How Do We Know The Bible Is True?
1. Archeological Evidence: Biblical References and Archaeological Harmony
The Bible's credibility receives compelling support from the realm of archaeology, where a remarkable alignment between biblical accounts and archaeological discoveries prevails. The Scriptures make reference to countless cities and structures, and the evidence unearthed by archaeological endeavors consistently harmonizes with these biblical depictions. Significantly, the history of archaeological exploration attests that no discovery has ever contradicted any biblical reference. This enduring agreement between biblical narratives and archaeological findings reinforces the trustworthiness and accuracy of the biblical record.1
2. Historical Evidence: Unwavering Confirmation of Biblical Events
Historians from the New Testament era and even secular historians of Christ's time do not dispute events mentioned in the Bible. Josephus, a Jewish historian, extensively corroborated many New Testament events.2
3. Textual Evidence: The Remarkable Test of Textual Reliability
A potent method for assessing the reliability of any modern text lies in comparing it with ancient copies. The more consistent the agreement between texts, the stronger the reliability. The authenticity of the Old Testament faced little scrutiny until the mid-twentieth century, when a shepherd boy's accidental discovery in 1947 altered perspectives dramatically.
While shooing goats out of a cave, the boy heard a pebble hit something brittle in the darkness. Investigating further, he uncovered clay jars containing the Dead Sea Scrolls—over two hundred individual scrolls, including the complete book of Isaiah and parts of all Old Testament books except Esther. Dated around 70 AD, these scrolls bridged a gap of more than a thousand years. Comparison with older Old Testament texts from around 1100 AD revealed an astonishing agreement, affirming the accuracy of transmission. This compelling evidence dispels doubts about the integrity of the modern Old Testament, illustrating its reliability over the missing millennia.3
Existing New Testament manuscripts, dating to around 120 AD, with some within twenty-five years of the original writings, further solidify the case. Sir Frederic Kenyon, a respected authority on ancient manuscripts, emphasized the negligible interval between original compositions and existing evidence.4 With over 5,300 early Greek manuscripts of the New Testament in existence, their sheer volume and agreement bolster the conclusion that the modern text is accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. F. F. Bruce notes the unparalleled textual attestation of the New Testament in comparison to other ancient literature.5
Addressing concerns about textual variants, scholars affirm the essential agreement word-for-word with the original from Genesis through Revelation. MacArthur and Mayhue assert that even if all variants were accepted, the core message of each Bible chapter would essentially remain unchanged.6 These variants, often minor and easily resolved, include spelling errors, incidental omissions, transpositions of words or letters, among other trivialities. This meticulous study of textual transmission underscores the Bible's robust reliability and preservation of its core message over the centuries.
While shooing goats out of a cave, the boy heard a pebble hit something brittle in the darkness. Investigating further, he uncovered clay jars containing the Dead Sea Scrolls—over two hundred individual scrolls, including the complete book of Isaiah and parts of all Old Testament books except Esther. Dated around 70 AD, these scrolls bridged a gap of more than a thousand years. Comparison with older Old Testament texts from around 1100 AD revealed an astonishing agreement, affirming the accuracy of transmission. This compelling evidence dispels doubts about the integrity of the modern Old Testament, illustrating its reliability over the missing millennia.3
Existing New Testament manuscripts, dating to around 120 AD, with some within twenty-five years of the original writings, further solidify the case. Sir Frederic Kenyon, a respected authority on ancient manuscripts, emphasized the negligible interval between original compositions and existing evidence.4 With over 5,300 early Greek manuscripts of the New Testament in existence, their sheer volume and agreement bolster the conclusion that the modern text is accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. F. F. Bruce notes the unparalleled textual attestation of the New Testament in comparison to other ancient literature.5
Addressing concerns about textual variants, scholars affirm the essential agreement word-for-word with the original from Genesis through Revelation. MacArthur and Mayhue assert that even if all variants were accepted, the core message of each Bible chapter would essentially remain unchanged.6 These variants, often minor and easily resolved, include spelling errors, incidental omissions, transpositions of words or letters, among other trivialities. This meticulous study of textual transmission underscores the Bible's robust reliability and preservation of its core message over the centuries.
4. Internal Evidence: The Marvel of Biblical Consistency Across the Millennia.
The Bible, a literary masterpiece spanning 1,400 years, composed in three languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic), authored by forty writers on three continents, stands as an extraordinary testament to its internal coherence. What is truly remarkable is that these authors, often non-contemporaries with no shared language or incentive, produced a work devoid of errors in doctrine.
Author Paul Enns aptly describes the Bible as a "great unified whole," devoid of contradictions or inconsistencies, highlighting its seamless agreement within its pages. The sheer harmony across diverse writings becomes a compelling argument for the divine authorship of the Bible.7 Theologian Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the monumental nature of this accomplishment, asserting that explaining the Bible's remarkable continuity through natural means would demand a greater miracle than inspiration itself.8
The unique nature of the Bible becomes even more apparent when considering its content—self-condemning, painfully honest, and distinguished by a storyline unlike any other. The collective effort of numerous writers under these conditions, if orchestrated by human means, would likely result in a contradictory and laughable story, hardly worth reading, let alone believing. Yet, the Bible emerges in complete agreement with itself, a testament to its divine origin.
Rene Pache reinforces this point, noting that nowhere in Scripture does one passage declare as erroneous what another passage asserts. This holds true even for the minutest details, emphasizing the unparalleled internal consistency of the Bible, a feature that bolsters its claim to divine authorship and sets it apart as a singular literary masterpiece.9
Author Paul Enns aptly describes the Bible as a "great unified whole," devoid of contradictions or inconsistencies, highlighting its seamless agreement within its pages. The sheer harmony across diverse writings becomes a compelling argument for the divine authorship of the Bible.7 Theologian Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the monumental nature of this accomplishment, asserting that explaining the Bible's remarkable continuity through natural means would demand a greater miracle than inspiration itself.8
The unique nature of the Bible becomes even more apparent when considering its content—self-condemning, painfully honest, and distinguished by a storyline unlike any other. The collective effort of numerous writers under these conditions, if orchestrated by human means, would likely result in a contradictory and laughable story, hardly worth reading, let alone believing. Yet, the Bible emerges in complete agreement with itself, a testament to its divine origin.
Rene Pache reinforces this point, noting that nowhere in Scripture does one passage declare as erroneous what another passage asserts. This holds true even for the minutest details, emphasizing the unparalleled internal consistency of the Bible, a feature that bolsters its claim to divine authorship and sets it apart as a singular literary masterpiece.9
5. Prophetic Evidence: The Precision of Prophetic Fulfillment: A Statistical Marvel
The Bible's reliability is underscored by its extensive predictive element, with an impeccable record of prophecies finding fulfillment. Notably, not a single prediction in the Scriptures has proven false, reflecting God's profound ability to unveil the end from the beginning, as declared in Isaiah 46:10.
Within the Old Testament, numerous prophecies center around the Messiah, and Jesus Christ has remarkably fulfilled over a hundred of these predictions to date. These prophetic declarations, made centuries before His birth, encompassed aspects beyond His control, such as lineage, birthplace, and the nature of His death and resurrection. Genesis 49:8-11; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:1-12; Psalm 16:10
To illustrate the astonishing precision of these Messianic prophecies, consider the probability of Jesus fulfilling just eight of them: a staggering one in 10 to the 17th power. This probability is likened to covering the entire state of Texas with coins two feet deep, marking one coin, mixing them up, and having a blindfolded person select the marked coin on the first attempt. Mathematician Peter Stoner emphasizes that the chance of this occurring is akin to the likelihood of the prophets writing just eight prophecies and all coming true in a single individual.10
Taking it a step further, the probability of Jesus fulfilling 48 prophecies is an astronomical one in 10 to the 157th power. To contextualize, this surpasses the estimated number of electrons in the entire known universe (10 to the 79th power). The sheer impossibility of accidental fulfillment of these prophecies attests to their meticulous accuracy and serves as compelling evidence supporting the divine nature of the Bible's predictive element.11, 12, 13
Within the Old Testament, numerous prophecies center around the Messiah, and Jesus Christ has remarkably fulfilled over a hundred of these predictions to date. These prophetic declarations, made centuries before His birth, encompassed aspects beyond His control, such as lineage, birthplace, and the nature of His death and resurrection. Genesis 49:8-11; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:1-12; Psalm 16:10
To illustrate the astonishing precision of these Messianic prophecies, consider the probability of Jesus fulfilling just eight of them: a staggering one in 10 to the 17th power. This probability is likened to covering the entire state of Texas with coins two feet deep, marking one coin, mixing them up, and having a blindfolded person select the marked coin on the first attempt. Mathematician Peter Stoner emphasizes that the chance of this occurring is akin to the likelihood of the prophets writing just eight prophecies and all coming true in a single individual.10
Taking it a step further, the probability of Jesus fulfilling 48 prophecies is an astronomical one in 10 to the 157th power. To contextualize, this surpasses the estimated number of electrons in the entire known universe (10 to the 79th power). The sheer impossibility of accidental fulfillment of these prophecies attests to their meticulous accuracy and serves as compelling evidence supporting the divine nature of the Bible's predictive element.11, 12, 13
Summary. Inescapable Evidence: The Unrivaled Magnificence of the Bible
In scrutiny of the Bible's foundations, a mosaic of evidence emerges, weaving together verifiable facts, substantiated records, and historical accuracy. This sacred text, with its seamless unity and predictive precision, invites relentless inquiry and robust challenges. It not only tackles the most difficult questions, but resiliently withstands the fiercest objections, standing firm under rigorous scrutiny.
The Bible, in its steadfast veracity, becomes more than a collection of narratives; it is a demanding force that integrates reason, calls for logical engagement, and insists on thoughtful consideration. As declared by Josh McDowell in his aptly titled work, it is "evidence that demands a verdict." This ancient literature, unparalleled in human history, stands alone as a singular treatise. Its unity, fulfillment of prophecies, and transformative power carve out a unique category. Beyond a mere document, it humbles the proud, comforts the sorrowful, guides the lost, forgives the guilty, transforms the unregenerate, and becomes the beacon of salvation for those destined to perish. In its verses, it offers peace, hope, and joy—a testament to its divine origin. It is not just a compilation of words; it is Scripture—the living Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
The Bible, in its steadfast veracity, becomes more than a collection of narratives; it is a demanding force that integrates reason, calls for logical engagement, and insists on thoughtful consideration. As declared by Josh McDowell in his aptly titled work, it is "evidence that demands a verdict." This ancient literature, unparalleled in human history, stands alone as a singular treatise. Its unity, fulfillment of prophecies, and transformative power carve out a unique category. Beyond a mere document, it humbles the proud, comforts the sorrowful, guides the lost, forgives the guilty, transforms the unregenerate, and becomes the beacon of salvation for those destined to perish. In its verses, it offers peace, hope, and joy—a testament to its divine origin. It is not just a compilation of words; it is Scripture—the living Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
Other Resources
- Read: Is the Bible Reliable? Got Questions
- Read: Why Should I Trust the Bible? Got Questions
- Watch: Why Should I Believe the Bible? (7:11) Got Questions
- Watch: Textual Criticism and Why It Matters. (6:25) Seasoned Apologist
- Watch: What is Textual Criticism? (30:25) Got Questions
- Watch: Is There Any Historical Evidence for Jesus Christ? (3:38) Got Questions
- Don Stewart, You Be the Judge (San Bernardino: Here's Life, 1983), 48.
- G. J. Goldberg, The Flavius Josephus (Josephus.org), accessed October 17, 2018, http://www.josephus.org
- R. Brown, Why Are The Dead Sea Scrolls So Important? (One For Israel), accessed February 11, 2021 https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/importance-dead-sea-scrolls-study-bible/
- Josh McDowell, More Than a Carpenter (Carol Stream: Living Books, 1986), 48.
- F. F. Bruce, The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).
- John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue, Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Wheaton: Crossway, 2017) 127-128, Kindle
- Paul Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology (Chicago: Moody, 1989), 155.
- Lewis Sperry Chafer, Major Bible Themes (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976), 12, Kindle.
- Rene Pache, The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture (Chicago: Moody, 1980), 122.
- Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World (Nashville: Nelson, 2017), 167.
- McDowell, 167.
- Arthur Eddington, Eddington Number: Wikipedia, accessed, April 20, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddington_number
- David Reagan, “Applying the Science of Probability to the Scriptures, Do Statistics Prove the Bible’s Supernatural Origin?” (Lamb & Lion Ministries), accessed January 12, 2018, http://christinprophecy.org/articles/applying-the-science-of-probability-to-the-scriptures.
- McDowell, Evidence. Title.