Who Made the Bible?

As Christians, it is crucial for us to be prepared to provide a defense for the hope that is within us. This responsibility is important because being a follower of Christ inherently attracts inquiries and challenges from those around us. Just like our Lord, who faced relentless questioning and persecution during His time on earth, we too can expect to encounter similar trials. Reflecting on the numerous instances in the Gospels where Jesus was interrogated by the Pharisees and Sadducees, we see how questioning is often used as a form of attack against believers. These questions range from topics such as the Sabbath, authority, the law, and many others, highlighting the diverse nature of challenges faced by Christians. Given that the Bible serves as the foundational source of our beliefs and teachings, it is no surprise that many of these inquiries revolve around its contents. While the debate over added or removed verses in the Bible is a common one, there are many more questions on the reliability of scripture. Exploring five of these major questions can provide valuable insights into the complexities surrounding the authenticity and trustworthiness of the Bible, guiding us toward a deeper appreciation of the divine wisdom and truth contained within its pages.

Question One

The first question is about where we got the collection of books that we call the Bible. There are many, particularly Roman Catholics, who claim that the church is the authority behind scripture. The idea was given a wider audience by Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. The truth is that the New Testament books were all written and widely accepted as scriptures before the end of the first century. Several controversies in the early church escalated and emphasized the need to understand exactly what books were part of the canon. People like Marcion appeared and made claims about what was scripture. Marcion in particular made his version of the bible that rejected anything Jewish. All of these controversies culminated in different counsels affirming the canon that we have now. The Council of Rome (382 A.D.), the Synod of Hippo (393 A.D.), and the Council of Carthage (397 A.D.) all met and reaffirmed the canon of scripture. It is important not that these councils and synods did not make the canon, but received and approved the canon. The collection of books comes from God and he is the only one who can determine what is or is not scripture. We simply receive and approve them.

Question Two

The second question, which often arises in discussions about the Bible, is not simply a standalone question but encompasses a wide range of questions. At its core lies the assertion that the Bible is riddled with factual errors. While some of these claims may seem frivolous, such as the argument that Moses could not have authored the initial five books of the Bible due to the absence of writing during his time, they continue to be raised. Despite numerous archaeological findings that have debunked many of these allegations, they continue to persist in various forms. However, beyond the surface-level disputes over historical accuracy, a deeper concern emerges. The inclination to constantly seek external validation for every detail presented in the Bible reflects a broader issue of harboring an unwarranted negative predisposition towards its contents.

Question Three

Expanding on the topic of the reliability of biblical manuscripts, it is important to note that the study of ancient texts involves a meticulous process of textual criticism. Scholars and researchers dedicated to this field analyze various manuscripts to determine the most accurate representation of the original text. While it is true that some manuscripts may contain variations or discrepancies, the sheer number of extant biblical manuscripts provides a solid foundation for reconstructing the original content of the Bible. Moreover, the argument that biblical manuscripts are defective often overlooks the rigorous standards applied in textual analysis. Comparing the reliability of biblical texts to other ancient writings reveals a significant disparity in the amount of available evidence. The abundance of New Testament manuscripts, with over 5,000 copies dating back to the early centuries after Christ, offers a level of textual support unparalleled in ancient literature. Furthermore, the consistency and coherence found across these numerous biblical manuscripts reinforce the argument for the reliability of scripture. The fact that these manuscripts were preserved and transmitted over centuries speaks to the reverence and meticulous care with which scribes and communities regarded the sacred texts.

Question Four

Similar to these other questions, the fourth deals with contradictions within the biblical texts themselves. These questions deal with things like the seeming contradiction between passages like Exodus 32:14 and Numbers 23:19, where the first says that "The Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do" and the second states that God does not repent. Most of these apparent contradictions are explained simply by reading the context around the verses. For the example used above, Numbers deals with the nature of God, and Exodus deals with a test that Moses faces; it uses an anthropomorphism to teach us something about how God interacts with his people. There are real things that we must wrestle with, but this should only be expected. We are dealing with the infinite. If we could fully grasp every detail of scripture without issue, then it would not be worth our time.

Question Five

One of the ongoing debates surrounding scripture pertains to the perceived "injustice" and "immorality" depicted within its pages. Critics often point to these instances as evidence of the questionable nature of the text. However, it is essential to consider the context in which these events are presented and the lessons they aim to convey. The assertion that "love is love" is often used as a rebuttal to traditional teachings, suggesting a desire to redefine societal norms. It is undeniable that the Bible recounts numerous accounts of human failings and misconduct. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that these narratives serve as cautionary tales rather than endorsements of such behavior. Without the scripture, society lacks a universal standard to define and distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad. Ultimately, the discussion surrounding scripture's portrayal of "injustice" and "immorality" underscores the importance of critical analysis and contextual understanding. By delving deeper into the complexities of these narratives, we can glean valuable insights into human nature, ethical dilemmas, and the enduring quest for moral rectitude.

Conclusion

There are many questions that we will be faced with. We must be ready. We must constantly renew our minds through the study of scripture. This is part of why the church is so important. The church is the people that help us to grow. We learn together and push each other to a greater reliability on scripture and the Lord. There will always be questions that we must face. Our Lord faced question after question and we should expect the same. We must prepare to answer in the same way that he does. He constantly responds to attacks by teaching and explaining. The goal is rarely to change their minds, since the questions are not often about gaining information. Rather they are about stopping the mouths of scoffers. In everything, we must seek the glory of God. Let us be ready.

Soli Deo Gloria