"Why should I believe what's written in the Bible? How do I know it's not lies [presumably] like all the other holy books out there?”

[I received this question via e-mail the other day.]

This is a great question that can be answered on many levels. The most simplistic is to consider the thread of continuity, or major theme that runs through the Bible. Do you know what it is? Death. The Old Testament shows not only where it came from, but from the very beginning records how God promises to destroy it. The New Testament tells how He did it. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned . . . For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.” (Romans 5:12, 15)

Consider how science is either corrected by scripture or confirms what the Bible has always contained (the earth is flat vs. the earth is a sphere (Isaiah 40:22); the earth sits on a large animal vs. the earth free-floats in space (Job 26:7); sick people must be bled vs. blood is the source of life and health (Leviticus 17:11); the ocean floor was flat vs. the ocean floor contains deep valleys and mountains (2 Samuel 22:16; Jonah 2:6); hands washed in still water vs. hands washed in running water (Leviticus 15:14).

The historical accuracy of scripture is unmatched, and archeology has and still is confirming the people, places and events.

One of the strongest proofs that you know the Bible is reliable is your own conscience. “Conscience” means “with knowledge.” Let me show you what I mean: would you consider yourself to be a “Good Person?”

I look forward to your reply!