I’m excited to pursue this topic and become better at explaining why I believe the Bible, also called the Holy Scriptures, as used by the Christian church, no words removed or added such as some religions have done, is true and trustworthy. As my friend said who is going to be leading a study on this, “In the past we didn’t have to explain why we trust the Bible. Now, over half of church-going, self-described believers say that they are not sure if the Bible is 100% true.” I couldn’t find the study for that but it’s common knowledge that many people in today’s culture think the Bible is just a book of moral stories or contains words of wisdom, but not necessarily actual events or the word of God. It’s more important than ever to know WHAT you believe and WHY and be able to answer that question. But before I list any of my reasons, I’d like to hear from you!
Why do you trust or not trust the Bible? Do you prefer one version over another? Do you base your life and beliefs on the Word? Is it the foundation of your faith? If not, what do you base your faith on? Please share in the comments.
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV
Blue Skies and Green Pastures 
I am trusting in God’s Word for my salvation. The Bible is the Holy Spirit-inspired word of the God of creation, who made us — men and women — in His image. He has revealed Himself to us through Holy Writ. I most frequently use NASB, NKJV, ESV, NET, NCV and also NLT, GW, NIV. In Spanish, I usually use NTV, which is the same as NLT in English. When quoting the Word in my blog messages, I use a variety of text sources. Look forward to reading your report on the Bible! God bless.
I love questions like this! 🙂 Growing up, I never really gave this question much thought, it wasn’t until I became an adult, and I found myself with a spiritual questioning/ restlessness that I did give it thought. A lot of thought actually, and a lot of reading. the more I learned the more excited I became as I discovered just how the bible we have today came to be. I won’t steal your thunder, so I’ll wait to hear more from you… as far as it’s place in my life, my whole life and worldview are filtered through my understanding of the Bible. Currently my “go to” version is the Amplified Bible.
And I love hearing the answers ! 😊
Good questions Paula. Technically speaking I trust in the finished work of Christ for my salvation, but the only place that work is told to us is in Bible. My denomination affirms the Belgic Confession as one of three statements that outline our beliefs, the others being the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort. Here is a link to the Belgic Confession: https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/belgic-confession#toc-article-5-the-authority-of-scripture Article 5 and 7 deal with the authority and sufficiency of scripture, respectively.
My preference is for the ESV, which I started using around 2010/11. The ten years prior to that I pretty much only read the NIV. I use the ESV to preach and blog from. I’m of the opinion that if you need to change translations to make your point then perhaps you need to work more on the point you are trying to make. In sermon prep I also read the particular passage I’ll be preaching in the NIV, CSB, NIrV and GNT. The GNT is what we had in our pews for quite a few years. The NIrV is what we give to children at church. I may also read the NASB. My Greek and Hebrew skills are very weak but I often skim an interlinear translation.
Does scripture ground and guide my life? Yes and no, and by “no” I mean that scripture lays out the boundaries and teaches me the Lord’s ways, but all believers struggle with sin and so we are all growing n sanctification from the time of our salvation until the day the Lord calls us home.
Again…good questions. Thanks for asking and may the Lord bless your learning and your blogging.
Amen to trusting in Christ alone for salvation. I use the ESV as well . Thanks for the informative comment! God Bless you!
Archaeology has proven the reality of the historical claims the Bible makes which helps me to believe that if details like that can survive generations of being passed down, it is likely that the whole thing has been accurately preserved. Keeping the Bible in its historical context makes it even more real and true to me. Knowing that some verses aren’t actually “for me” but were written specifically to people of that time helps me to understand what the Bible is truly trying to communicate instead of me trying to apply it through my own cultural lens. I think that’s where most people get tripped up when reading the Bible and trusting it as reliable.
Excellent points!
Here is something relevant to your topic that showed up in my email this morning.
https://www.knowableword.com/2020/10/23/why-you-can-trust-the-bible/
Great reason ! Thanks, Brad.
G’day and thanks for sharing.
For me I believe it because the Word is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword. The truth of Hebrews Hebrews 4:12, causes me to hold tight. That and the supernatural experiences I have had when it comes to the word over the years of being a believer. Like Jesus, it gets to the heart of the matter.
Keep connected to the Vine
💕
I believe every word in the bible for several reasons, one being that the prophesies regarding the end times are coming true in my lifetime and since 1948 two of Jesus’ major prophesies have already happened. (The Jews going back to their land in 1948 after nearly 2000 years away and in 1967 recapturing their holy city, Jerusalem, in the six day war. Another of Jesus’ predictions is that the Jews will build the Temple of Solomon for a third time. It has already been destroyed twice and will be built again, I believe in the near future.
The flood of Noah’s day, I believe, God caused to rid the world of the Nephelim gene that had corrupted humankind.
Jesus was the Son of God and did cast out demons, he also healed the sick and dying. He showed us how to live a life of love and peace. He performed many miracles, only unbelievable to some because science tells them that it is not possible. Well, science changes every day, God’s word hasn’t changed.
I love your answer! Thank you for sharing.
My devotional book had 5 pages on 2 Timothy 3:16 this morning. I don’t think I’ll be able to say it much better than that ! 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
My reasons pretty simple. In a world where I am labelled bitter for my beliefs , I found the bible, ( only a coupe of years ago , prior to that I felt more alone ) to resonate exactly with my instinctive thoughts and views on what is true and what is not.
God bless you! He is truth.