How Do We Know the Bible is True?

QUESTION: How Do We Know the Bible is True?

ANSWER:

How do we know the Bible is true? This is a simple, but profound question. The Bible uses different types of literary forms to speak about relationship between either man and man or God and man. In the Bible, we find history, poetry, parables, and narrative. Are these fact or fiction? Even though all Scripture is inspired, it should be read according to its genre. "The Bible is a truly human document with history, context, and style."¹

Jesus used parables to try to reveal a difficult or elusive truth. He used many figures of speech and imagery to bring about understanding to His hearers. He used imagery such as the way (the road), the vine and the branches, and the sheep and the shepherd to help His hearers understand His relationship with His followers.

Archaeology and secular historical records have been invaluable in substantiating the historical information found in the Bible. As we read the poetry in the Psalms and the practical advice found in Proverbs, it rings true in our own human experience.

How do we know the Bible is true? The Bible is God's revelation. "It is revelation because inspiration is that activity and influence by God upon the Scripture writers such that what they wrote was genuinely the Word of God, preserving the divine revelation."²

"'The Bible, when correctly interpreted in light of the level to which culture and the means of communication had developed at the time it was written, and in view of the purposes for which it was given, is fully faithful in all that it affirms' (Erickson, 233-34)."³

How do we know the Bible is true? It has influenced countless numbers of people over time to live and die with their highest aim being that of pleasing their Lord and being found faithful in His sight.