Have you ever asked yourself the question “How do I know the Bible is true?” It’s a big question. How do I actually know?
Looking online, I can find many different answers. Scientific and historical facts, fulfilled prophecies, etc. But how do I know that the Bible applies directly to me, to my life, in this day and time that we live in?
The Bible has been the foundation of my life since I was little. I remember sitting with my mum and my brothers and sisters as she read Bible stories to us before bed. The stories were alive for me. Heroes of faith doing great things through God. Jesus and the apostles working miracles. These stories have never left my mind.
More than a storybook
As I grew up I began to understand that the Bible wasn’t just a storybook. I learned that the stories and teachings of the Bible still apply today. They show me the way that I must go in my life. The life that Jesus and His disciples lived has become an example of how to live my life.
I asked a friend of mine if she could tell me a bit more about how we can be sure the Bible is true and applies even in this time. My friend is an older woman, and I know that she has wisdom and experience. She said the following: “We know that the Bible is true and is God’s Word, because when we do what it tells us, the result is as the Bible tells us. For example, if I give, I become happy. If I humble myself, I receive grace. If I pray to God, He hears and answers me, etc.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; James 4:6; Jeremiah 29:12-14.)
Her answer makes sense to me. I have experienced this myself. It starts with believing that what’s written in the Bible is true, and when I do what is written there, I start to experience that the laws written in the Bible can change my life, and then my faith becomes even stronger.
How has believing affected my life?
When I think back on my life, I can see that over the years, as I’ve been obedient to the Word of God, my life has actually changed. I know that I still have a long way to go before the work that God wants to do in my life is finished, but I can also see that a change already has taken place in me.
For example, by nature I would worry about everything - the future, the past, my family, my job etc. But in Philippians 4:6-7 (NCV) it says, “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
I have really done what is written in this verse. I’ve prayed to God, and I’ve fought against the worry that I am so easily tempted to. And slowly but surely I’ve discovered that the peace of God is coming into my heart and my mind. I’m learning to trust in Him and not to “worry about anything”, and I am experiencing the promised rest and peace that comes from that. I am experiencing that God’s Word is true!
The greatest miracle of all
So, when I think about the heroes of faith that I used to hear about, like David and Jesus and the apostles, and the miracles that happened, I know that I can be one of those stories. Not that I am killing giants or turning water into wine. But I am being changed because I believe and am obedient to what’s written in God’s Word. That is the greatest miracle of all, and it couldn’t be done without the Word of God.
If you are asking the question, “How do I know if the Bible is true?” I have the answer for you. Try living the life that the Bible teaches us. Be obedient to what the Bible says. Then you will experience that the Bible is true.