In a world filled with uncertainty, many people wonder: Is the Bible still the infallible Word of God? How can we be sure it’s true? What evidence supports the Bible’s claims about Jesus? Was He merely a historical figure, or is He truly the Son of God?
For Christians, believing that the Bible is God’s inspired Word is foundational. Though it was written by more than 40 authors over a span of 1,500 years, is it merely an extraordinary collection of writings, or is it truly divine? Most importantly, if the Bible isn’t reliable, what does that mean for the Gospel and Jesus’ identity?
The good news is that we don’t have to rely on blind faith alone. The Bible provides its own defense through internal consistency and external validation.
We can confirm the Bible’s reliability through three key areas, summarized by the acronym MAP: Manuscripts, Archaeology, and Prophecy. Let’s explore each of these and discover why the Bible is the most reliable ancient document in history—and why it remains a guiding light for our faith today and in the future.
Manuscripts
The Bible has more manuscript evidence supporting its accuracy than any other ancient document. According to the Institute for Creation Research, there are approximately 25,000 early manuscripts, including nearly 6,000 Greek texts and numerous early translations.
The early Church took great care in preserving and copying Scripture to ensure its accuracy. As the Gospel spread, variations were possible, but God raised up scholars to verify and safeguard its consistency through various language translations.
One of the most significant efforts came from the Masoretes in the sixth century AD. They meticulously compiled texts to preserve the Old and New Testaments, aligning them with earlier sources such as the Samaritan Pentateuch (400 B.C.), the Septuagint (280 B.C.), the Dead Sea Scrolls (circa 0 A.D.), and the Latin Vulgate (400 A.D.).
The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 provided remarkable confirmation of the Bible’s accuracy. Among the 980 manuscripts found in the Qumran caves was a complete scroll of Isaiah, nearly identical to today’s version. This discovery affirms the meticulous preservation of Scripture over centuries.
Archaeology
Archaeological discoveries consistently validate the Bible’s historical accounts. For example, the Tel Dan Inscription confirms the Assyrian invasion of Israel around 722 B.C. and references the House of David and the ancient city of Bethlehem.
Another significant find was made by Israeli archaeologist Gabriel Barkay, who uncovered the Ketef Hinnom silver scrolls near Jerusalem. These scrolls contain inscriptions of the priestly blessing from Numbers 6 and are the oldest known copies of biblical text, dating back to the seventh century B.C.
These are just two examples among thousands. With each new excavation, we find further confirmation that the Bible is not a collection of myths—it is deeply rooted in historical events. If you’re planning a trip to Israel, Prepare for Israel by Josh Weidmann is an excellent resource for exploring archaeological findings that bring the Bible to life.
Prophecy
The Bible contains approximately 2,500 prophecies, with around 2,000 already fulfilled. Many of these can be traced back as far as the ninth century B.C., demonstrating an astonishing degree of accuracy.
Of these fulfilled prophecies, biblical scholars estimate that more than 350 specifically pertain to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Thomas Nelson Publishers).
The probability of 2,000 prophecies coming true without error is less than one in 10 to the 2,000th power—a number so large it defies comprehension! The remaining prophecies focus on the end times, including events centered around Jerusalem and Christ’s future reign on earth.
What Does Your Experience Tell You About the Bible?
Some may dismiss manuscript evidence or archaeological findings. Others might attribute fulfilled prophecies to mere coincidence. But one thing is undeniable: the message of Jesus continues to transform lives.
If the Bible weren’t true, how could millions of people across history experience such profound, lasting change through their faith in Jesus? The Gospel has the power to transform hearts, and ultimately, the most important question is this: Who do you believe Jesus is? And what does the Bible say about following Him?
These are the most important questions you will ever ask—and answer. If you’re unsure how to respond, we’d love to start a conversation with you.