#80: Is the Bible Reliable?
When skeptics ask why we are Christians, many believers point to the Bible as the foundation of their faith. And they do this with good reason—because Scripture is God’s revelation of Himself and the story of creation: the story of reality.
But non-believers often find this answer unsatisfying. They may be atheists or place their faith in other beings or things. Common objections include:
• “The Bible is based on mythical stories.”
• “It has been changed over time.”
• “It is full of contradictions.”
• “It is just religious propaganda.”
If we want to engage further with these challenges (and we should!), we essentially have two options:
1. Discuss the basis of our faith outside of Scripture (i.e., general revelation: Job 12:7-9; Psalm 19:1-4; Acts 14:16-17; Acts 17:26-27; Romans 1:19-20; Romans 2:14-15).
2. Explain why the Bible is reliable.
Apologetics is helpful in both areas. As we’ve discussed in previous notes, we can see the Lord’s fingerprints everywhere—in science, mathematics, history, philosophy, archeology, etc. We only need to open our hearts and minds to see him in his own creation.
If we choose to defend the credibility of Scripture, there are many strong reasons to do so. The evidence for the Bible’s integrity and authority is overwhelming.
Below is one helpful response. This short (~5-minute) video offers three reasons for the reliability of the Gospels.
The reasons presented are:
1. Eyewitness testimony
2. Manuscript evidence
3. A historical test used by scholars—the “criterion of embarrassment”
These are excellent points, but there are many more, and much detail, that we can add including those highlighted below.
Uniqueness & Unity. The Bible was written over 1,500 years by about 40 authors, from different parts of the ancient world, in three languages, and in a variety of literary forms and genres. It has been translated into more languages and printed more times than any other book, has influenced Western civilization like no other, and yet tells one unified story: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Glorification. [2]
Literary Complexity. “Central themes appear in all forms: creation is recorded as narrative; trust is expressed in prayer (Psalm 23); monotheism is mandated in a commandment (Exodus 20:2); justification is expounded in a disputatious letter (Romans); theodicy is examined in wisdom dialogue (Job) . . . [and] each must be appreciated on its own terms.” [3]
Canonization. The New Testament (NT) was formed very early—long before the common skeptic’s claim that it resulted from political motivations at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). All 39 Old Testament (OT) books were recognized by Josephus (Roman-Jewish historian) and Philo of Alexandria (Jewish philosopher) in the first century. Thousands of OT fragmentary texts dating between 250 BC and 68 AD are preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls—“the greatest archaeological find of the twentieth century.” [4] Jesus and the NT authors also quoted extensively from the OT.
Manuscripts. As the video stated, NT manuscript evidence is unparalleled in ancient literature. Bruce Metzger (Presbyterian pastor and NT scholar at Princeton Seminary) and Bart Ehrman (NT scholar at the University of North Carolina and self-described “agnostic atheist”) jointly affirm:
“Indeed, so extensive are these citations [Greek manuscripts, ancient translations, and quotations from early ecclesiastical writers] that if all other sources for our knowledge of the text of the New Testament were destroyed, they would be sufficient alone for the reconstruction of practically the entire New Testament.” [5]
Archaeology. Hundreds—possibly thousands—of archaeological discoveries (scholars vary in their estimates) support the Bible as a record grounded in real history, places, and people. Rabbi Nelson Glueck, President of Hebrew Union College and archaeologist, famously stated:
“It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference.” [6]
Other Evidence. Additional support includes fulfilled OT prophecies about Jesus and corroboration from both Christian and non-Christian historians. Most importantly, though, millions of Christians throughout history testify that the Word of God does what it claims: it transforms lives!
This brief summary only hints at the vast support for the Bible’s reliability. Entire books have been written on the subject.
Would you like to learn more?
AoM offers an online apologetics course, Introduction to International Apologetics (ITIA). We have taught ITIA six times to over 200 pastors, lay leaders, military chaplains, and ministry supporters from more than a dozen countries. One of the lessons covers biblical reliability in some depth. This 90-minute class explores far more than this short note or the 5-minute video (though not nearly as much as entire books!).
This is knowledge every Christian—not just apologists—should be familiar with and prepared to share with both new believers and skeptics.
The next ITIA course begins November 2, 2025. You can learn more and register here:
We invite you to join us and our brothers and sisters from around the world!
In Christ, Doug
Director, AoM-Military & Secretary, Board of Directors
“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect . . .” 1 Peter 3:15
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[1] “Are the Gospels Reliable?”, What Would You Say video, Colson Center for Christian Worldview, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7tYasI2EcY, June 2025.
[2] For more information in these areas see Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life Changing Truth for a Skeptical World, Josh and Sean McDowell, 2017, pp. 3-20.
[3] Gerd Theissen, The Bible and Contemporary Culture, 2007, pp. 30-31.
[4] Quote attributed to Peter W. Flint, an archaeologist and the Canada Research Chair in Dead Sea Scrolls Studies at Trinity Western University.
[5] Bruce Metzger and Bart Ehrman, The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration, 4th ed., 1986, p. 126.
[6] Nelson Glueck, Rivers in the Desert: The Story of the Negev, 1959, p. 31.