Can the Bible Be Trusted?
Why make Scripture the measuring line?
The Bible presents itself as God-breathed revelation given through human writers. Its authority does not rest on one manuscript, one translation, or one church institution. Scripture is a collection of writings with historical, literary, prophetic, and theological dimensions that must be read in context. The Christian claim is that through these writings God reliably reveals His character, His acts, His will, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Reformation principle. Scripture interprets Scripture. Difficult passages should be read in the light of clearer passages and the whole biblical story.
Read the biblical evidence
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and equips believers.
- 2 Peter 1:20–21Prophecy came as holy men spoke while moved by the Holy Ghost.
- John 10:35Jesus treated Scripture as authoritative and not breakable.
Examine the challenge
Appealing to “the whole Bible” can be abused to evade difficult texts. The answer is transparent exegesis, not selective proof-texting.
What should you do when your interpretation of one verse seems to contradict the larger biblical witness?
- Keep the isolated verse
- Compare context and the rest of Scripture
- Ignore the contradiction