why you can trust the bible

For centuries, people from many walks of life have viewed the Bible as a dependable source of truth. Today, millions still shape their lives by its teaching. At the same time, others reject it as outdated or untrue. Even so, the real issue remains the same, can the Bible be trusted as a source of truth?

Why the Bible can be trusted

A simple way to judge trust is to look at a record over time. If a friend spoke truthfully for many years, you would have good reason to trust that person. The Bible can be tested in much the same way. Its record shows a pattern of honesty, accuracy, and sound guidance.

Honest writers

Bible writers spoke with unusual frankness. They did not hide their faults or present themselves as better than they were. For example, the writer of the book of Jonah openly recorded his own disobedience, Jonah 1:1-3. He even ended the account by showing that God corrected him, yet he did not try to defend himself or describe any personal improvement, Jonah 4:1, 4, 10, 11. That kind of honesty points to a real concern for truth.

Practical truth

The Bible also gives advice that works in daily life. Its counsel on human relationships remains clear and useful. For example, it says, “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them.” Matthew 7:12. It also says, “A mild answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1. These principles still help people live with more peace, self-control, and respect for others.

Historical truth

Over many years, archaeology has supported the Bible’s record of people, places, and events. One small detail from the time of Nehemiah gives a good example. The Bible says that Tyrians living in Jerusalem were “bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise”, Nehemiah 13:16.

There is evidence that fits this statement. Archaeologists have found Phoenician goods in Israel, which points to trade between those lands. In Jerusalem, they have also uncovered remains of fish from the Mediterranean. Researchers believe traders brought them inland from the coast. After reviewing the evidence, one scholar said, “The statement in Neh[emiah] 13:16 that the Tyrians sold fish in Jerusalem is quite plausible.”

Scientific truth

The Bible is not a science textbook. Even so, when it refers to the natural world, it agrees with facts. Take one example. Around 3,500 years ago, the Bible said that the earth is suspended “upon nothing”, Job 26:7. That stood apart from ancient myths, which claimed the earth floated on water or rested on the back of a giant tortoise.

Long after the book of Job was written, many still believed the earth had to rest on something solid. Then, in 1687, Isaac Newton published his work on gravity and explained that an unseen force holds the earth in its path. So the Bible had already stated a truth about the earth more than 3,000 years earlier.

Prophetic truth

The Bible also contains prophecies that match later events with striking accuracy. One clear case is the fall of Babylon.
Isaiah wrote in the eighth century B.C.E. that Babylon, which had not yet become the capital of a major empire, would be conquered and would later become uninhabited, Isaiah 13:17-20. He even named the ruler who would take the city, Cyrus.

God has designed the earth with built-in systems that can withstand the impact of human activity. The Bible foretells that Jehovah God will, at his appointed time, put an end to the abuse and exploitation that has damaged our planet.​
In addition, he described part of the method that would be used, saying that rivers would “dry up”. He also foretold that the city gates would be left open, Isaiah 44:27 to 45:1.

About 200 years later, a Persian ruler attacked Babylon. His name was Cyrus. Because the city was strongly defended, he focused on the Euphrates River, which ran through it. His forces redirected the river upstream into a marshy area. As a result, the water level dropped enough for the army to move along the riverbed beside the city walls. At the same time, the gates facing the river had been left open. Cyrus and his troops entered through those open gates and captured the city.

One part of the prophecy still had to be fulfilled. Would Babylon truly become empty? For a time, people continued to live there. Yet today its ruins, near Baghdad in Iraq, stand as evidence that the prophecy reached its full outcome. The Bible has proved reliable, not only in matters of history and daily life, but also in what it foretold about the future.

God’s promise

God has designed the earth with built-in systems that can withstand the impact of human activity. The Bible foretells that Jehovah God will, at his appointed time, put an end to the abuse and exploitation that has damaged our planet.​

“But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the Earth.”

– Revelation 11:18

The Bible promises that God will wipe out all worldly rulers, then turn our planet into a healthy, beautiful paradise, and open his hand to “satisfy the desire of every living thing.”​

– Psalm 145:16

Millions of people place their full confidence in the Bible’s promise of a joyful, everlasting life on earth!

So, what confidence can we have in the Bible?

The Bible is God’s message to mankind. Paul the apostle wrote, “When you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

It gives us the knowledge we need about God, including his qualities, his purpose, and what he asks of us. It also offers sound guidance for family life and everyday behaviour. In addition, the Bible records prophecies that have already come true, those now taking place, and those that will be fulfilled in time to come.

For that reason, the Scriptures are a trustworthy source of guidance. As 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 states, “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.”