This week I am going to be answering a very important question: Should we trust the Bible? Rather than relying solely on historical evidence, we’ll explore what the Bible says about itself, as its own testimony is the ultimate authority. As theologian Charles Hodge stated, “The best evidence of the Bible’s being the word of God is to be found between its covers. It proves itself.” J.I. Packer echoed, “Scripture itself is alone competent to judge our doctrine of Scripture.” This aligns with Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone as the inerrant, sufficient, and final authority for the church. What we must come to know and beleive is that the Bible is trustworthy because it is the breathed-out, authoritative Word of God, with the power to transform and save lives.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Here, Paul exhorts Timothy to remain faithful to the gospel amid a world pursuing selfish desires, grounding his trust in Scripture’s divine origin. Let’s unpack six reasons why we trust the Bible, drawn from its own claims.
- Scripture Is Inspired by God
“All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible isn’t merely human words or reflections about God; it is God’s very Word, spoken through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration. 2 Peter 1:20-21 clarifies, “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation… but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” Both Old and New Testaments (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13), are divinely inspired. God is the author, ensuring its trustworthiness. - Scripture Is Authoritative
Because God authored the Bible, it holds ultimate authority. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 notes that believers received it “not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God.” It commands what to believe, how to act, and who we are in relation to God. No higher authority exists—creeds, sermons, or theologians are valid only when aligned with Scripture. Jesus Himself affirmed its authority, quoting the Old Testament and using it to resist temptation (Matthew 4:4). If Jesus trusted Scripture’s authority, so should we. - Scripture Is Inerrant
Inerrancy means the Bible is fully true and trustworthy in all it teaches. Wayne Grudem defines it as, “Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.” Numbers 23:19 declares, “God is not man, that he should lie,” and Proverbs 30:5 adds, “Every word of God proves true.” Jesus affirmed, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). Inerrancy doesn’t mean exhaustive precision (e.g., the sun “rising” or approximate numbers like the 5,000 fed by Jesus), but that what Scripture desires to teach is without error or contradiction. - Scripture Is Clear
The Bible is written so God’s people can understand it. While some passages require study and the Spirit’s help, its core teachings on salvation and godliness are accessible to all. Deuteronomy 29:29 states, “The things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” Romans 15:4 says Scripture was written for our instruction and hope. With effort and prayer, anyone can grasp its essential truths, making excuses for not reading the Scriptures invalid. - Scripture Is Necessary
Scripture is essential for knowing salvation, growing in sanctification, and discerning God’s will. 2 Timothy 3:15 notes that the sacred writings “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Romans 10:17 says, “so faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” This entire section of Romans 10 emphasizes the need for preaching Scripture to foster faith. Daily engagement with the Bible shapes us, guiding us to grow in Christlikeness and obedience. - Scripture Is Sufficient
The Bible provides all we need for salvation and godly living. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares it equips us “for every good work.” Unlike individual revelations, which are unverifiable, the written Word offers one authoritative, sufficient revelation. God’s Word is enough, leaving us without excuse for disobedience.
These six attributes—inspired, authoritative, inerrant, clear, necessary, and sufficient—establish why we trust the Bible. Yet, intellectual affirmation isn’t enough. The Pharisees knew Scripture but missed its transformative power. We must love and live out God’s Word. Psalm 19:7-11 celebrates its perfection, reviving the soul, enlightening the eyes, and being sweeter than honey. It warns, guides, and brings great reward.
Do you treasure Scripture? Some need to commit to daily reading, others to meditate deeply rather than checking a box. If you doubt the Bible, read it and let it prove itself. As Isaiah 40:8 declares, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Let God’s breathed-out Word pierce your soul, comfort you in trouble, provoke worship, and transform you for eternity.
Tethered to Truth 