Can we Trust the Bible?
Why This Question Is Crucial
Many people have understandable concerns:
“Hasn’t the Bible been copied and altered countless times?”
“Aren’t these just ancient stories that were made up at some point?”
These questions matter.
If you believe the Bible has likely been falsified, it becomes difficult to build your faith upon it.
No one can simply turn off their mind—and God doesn’t expect us to.
He invites us to ask questions, to examine the evidence, and in doing so, to strengthen our faith.
For many, trust in the eyewitness accounts of Jesus is the key.
If they are reliable, we are not dealing with myths, but with events that actually happened in history.
That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look: How was the Bible transmitted? Can we still know what was originally written?
Anyone who engages with these questions will discover that the Christian faith is not opposed to clear thinking—it actively encourages it.
Historical Transmission – A Look at the Facts
No other ancient work has been copied as many times as the Bible.
There are over 5,800 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament alone, not to mention tens of thousands of copies in other languages from the early centuries.
For comparison, there are fewer than a dozen handwritten copies of famous works like Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars—and yet nobody seriously doubts their content.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are a particularly remarkable discovery.
These ancient manuscripts, found in the 1940s near the Dead Sea, contain biblical texts that are over 1,000 years older than the previously known copies—and yet they match our modern Bibles with astonishing accuracy.
This demonstrates that the Bible was transmitted with extreme care and precision.
The time gap is also uniquely short:
The Gospels were written just a few decades after Jesus’ death, while many eyewitnesses were still alive.
It would be like someone today writing a detailed account of the fall of the Berlin Wall—with countless witnesses still around to verify or challenge the facts.
The evidence is so compelling that even skeptical historians agree: the New Testament is the best-preserved text from the ancient world.
Is the Content of the Bible True?
Even if the Bible was reliably transmitted, a crucial question remains:
“Did these events actually happen—or are they just legends?”
This moves beyond textual accuracy to the question of historical credibility. And here, too, there are compelling reasons to take the Bible seriously:
Eyewitness Accounts: The Gospel writers report as firsthand witnesses or those recording direct testimony. Specific names, locations, and cultural details align remarkably well with what we know from independent historical sources.
Hostile Sources: Even opponents of the early Christians acknowledged that Jesus lived, performed remarkable deeds, was crucified, and that His followers fervently believed He had risen from the dead.
Archaeological Evidence: Discoveries have repeatedly confirmed biblical accounts, unearthing ancient cities, inscriptions, and artifacts that match the historical setting described.
The Transformation of the Disciples: Most compelling is the radical change in the disciples. They faced persecution and death for their claim that Jesus rose from the dead. Historians widely agree: they genuinely believed what they proclaimed, because they were convinced they had seen the risen Jesus.
Of course, the question of supernatural events—especially the resurrection—remains a step of faith. But the disciples’ willingness to suffer and die for their testimony strongly suggests they were not perpetuating a lie but were utterly convinced by what they had seen and heard.
If the biblical accounts are true, then the Bible is not merely a historical document—it is the most important news you will ever encounter.
Conclusion – Why It's Worth Taking the Bible Seriously
The evidence for the Bible’s reliability is far stronger than many assume. While we will never have video footage of the crucifixion or resurrection, historical inquiry relies on the credibility of eyewitness testimony—and the New Testament is exceptionally rich in such accounts.
These reports come not only from the Gospels but are supported by early independent sources and corroborated by the dramatic, life-risking conviction of Jesus’ followers. Historians recognize a key fact: people do not willingly die for a lie they themselves invented.
Absolute, mathematical certainty is impossible in history. But when we weigh the evidence, the scale tips decisively: it is more reasonable to believe that the core claims of the Bible are true than to dismiss them as fabrication.
Get to Know Jesus – Personally and Practically
After all this evidence, one crucial question remains:
“What does this mean for me?”
Faith is more than knowing historical facts—it’s about a personal encounter. Jesus invites you to know Him not just as a figure from the past, but as a living friend and guide for your life today.
Many people hesitate because they don’t know how to start. It doesn’t require complicated rituals or perfect behavior—just an honest conversation with Jesus in prayer, while reading the Bible, or through talking with others who follow Him.
Those who take this step often experience:
A deep peace that persists even in worry,
New strength to face life’s challenges,
Clear direction and purpose for their lives.
What Does This Mean for You Now?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. God invites you to bring your questions, express your doubts openly, and get to know Him step by step. Jesus is ready to meet you exactly where you are.
Take the first step today—get to know Jesus and discover for yourself what it means to live in relationship with Him.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
— Matthew 7:7
Who was Jesus Christ?
The Bible describes Jesus as the Savior who came to reconcile humanity with God. His authoritative words, miraculous deeds, and resurrection have transformed millions of lives throughout history. But who did He claim to be?