Can the Bible be trusted?

Question

Give reasons, examples, sources....TELL ME WHY
Convince me....This is your chance to tell what you believe and why

Can the Bible Be Trusted??

I already have an opinion, I just want to know what other people think, and why

Answer 1

There was a similar question asked to me some time ago, which was, "How do you know the Bible is really the Word of God?" Here is how I answered that question.

If you think that the Bible is not God’s word, ask yourself: If the Bible is merely man’s word, then logically there is no clear answer to mankind’s problems. Humans will just have to muddle through as best they can, hoping somehow to avoid poisoning themselves out of existence or blowing themselves up in a nuclear war. But if the Bible is the Word of God, it is the very thing we need to get us through this difficult time.

The Bible is also unique because of the claim made by many of its writers. Some 40 individuals, including kings, shepherds, fishermen, civil servants, priests, at least one general, and a physician, had a hand in writing the different parts of the Bible. But time and again, the writers made the same claim: that they were writing not their own thoughts but God’s.

Thus, in the Bible we often read expressions such as: “The spirit of Jehovah it was that spoke by me, and his word was upon my tongue” or, “This is what the Sovereign Lord, Jehovah of armies, has said.” (2 Samuel 23:2; Isaiah 22:15) In a letter sent to a fellow evangelizer, the apostle Paul wrote: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

In harmony with the claim that it is God’s word, not man’s, the Bible answers questions that only God can answer. It explains, for example, why human governments have not been able to bring lasting peace, how humans can find the deepest satisfaction in life, and what the future holds for the earth and mankind upon it. Now, as a thinking person, you must have wondered about these and similar questions many times. Why not at least consider the possibility that the Bible is God’s Word and thus uniquely able to give authoritative answers?

Moreover, the Bible offers guidance in matters of morality, and it describes effective solutions to the problems of crime, hunger, and pollution just to mention a few. The trouble is, most people no longer view the Bible as an authority in such matters. At one time, it was listened to with respect—at least in the West. Although the Bible was written down by humans, in the past the majority in Christendom accepted it as the Word of God and believed that God himself had inspired its contents. Let’s see how the Bible is a source of wisdom for us.

The Bible stresses the importance of wisdom. It says: “Wisdom is the prime thing. Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire, acquire understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) It also acknowledges that we humans often lack wisdom, and it encourages us: “If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all.” (James 1:5)

How does God ‘give wisdom generously’? One way is by encouraging us to read the Bible and learn from it. The Bible book of Proverbs urges: “My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom . . . you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God. For Jehovah himself gives wisdom.” (Proverbs 2:1, 2, 5, 6) When we apply the counsel in the Bible and see how effective it is, we realize that it truly represents divine wisdom. What about some wise sayings that we can benefit from? Seems simple, right? Well…

To appreciate this better, let us look at a few Bible verses. Consider this wise saying: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires . . . For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things.” (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) Compare this with the modern viewpoint—at least in Western society—that encourages people to pursue money as their prime goal. Unhappily, many gain the wealth they seek and still have a feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction. A clinical psychologist noted: “Becoming No. 1 and rich does not make you feel fulfilled, satisfied, authentically respected or loved.”

Not that a practical person can completely turn his back on money. The Bible shows a finely balanced wisdom when it says: “Wisdom is for a protection the same as money is for a protection; but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom itself preserves alive its owners.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12)

Thus, the Bible helps us to see that money, while important, is not all-important. It is only a means to an end, and it is of limited value if we do not have the wisdom to use it properly.

This Bible statement is also true: “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” (Proverbs 13:20)

Have you ever noticed what a powerful effect our associates have on us? Peer pressure has led young people into drunkenness, drug abuse, and immorality. If we mix with those who use foul language, we eventually find ourselves using foul language. Keeping company with dishonest individuals tends to make us dishonest. Truly, as the Bible also says, “Bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

On the other hand, good associations can benefit us. By “walking with wise persons,” we will become wiser ourselves. Good habits rub off, just as bad ones do. Once again, the Bible shows wisdom in encouraging us to choose our associates carefully.

The Bible has many such precepts to help us guide our lives. As a source of advice, it is unique. Its counsel is ALWAYS beneficial. It is never merely theoretical, and it never works to our harm. The wide range of Bible counsel is unequaled. Those who apply it in their lives, and see how it always works out for their good, come to appreciate the Bible as a unique source of wisdom. What, though, if we face a situation that is not specifically mentioned in the Bible? Often, we find broad principles to guide us.

For example, many at some time in their lives face a decision regarding the habit of smoking tobacco. Since tobacco was unknown in the Middle East in Jesus’ days, the Bible does not mention it. Nevertheless, there are appropriate Bible principles to help us make a WISE decision in this matter.

Smoking tobacco, while reportedly pleasurable, actually involves inhaling concentrated pollutants into the lungs. A smoker pollutes his body, as well as his clothes and the air around him. Not to mention the people who are around him or her. In addition, smoking is an addiction. People who want to stop often find it very difficult. With this in mind, we can look to the Bible for help in reaching a wise conclusion about smoking tobacco.

First, consider the problem of addiction. Paul, when speaking about foods, said: “I will not let myself be brought under authority by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12) Paul was free to eat any kind of food, but he knew that some people back there had sensitive consciences. So he said he was not so “addicted” to certain foods that he could not give them up if he had to in order to keep from stumbling others. If a person cannot stop smoking—or chewing—tobacco, he is definitely ‘under its authority.’ So Paul’s statement on the matter of food is a good guideline for tobacco use. We should not allow ourselves to become enslaved by a habit.

Second, consider the matter of pollution. The Bible says: “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Smoking is without doubt a defilement, or a pollution, of the flesh. The seriousness of this pollution is seen in the fact that, according to the World Health Organization, it causes more than a million people to die prematurely each year. If we follow the Bible principle about staying clean from defilements of the flesh, we will be protected from the serious health hazards of smoking, as well as drugs and other defilements. Therefore, we would not become a statistic.

Hopefully, this will shed some light for you as to why the Bible is the Indeed Word of God.

Take Care,


Sources:

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures

The Bible – God’s Word or Man’s (1989)
Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses
Chapter 1: “Why Read the Bible?”
Chapter 12: “A Higher Source of Wisdom”

Answer 2

The Bible is God's way of communicating with the human race. While about 40 men were used over the course of 1600+ years to write the words found there, all were inspired of God. They did not claim authorship of the books but rather said "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial." While false religion has tried to change the meaning of certain texts it cannot destroy God's word simply because God won't allow it. It's his book and if he can create the universe he can certainly keep his word available to everyone. While the author of the book you quoted from is historically correct, he fails to take into consideration that Jehovah God could and did make sure the accuracy of the original texts would be kept intact for lovers of the truth of his word. The oldest manuscripts available attest to this. If verses were added, changed or deleted it can now be proven by using scrolls and manuscripts as old as the Dead Sea Scrolls. The truth about basic church teachings such as the immortal soul, hell or hellfire and the trinity can be found in the King James Version (which was not a translation at all), the Catholic Douay, the Revised American Standard, Rotherham's, the New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version, the New World Translation and many others. Do you really think man's puny attempts to corrupt the Bible are stronger than God's ability to keep his word virtually intact for those who want to learn what he has to say to us? I don't.

Answer 3

I wish that I could just "tell" you and that would be good enough. If that were the case, my whole family would be saved today. Our faith and knowledge in God will never grow without trust. As a new Christian, there were a lot of things that I did not understand. In the beginning, reading Scripture was like trying to read a strange, foreign letter. I'd shut my Bible discouraged because Iit just wasn't alive to me then. But then I began to align my life up with the Scripture verses which I did understand and I continued to seek God and pray, and yes...read my Bible. It was then that God's Word unfolded before my eyes. My trust grew, my faith grew, my love for the things and people of God grew and my love for God's Word grew. Now today, I can not fathom being anyone, but God's child. Yes, the Bible can be trusted...but not because I say so, but because the Lord will show you "if" you seek Him and get your life in order. You can't have me or other Christians do all the labour and you just reap the benefits. If you want it, gooooo get it! God bless.

Answer 4

Yes , Many things written in the Bible have been confirmed by secular History, Geology, Archeology and even Biology. Since the Bible had been proven correct in many things and never proven incorrect, there is every reason to trust all of the Bible . One of the greatest evidences that the Bible is correct is Noah's flood. There is irrefutable evidence that the whole earth was covered with water( seashells on Mt Everest, Grand Canyon, legends of the flood in all ancient civilization records, and oil & coal) . Further the Bible says that men will refuse to believe this evidence.....

2 Peter 3:3-6 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

So dear child of God, YES, the Bible is to be trusted. It has the power to save your soul....

2 Timothy 3:15 ....... the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

There are many many proofs that the Bible is the word of God and can be trusted. Read the Case for Christ & the Case for Faith.These two books by Lee Strobel a former hard core skeptic answer the hardball questions atheists love to ask. Don't take my word for it ...Investigate......

Answer 5

By a Christian, the Bible can be trusted. By a Jew, the Hebrew Scriptures can be trusted.

Since I am neither, while I know the Bible well and respect its moral authority in the lives of Judeo-Christian people, I cannot "trust" this book to guide my life, for I am pledged to a different faith.

Answer 6

The theory of religion versus creation has been an ongoing subject for Centuries. Was the planet Earth made by the hands of God versus the Universe. There are new Planets being formed as we write and answer questions. Starting from a magnetic field that attracts dust particles is the beginning of a new Planet being formed. You either believe in God or chose another higher power to worship such as Allah. Not a single person on this Earth should be rooted for what higher power they worship. I was raised in a Christian home. I will keep my faith in God.

Answer 7

It began hundreds of years ago, when the Church changed the Bible. . .


The "New Testament": Pagan revenge

Between G-d's own miracles and the Jewish teaching of His Word, the pagan priest/pastorhoods of Egypt, Greece, and Rome were steadily losing their power over the gentile populations. They decided to fight back by creating a new religion, one that would claim to be the fulfillment of the Hebrew "Old Testament," yet would bring back the pagan lies in a new disguise.

Thus the "New Testament" was written, in Greek rather than Hebrew, and attached to the original Hebrew scriptures to try to change their meaning back toward paganism.

The "New Testament" tried to change G-d from One, as in the Hebrew scriptures, into a "trinity" as in Egyptian cults or the eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. It described Jesus as G-d in a human body, like the pagans always described Pharoah and other wicked kings. It declared G-d's Law to be a "curse" that no one can truly obey, announced that there must be a "mediator" between G-d and man, and pretended that salvation could now be achieved outside the Law.

To blind the gentile nations, the "New Testament" also warned people not to learn from the Jews, declaring that Israel no longer possessed the true, complete Word of G-d.

In the Bible, the book of Daniel warned of an evil power--a false religion--that would believe in the true "G-d of fortresses... plus a god its fathers did not know." This religion would "speak bizarre words about the Most High, wear out the holy ones (the Jews), and plan to change the festivals and the religious Law."7 The Christian Church has indeed replaced Passover with Easter (the pagan holiday of Astarte and Ishtar) and Hanukah with Christmas (the pagan winter holiday).


http://www.noahide.com/paganism.htm


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Answer 8

No because there are many inconsistencies in it. Genesis chapter one and chapter two do not have the order of creation correct.
The book of Leviticus mentions that it is ok to commit acts of atrocities in the name of god.
There are a few mentioned in other books as well.
The bible mentions it is ok to have slaves ect..
People in modern times have used the bible to justify their actions towards other people

Answer 9

Trusted for what?

If you are talking about inspiration, I will say yes. I'm a Catholic, so the bible is one source of inspiration and revelation.

Does that mean there are no contradictions in the bible? No. Of course there are. Does that mean there are no factual errors in the bible? Of course there are.

The preeminent source of inspiration and revelation to me is God's grace within me.

Answer 10

For a Christian the Bible is the guide book to life. With the aid of the Holy Spirit God reveals truth and the path of Life through the Bible. Those who have not accepted Christ and asked Him into their life will never understand the Bible. Before you as a Christian buy a Bible you should pray and ask God's guidance as to which one to get and God will put it on your heart.

Answer 11

There is not enough space here to fully answer your question...but there IS a book you can read. Its called Misquoting Jesus. It was written by a minister, who is now agnostic. It is 100% proof that a vast majority of the bible is falsified and made up by translators and scribes over 2000 years.