Week 4:Day 4 | Sharing Our Faith| Why Do We Trust
How Do We Know the Bible Is True?
“Most people don’t reject the Bible because they’ve read it — but because they’ve never truly understood why it’s trustworthy.”
As you share the gospel, people may question Christianity because they doubt the reliability of its message. We’re asking them to trust a book written thousands of years ago — so how could anyone know it’s true? For many, the Bible feels outdated, confusing, and disconnected from modern life. It seems locked in another culture, far removed from the challenges of today.
Some also fall into what C.S. Lewis described as “chronological snobbery” — the assumption that we, as modern people, are more advanced and therefore more qualified to judge biblical truth through the lens of our current culture. But disagreement does not equal invalidity. A truth claim isn’t false just because someone doesn’t like it. As you talk with your friend about the Bible’s authenticity, lovingly challenge them to read it for themselves and come to their own conclusion.
The Bible consists of 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Christians believe the Bible contains the very words of God, given to reveal who He is and what He desires for us. It claims to be His Word, fully sufficient for everything we need for life and godliness. But how do we know it’s not just another good book?
1. Unity
The Bible is one unified, consistent story. Written over 1,500 years by more than 40 authors across different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, it still maintains perfect coherence.
Stories like The Da Vinci Code suggest hidden gospels, conspiracies, or lost books, but history tells a different story. During the Councils of Hippo and Carthage, the early church affirmed the books recognized as holy and inspired — books already embraced by believers, consistent with Scripture, and bearing evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work. The canon is closed. Nothing can be added or removed.
2. Prophetic Accuracy
The Bible contains hundreds of prophecies, all verified and accurate. These aren’t vague predictions — they are specific, detailed, and historically confirmed.
There are over 270 prophecies about Jesus alone: His birthplace, His lineage, the way He would die, even His words. According to Science Speaks by Peter Stoner, the probability of just 16 of these being fulfilled by chance is 1 in 10⁴⁵.
For perspective: there are an estimated 10⁸² atoms in the observable universe.
And yet Jesus fulfilled them all.
3. Historical Confidence
The Bible is the most historically attested ancient text in existence. Its events, settings, and claims have been supported by respected historians like Phillip Myers and the Greek historian Arrian. Archeology continues to confirm names, places, and details found in Scripture.
4. Indestructibility
No book in history has been attacked more than the Bible — banned by emperors, burned by regimes, criticized by scholars, dissected by skeptics. Yet it remains. It endures. And it continues to transform cultures and individuals thousands of years later.
Whether someone believes in Christianity or not, the Bible’s impact is undeniable.
5. Life-Changing Power
Christians ultimately trust the Bible because we’ve seen what it does. We’ve witnessed its power to heal marriages, free addicts, restore hope, and soften the hardest hearts. It is alive. It changes people.
The Bible is the most printed book in human history — not hidden, not secret, not restricted to an elite few. Its message is open to all who are willing to repent, believe, and follow Christ.
Even after addressing rational concerns, there remains an element of faith in trusting Scripture. When the Bible reveals God’s character and His love for His people, we receive it by faith — the same way we choose to trust a friend who says, “I love you.”
Through His Word, God has revealed Himself clearly. We truly have everything we need for life and godliness. And the same God who invites us to know Him has given us a trustworthy, unshakeable foundation in His Word.
We can confidently know Him — because He has spoken.
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When sharing faith and explaining why we trust the Bible, it's important to also consider practical ways to build trust and understanding in everyday life. One effective approach is to invite family and friends into simple, relatable conversations about scripture, encouraging questions and thoughtful engagement rather than dogmatic lectures. The OCR content highlights helpful tips such as reading the Bible together with children, praying as a family, and using seasonal traditions like Christmas or Easter to naturally share the gospel message. These practices create opportunities for gentle, ongoing discussions that can nurture faith over time. C.S. Lewis’s concept of "chronological snobbery" reminds us that modern people often dismiss biblical truths simply because they seem ancient or culturally distant. Overcoming this requires humility and openness—helping others see that the Bible’s messages transcend time and culture through its consistent teachings about human nature, morality, and hope. Historical confirmation from archaeology and ancient historians bridges the gap between past and present, enhancing credibility. Moreover, biblical prophecies provide a compelling case for divine inspiration. Their specificity and fulfillment, especially regarding Jesus’s life and mission, cannot be easily dismissed as coincidence. This scientific improbability invites seekers to consider that the Bible is more than just another book. Last but not least, the Bible's transformative power in people’s lives affirms its significance. Testimonies of changed relationships, restored hope, and personal renewal demonstrate that the Bible speaks to real human needs today. Trust ultimately involves an element of faith—receiving God's word much like trusting a close friend. By openly sharing both the rational evidence and the personal impact, we create an inviting space for others to explore faith authentically. In summary, trusting the Bible involves appreciating its unity, prophetic fulfillment, historical affirmation, resilience through adversity, and practical life-changing impact. Combining reason with heartfelt experience offers a balanced foundation to help others discover why this ancient text remains a trustworthy guide for life and godliness.