Can We Really Trust the Bible?

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This article explains why Christians can confidently trust the Bible — showing how it was authored, preserved, and interpreted faithfully through history, and how its testimony centers on Jesus.

Every so often, a headline, documentary, or viral video claims to reveal the “truth” about the Bible. The History Channel has aired specials like Lost in Translation, The Forbidden Scriptures, and The Real Jesus. The message is usually the same: maybe the Gospels weren’t written by eyewitnesses, maybe important books were left out, maybe the story of Jesus was changed along the way.

For a Christian sitting on the couch after work or scrolling online, that kind of claim can feel unsettling. Even more, when a friend or co-worker echoes these “truths.” You start to wonder:

  • Do we really know who wrote the Gospels?

  • Are there errors in the Bible?

  • Why were some books included and others left out?

  • Is the Jesus of the Bible the real Jesus of history?

If the Bible is shaky, faith begins to feel shaky too. But here’s the good news: when we look at the evidence, the case for trusting Scripture grows stronger, not weaker.

WHO REALLY WROTE THE GOSPELS?

Critics often suggest the Gospels were written later by anonymous authors. But history tells another story.

From the earliest days of the church, the four Gospels were consistently linked to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Irenaeus, AD 180). No other names were ever attached. That’s remarkable—especially if the church were just trying to add credibility. Why not slap Peter’s name on one? Instead, two are tied to less obvious figures: Mark, Peter’s interpreter, and Luke, Paul’s companion (Papias, cited by Eusebius, AD 100s).

The takeaway: the Gospels weren’t random or late. They were received as the authentic testimony of those closest to Jesus—people who followed Him or carefully recorded the accounts of those who did.

ARE THE DIFFERENCES DEALBREAKERS?

Another objection is that the Bible is “full of contradictions.” The Gospels sometimes tell the same story with different details. Is that a problem? Not at all. Think of four people describing the same event. One highlights details another leaves out. One arranges things by theme, another by timeline. Those differences don’t make their accounts unreliable—they make them richer. The Gospels are four portraits of Jesus painted from different angles.

Here’s an illustration from my own life: if you wrote my biography, you could take four approaches. One might show me as a pastor, another as a husband and father, a third as a Cleveland sports fan, and a fourth as a youth coach. Each would be true, but none the whole picture. Put them together, and you’d see me more fully.

That’s how the Gospels work. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John highlight different aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry. Together they give us the clearest picture of Him.

And what about the “originals”? The New Testament is the best-preserved work of the ancient world. We have over 5,800 Greek manuscripts (Metzger, Text of the NT), some dating within a century of the originals. Most differences are spelling or word order, not doctrine. Even skeptic Bart Ehrman admits scribes weren’t out to push agendas (Misquoting Jesus).

The message of Jesus has been faithfully preserved for us today.

WHAT ABOUT THE “LOST” GOSPELS?

Documentaries love to feature so-called “forbidden scriptures”—Thomas, Mary, Peter, and others. Were these suppressed by leaders with an agenda?

The reality is simpler. From the beginning, the church required books to come from eyewitnesses or close companions. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John meet that test. The Gnostic gospels don’t. They were written decades later, after the apostles were gone, and often promoted teachings at odds with the faith (Blomberg, Reliability of the Gospels).

Some contain bizarre ideas. The Gospel of Thomas ends with a saying where Peter claims women are “not worthy of life,” and Jesus supposedly responds that a woman must “make herself male” to enter the kingdom. That’s offensive—and utterly unlike the Jesus who welcomed women, entrusted them with His resurrection news, and treated them with dignity.

Far from hiding these writings, the church openly read and evaluated them. And consensus came quickly. By the late 100s, Christians were already circulating lists that look strikingly similar to the New Testament we hold today (e.g., the Muratorian Fragment, c. 170). By the 300s, leaders like Athanasius affirmed the same 27 books we know as the New Testament.

These books weren’t chosen by power-hungry leaders. They were recognized because they carried the clear voice of the apostles.

IS THE JESUS OF THE BIBLE THE REAL JESUS?

The biggest question is about Jesus Himself. Was He really God in the flesh, crucified and risen, or just a legend?

The evidence points strongly to the Jesus of the Bible:

  • Jesus’ claims: Even in the Gospels most favored by critics, Jesus calls Himself “the Son of Man.” This isn’t just “I’m human.” It deliberately echoes Daniel 7:13–14, where “one like a son of man” is given authority, glory, and an everlasting kingdom by God Himself.

  • The cross: If the disciples were inventing a story, the last thing they’d choose is a crucified Messiah. Crucifixion was the most shameful way to die. Yet they proclaimed it boldly (see the Alexamenos Graffito, 2nd century).

  • The resurrection: Dozens claimed to see Jesus alive after His death (1 Cor. 15:3–8). Those encounters transformed fearful followers into bold witnesses, many of whom died for their testimony. Legends don’t fuel that kind of courage overnight.

If Jesus truly rose, His words are trustworthy, His promises unshakable, and His presence still with us today.

A FAITH YOU CAN STAND ON

Specials like Bible Secrets Revealed raise questions but thrive on controversy and speculation, often leaving out the evidence that affirms the Bible’s reliability. Christians don’t need to be rattled by half-truths when the fuller picture gives solid ground for confidence.

The Bible has stood strong for two thousand years. Its authorship is rooted in eyewitness testimony. Its text is reliably preserved. Its books were carefully recognized, not carelessly chosen. And at its center stands Jesus—crucified, risen, reigning—who still changes lives.

So can we trust the Bible? The answer is yes. Not only because of the evidence, but because through these words we hear the voice of our Shepherd. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

 REFLECTION & APPLICATION

  • When you hear claims that the Bible is “corrupted” or “changed,” how do you usually respond?

  • Which of the points above gives you the most confidence in trusting Scripture?

  • How can you build regular habits of listening to God’s Word this week?

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