How do I build genuine faith?

It’s popular to claim the bible has been changed, written by men and not relevant to today’s world. Can we actually rely on the Bible historically, textually, and spiritually?

From a historical standpoint, the Bible is extraordinarily well-attested. We have more than 5,800 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament alone. This is far more than any other ancient document. Scholars can compare them with remarkable confidence. The Old Testament’s accuracy was dramatically confirmed when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947, showing that Scripture had been copied with extraordinary faithfulness over a thousand years.

Archaeology has repeatedly confirmed details in the Bible that critics once dismissed as legend. There have been cities, rulers, customs, and events have turned up in the historical record. Archaeological finds keep showing the truth of the Bible and not disproving it.

The Bible was written by over 40 authors across 1,500 years, in three languages, and on three continents. It tells one coherent story of God creating, humanity falling, and God redeeming. That unity across such diversity is itself remarkable.

Christians believe the Bible is not merely a reliable human document, but the inspired Word of God and that God worked through human authors to communicate truth without error in all that it intends to teach. This is a faith claim, but it’s one supported by the internal coherence of Scripture, the fulfillment of its prophecies, and the testimony of millions who have found it to be living and active in their lives.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16

“The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.”
— Hebrews 4:12

Further Reading:

• Got Questions – Is the Bible reliable?
• Compelling Truth – Is the Bible reliable?
• Denison Forum – Is the Bible reliable?