Can We Really Trust the Veracity of Bible?

When you buy a new car – or a car that’s new-to-you – it usually comes with an owner’s manual, right? You probably don’t sit down and spend hours reading through it, unless you’re having trouble sleeping. But most likely you don’t question whether those guidelines and instructions from the manufacturer are accurate and justified.

 

Similarly, when was the last time you got an owner’s manual for anything – maybe a refrigerator or microwave, a TV, or a computer – and thought, “Who do they think they are to tell me how to set this up and operate it?” We don’t do this (unless we’re naturally defiant) because we trust the manufacturer has determined the correct specifications and how to get the maximum benefit from using whatever it is.

 

Would you be surprised to know that the Bible is God’s “owner’s manual” for our everyday lives? Some people view the Scriptures as a collection of “do’s” and “don’ts.” Isn’t that what the 10 Commandments are all about – ‘thou shalt this’ and ‘thou shalt not that’? They couldn’t be more wrong. In reality, the Scriptures are God’s perfect way to provide us with principles and instructions for how to enjoy the most fruitful, most fulfilling lives possible.

Speaking to His followers, Jesus Christ said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Another translation phrases it “the abundant life.” Who doesn’t want an abundant life? Jesus says we can experience this by following the guidelines set forth in His Word.

 

Writing to his protégé, Timothy, on how to live a godly life, the apostle Paul declared, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Read this again, especially the words teaching, rebuking, correcting and training.

 

When many of us have started new jobs, one of the first things we received was a job description on what the job entailed, what our responsibilities were, and how we were to carry them out. Paul was reminding Timothy that the Scriptures can serve as God’s ‘job description’ for us – teaching us about Himself and ourselves; rebuking us when we’ve gotten off track; correcting us when some changes are needed; and training us in what righteous, holy living should look like.

 

We have much we can use to prove the authenticity and veracity of the Bible. There’s an ever-growing collection of historical, scientific and prophetic evidence to demonstrate this. Archaeology in many ways has located and confirmed sites described in the Bible. It also has uncovered many historical records that validate biblical accounts and timelines about people and events. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies have proved true, including more than 300 Messianic predictions that Jesus fulfilled.

 

But the greatest proof of all is when we learn and apply the truths and principles God gives to us through His Word. When we do, we come to the realization, “This works!”

 

Whenever we try to do something by following the accompanying manual and we succeed, isn’t that gratifying? Not being mechanical at all, I was amazed when we bought a piece of do-it-yourself furniture and the step-by-step instructions were simple to follow – and they worked. I’ve found it’s the same way when we trust what God teaches in His Word.

 

In the process of learning and living out biblical truths and principles, we are introduced to timeless guidelines for marriage, raising children, handling finances, building a successful career, and enjoying a rewarding life. Most important of all, we discover what it means to have a personal, growing relationship with God through Christ. 

 

As His followers, we become what some might describe as “satisfied customers.” Having learned through first-hand experience that what the Bible teaches is true, we gain the desire to help others find that out for themselves as well. Encountering Good News, it’s only fitting to want to share it with others. 

 

After the despised Samaritan woman met Jesus at the well and discovered from their conversation that He was the promised Messiah, she couldn’t keep the news to herself. “Many of the Samaritans from (her) town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did’” (John 4:39).

As Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). In a world in which truth is becoming harder and harder to discern and is often under attack, the Scriptures are the one unchanging, unfailing source of truth. Not only for today, but for all of eternity!