All scripture is given by inspiration of God (II Tim. 3:16-17). Questions are often raised about it’s validity—is it true? Even some who profess belief in God question the truthfulness of His word, the Bible.
The Bible must be true because it does not contradict itself. All the pieces fit and it abides. It claims to be God’s word, His truth, and the Psalmist said His truth endures to all generations. Jesus said Heaven and earth would pass away, but His word would not (Matt. 24:35).
God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18), so when He gives His word it must be true. It would not and could not be God’s word if it contained falsehoods (John 17:17). To be otherwise would suggest a God who is playing games with us. Would God give an unnecessary command? Will He make promises that He will not fulfill? Has He given instruction on how to live that is unimportant? This is not the nature of God (II Pet. 3:9).
The affirmation of the unchanging God carries the assurance truth exists, and an objective moral standard is blessed assurance to the believer. If not, how would anyone know how to please Him (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8; James 1:17)? God’s word stands sure (Matt. 5:17-19).
Based on the above, the following must be true. Man cannot be saved unless he hears and obeys the gospel of Christ (Rom. 10:13-17; II Thess. 1:7-9). One cannot be saved by faith only (James 2:24). Mankind cannot be saved in false religions (Matt. 7:21-23), furthermore, the Bible must be his only guide (Col. 3:16-17; Rev. 22:18-19). Man cannot be saved unless he is in the right church—God’s family (I Tim. 3:15), and one may only enter it by being baptized in water for the right purpose (Mark 16:16).
This all goes together. They stand or fall as one, because of the Truth. When considered soberly, men, women, boys and girls must be moved by the realization of a judgment that is surely coming someday. The way we treat the word of God will determine salvation or destruction on that day (Heb. 10:28-31). To disobey the inspired word of God and to reject the words of Jesus brings “sorer punishment.” God has spoken and demands respect from His creation. Ultimately one must consider how fearful it would be to fall into the hands of the living God, but more so when facing Him in rebellion to His eternal Truth.
The Bible is true, the word of life, coming from the source of all life, the Living God. He and His word are inseparable, because of truth. God is true and His word of necessity must be true. If His word is true, and it is, then men and women should carefully follow it with loving respect. How do you regard the Bible? Is it all truth or do you do as some and take the cafeteria approach of picking and choosing what you like? “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov. 23:23).
–David Hill, President of Tennessee Bible College