bible is not a science textbook, but whenever it mentions scientific facts, it is either neutral or extraordinarily accurate compared to any other ancient writing. Although written thousands of years ago, the Bible does not contain any of the false or fanciful scientific beliefs that ancient people held. Concerning science, the Bible speaks presciently in perfect harmony with modern science.
For instance, the book of Isaiah said the earth is round long before mankind confirmed it (Isaiah 40:22). Job said that air has weight years prior to that scientific discovery (Job 28:25). The Bible reported the existence of ocean currents and fountains of the deep before oceanographers (Psalm 8:8; Proverbs 8:28). The list goes on and on. Comparing the Bible to any other ancient document in terms of science always confirms the Bible’s accuracy.
3. Hundreds of fulfilled prophecies
One of the Bible’s most astounding claims is that it accurately predicts the future. Hundreds of prophecies sprinkled throughout the Old Testament came true centuries and millennia after they were recorded. No other document comes remotely close to having this supernatural confirmation. For example, the book of Daniel (written before 550 BC) accurately predicted history through AD 100. Ezekiel and other prophets predicted the rebirth of Israel over 2,500 years before it happened in 1948.
Because we can verify these prophecies came true after they were recorded, we know someone outside of time – someone omniscient – revealed them. No human can consistently and flawlessly predict the future like the Bible, unless they have creator-level knowledge of history beforehand. The very specific prophecies of the Bible prove it comes from someone who knows everything – God.
4. The Bible’s unique historical & spiritual impact
No other book has been published as much or translated into more languages than the Bible. It is the most widely read and studied book of all time. No other document has come close to its influence on laws, ethics, art, music literature, customs, and cultures across the world. The Bible’s spiritual impact is unparalleled in history. Lives have been radically changed for good because of its message, which has brought comfort and wisdom to billions.
Would we expect such a sweeping impact from a book that was merely of human origin and contained fabrications as skeptics claim? The Bible’s influence argues for its divine authority. As Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” Good teachings produce good fruits, and the fruits of the Bible are remarkably unrivaled by any other source.
5. The unity of the Bible despite dozens of authors
The Bible was written by about 40 different authors from diverse backgrounds over 1500 years. Many of these authors never knew one another. Yet from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells one unified, coherent story. There is one consistent meta-narrative and message that runs from beginning to end. How could such unity come from so many authors spanning different times and cultures? It makes sense if these authors were guided by the same overarching divine Inspirer.
Skeptics look for inconsistencies in the Bible, but find few because of its miraculous unity. Despite coming from different authors over 15 centuries, the Bible shows a stunning congruency that can only come from a shared divine Author inspiring the human writers.
6. The Bible’s unique transparency
From an academic perspective, the Bible stands alone for its degree of textual integrity and transmission. No other ancient document even comes close to its manuscript support. Over 25,000 ancient biblical manuscripts have been found. The New Testament has far more ancient manuscripts than any other writing. We can be absolutely certain the copies we have are extremely accurate to the originals.
Moreover, the Bible shows unparalleled historical transparency regarding its origins. No other holy book describes itself as so grounded in human history as does the Bible. Its books make frequent references to history that historians can verify. Conversely, books of other religions are full of mythological stories that can’t be confirmed.
Unlike the founders of other religions, Jesus of Nazareth is a real historical person that left details historians can study. This gives great credibility to his claims about being God and the Bible’s inspiration.
7. Changed lives of early martyrs & witnesses
In the first centuries after Christ, the early Christians endured tremendous persecution for professing He had risen from the dead. Many believers were imprisoned, tortured, and executed in gruesome ways for refusing to recant their faith. History records that all the apostles except John were martyred for their creed.
Knowing they would likely die, what gave them such unshakable confidence to endure this suffering? They claimed it was because they personally witnessed Jesus risen and knew His gospel was true. Many said they saw Him after His resurrection with their own eyes. These eyewitnesses were so convinced that they saw Christ resurrected that they were willing to die horrible deaths rather than deny it.
Would so many people die for something they themselves made up and knew to be false? The changed lives of the witnesses argues they were fully convinced the resurrection actually happened. They staked their lives on it.
8. The Bible’s unmatched moral and spiritual wisdom
Believers point to the Bible as an unequaled guide for ethics and righteous living. Skeptics sometimes dismiss the Bible for promoting conduct no longer accepted today. However, much more of the Bible’s moral teaching aligns with what most cultures still affirm as good – loving others, caring for the weak, moral purity, refraining from stealing, murder, greed. Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament encapsulate the highest ideals of moral virtue.
Moreover, the Bible motivated moral reforms throughout history such as ending child sacrifice, challenging oppression of women and minorities, advocating for the poor, affirming the dignity of life, pioneering abolition, upholding human rights. Its lofty ethical teaching has stood the test of time.
This wisdom and moral example offer persuasive evidence that an all-wise God inspired the Bible rather than fallible humans inventing it.
9. Changed lives today & spiritual power
Lastly, beyond factual evidence, millions of Christians today describe how the Bible has changed their lives in deep ways. It brings a sense of meaning, purpose, freedom from guilt, assurance of life beyond death. Believers say Christ redeems them inwardly, sets them free from sin, addiction, and darkness. His living presence is real and powerful according to followers.
This spiritual testimony goes beyond just doctrinal beliefs to personally experienced realities. Believers attribute their metamorphosis to the power and work of God through his word. The Bible is unlike any other book in its ability to inwardly transform people now just as two millennia ago.
Of course, not all are convinced by such personal spiritual experiences that can’t be verified. But for multitudes, the Bible’s message has proven itself in their very lives and beings.
In summary, the Bible makes daring claims that set it apart from any ordinary book. Upon closer examination, there are compelling reasons to take it seriously and trust its divine inspiration. History, archaeology, science, prophecy, its unparalleled impact and unity, the testimony of eyewitnesses, moral wisdom, and its power to change lives affirm it is like no other book. The case for the Bible is worth your thoughtful consideration.