How Do We Know The Bible Is True About Jesus?
The Reliability of the Bible’s Testimony About Jesus
One of the most important questions for Christians is: How do we know the Bible is true about Jesus? Our faith stands or falls on the person and work of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture. From an Evangelical Baptist perspective, we hold that the Bible is God’s inspired, authoritative Word and is trustworthy in all it affirms about Jesus. Let’s explore the reasons and evidence for this conviction.
1. The Bible’s Own Claims About Its Truthfulness
The Bible itself declares that it is the Word of God and that its testimony is true. Jesus affirmed the authority of Scripture:
Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. - John 17:17 ASV
Paul also affirmed the divine inspiration of Scripture:
Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16 ASV
While some may object that these are “circular” arguments, it is reasonable for a document claiming divine authority to testify about itself. Historical evidence and the internal consistency of the Bible further support these claims.
2. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels
The New Testament Gospels are the primary sources about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Their reliability is supported by:
- Eyewitness Testimony: The Gospels contain details consistent with eyewitness accounts. Luke, for example, researched carefully from those who “from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word” (Luke 1:2 ASV).
- Early Dating: Most scholars agree that the Gospels were written within the lifetime of those who witnessed Jesus’ ministry, making legendary development unlikely.
- Manuscript Evidence: The New Testament has thousands of ancient manuscripts, more than any other ancient work, ensuring the accuracy of transmission.
3. Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy
The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies about the coming Messiah that are fulfilled in the person of Jesus:
But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. - Micah 5:2 ASV
He was despised, and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief... But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities... - Isaiah 53:3-5 ASV
Jesus Himself said:
For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me. - John 5:46 ASV
The fulfillment of specific prophecies—such as the Messiah’s birthplace, manner of death, and resurrection—powerfully supports the truth of the Bible’s claims about Jesus.
4. The Testimony of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of the Christian faith. Paul writes:
And if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. - 1 Corinthians 15:17 ASV
He appeals to hundreds of eyewitnesses who saw the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:6 ASV). The early disciples were willing to suffer and die for their testimony, indicating their conviction of its truth.
5. The Transforming Power of Jesus’ Message
The message of Jesus has transformed countless lives throughout history. Scripture testifies to the power of the gospel:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. - Romans 1:16 ASV
This ongoing transformation in the lives of believers is further evidence of the truthfulness of the Bible’s message about Jesus.
6. The Internal Consistency and Unity of Scripture
The Bible, though written over centuries by different authors, presents a unified message centered on Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared that the Scriptures point to Him:
And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. - Luke 24:27 ASV
Conclusion
We can trust what the Bible says about Jesus because of its self-attestation as God’s Word, the historical reliability of the Gospels, the fulfillment of prophecy, the evidence of the resurrection, and the transforming power of the gospel. Ultimately, faith in Christ and His Word is a work of God’s Spirit, who testifies to the truth in our hearts (John 16:13 ASV).