Woman praying while reading the Bible

How Do We Know the Bible Is True?

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

According to the Bible, all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). Peter confirmed this when he said that those who wrote the Bible were not speaking on their own but spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Many parts of Scripture are directly attributed to God through use of phrases like This is what the LORD says (e.g., Exodus 4:22). Finally,  Jesus often quoted from the Old Testament and affirmed it as being God’s Word.

Prophecies that were later fulfilled are corroboration of the accuracy of the Bible’s claim to be God’s Word. For example, the vision recorded in Daniel 7 correctly predicted the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire, the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, and the Roman Empire.

Archaeological discoveries are also important evidence of the Bible’s accuracy. For example, for many years King David was believed by some to be a fictional character. But recently a composition from a king of Syria referring to the “house of David” was discovered at Tel Dan. This writing provides tangible evidence that ancient rulers indeed recognized the dynasty of David in Judah.

Another reason for confidence in the Bible’s authenticity is its internal consistency. The Bible is actually a compilation of 66 books written over a period of 2,000 years by more than 40 different authors, and yet there is a unified message and a striking theological coherence – something that clearly speaks of God’s guidance throughout the process of writing, transmitting and assembling the Biblical texts.

It is important to remember that the original Biblical documents no longer exist. We are dependent on copies, and copyists can make mistakes. However, scholars have carefully tracked the accuracy of ancient manuscripts from different centuries, and their consistency gives us good reason to be confident in the Bibles we read today. Furthermore, rigorous standards were applied to determine the canon – both by the Jews, who determined the collection of books that make up the Old Testament Scriptures, and by the early church, which decided the books to be included in the New Testament.

Drawn from the NIV Quest Study Bible.

19 comments

  1. Everton Adams says:

    On-point evidence that vindicated the word of God. God’s word shall stand!

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  2. Joan says:

    Recently I read something and saw something that confused me about the Bible but I believe we all have angels in our mist. I prayed and ask God to show me if the Bible is real. I was so distraught about this and then I opened this up and it verified that the Bible is God’s Word. Thank you!

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  3. Stanley Ray Mellor says:

    One of the best reasons I believe the Bible is accurate is, if we believe that God is all powerful, and keeps the universe all working properly, how could I doubt that he has kept the Bible accurate.

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  4. Francis Dicxon Baffoe says:

    I am really revived through this teachings.

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  5. Ben says:

    Yes. You help me desire to go deeper in the love and knowledge of God through His word. Thank you

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  6. Maua Watakau says:

    Very True, Praise Lord

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  7. Iwegbu Oluchukwu Nkem says:

    The Bible is the standard measurement of time.

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  8. George Malumani says:

    Your teachings are inspiring.

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  9. Jericah..mutea says:

    I love 💕💕 the word of God. Making God known to those who don’t know him is our duty as Christians. Thank you.

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  10. The word of God is giving me peace on handling difficulty situations.

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  11. Goodson Batala says:

    I would like to know more about the Bible.

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    1. NIV Bible says:

      Sign-up to be notified when a new article is posted each week: https://www.thenivbible.com/niv-blog-signup-form/

  12. Charles Wussah says:

    I fully agree.

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  13. Ernest says:

    Thank you. I do believe in all of God’s Word and that God has said that it’s holy and true. Just imagine if everyone believed, then this world would be perfect.

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    1. Pamela Szczesniak says:

      I firmly believe that the Bible is 100% accurate, I can’t even think of one reason that it is not. So much of our daily living is in the Bible.

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  14. Pastor Elisoma Lomundu James says:

    Truly the Bible is God’s Word. Mostly when I read the Bible, is like someone is speaking to me directly.

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  15. Keziah says:

    There is no time l enjoy more in my life than reading or listening to God’s Word.

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  16. Aileen says:

    God is always Good. Amen

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  17. José Octavio Mérida Sarate says:

    Gracias

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