It’s a question that every sincere believer asks at some point: How can we know the Bible is really true? After all, it was written long ago, by many different people, across centuries of history. Can we truly trust that these ancient words are God’s Word and not just human stories?
As a priest, I’ve often sat with people wrestling with this same question. And I always say—this is not a sign of weak faith, but of a heart that truly desires truth. Let’s walk through how God shows us that His Word can be trusted.
1. The Bible’s Unity Across Centuries
One of the most remarkable signs of the Bible’s truth is its unity. It was written over 1,500 years by more than 40 authors—prophets, shepherds, kings, fishermen, and scholars. Yet through all its pages, there runs one clear message: God’s plan of love and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Think about it—Moses in the Old Testament speaks of the promise; the prophets announce the coming Messiah; and in the New Testament, Christ fulfills it all. This harmony is not possible by human design alone. It points to a divine Author who guided each word through the Holy Spirit.
2. Historical and Archaeological Evidence
Faith is not blind. Over the years, archaeological discoveries have confirmed the historical accuracy of the Bible. Ancient cities once thought to be mythical—like Jericho or Nineveh—have been unearthed. Inscriptions and artifacts align with names and events recorded in Scripture.
Even the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the 20th century, revealed that the biblical texts had been preserved faithfully for thousands of years. These findings remind us that the Bible is not just a book of faith—it is a record grounded in real history.
3. The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Another powerful reason we can trust the Bible is the fulfillment of prophecy. Hundreds of prophecies in the Old Testament—about the Messiah’s birth, suffering, death, and resurrection—came true in Jesus Christ.
For example, Isaiah wrote of a suffering servant who would bear our sins (Isaiah 53), centuries before Christ’s crucifixion. The prophet Micah named Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). These are not coincidences; they are God’s fingerprints through time, showing His faithfulness and control over history.
4. The Power of the Bible to Transform Lives
Perhaps the most compelling evidence is personal. For two thousand years, the Bible has changed lives, healed hearts, and brought countless souls to faith. When we open its pages, something happens inside us that no other book can do—the Word speaks, convicts, comforts, and renews.
As Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is living and active.” We feel its truth when it pierces our hearts and reveals God’s love. It has guided saints, inspired martyrs, and given hope to sinners. The living power of Scripture is proof of its divine origin.
5. The Testimony of the Church and the Holy Spirit
The early Church recognized the Bible as the inspired Word of God long before it was bound into the book we know today. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church discerned which writings truly carried God’s voice.
And that same Spirit continues to testify in our hearts today. Whenever we read Scripture prayerfully, the Spirit whispers within us, “This is truth.” As Jesus promised, “The Spirit of truth will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).
In the end, our trust in the Bible rests not only on evidence, but on a relationship with the Author Himself. The more we walk with Christ, the more we recognize His voice in His Word.
When I read the Scriptures each morning, I don’t just see words on a page—I meet the One who speaks them. And that is where trust is born: not in theory, but in encounter.
May your own reading of the Bible lead you beyond information into communion—so that you may hear the living God speaking to you personally, in every line and every promise.
Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way ✝️
