What believers should know about the Bible
We live in a time when many have questions about God, faith, and Christianity—but we also live in a time when science and technology make gathering answers easier than ever before. Our world is in transition. After many centuries of numerical growth and significant influence on culture, the Christian Church has entered into a period of decline. There are more ministers than ever before—but a relatively small number hold conservative views consistent with the historic Christian faith. The number of churches is growing, but the percentage of ‘churched’ people is decreasing.
There are more Bibles in America than ever before—but the Bible literacy rate is arguably lower than ever before. We live in a time in history when there is an increasing number of questions about church doctrine—but few are well prepared to present a strong defense for their faith. Now is the time for followers of Christ to be the strong witnesses God has called them to be (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:7-8).
There are good reasons that good people have questions about faith. The message of the church seems, at times, to be confused or inconsistent. Rules and laws regarding morality seem subject to change. Many high-profile ministry and minister failings have led to a breach of trust. Satan capitalizes on every opportunity and area of weakness. With evil growing, there is an opportunity and need for the church to be the light God desires it to be. All believers are called to study (2 Timothy 2:15), to be prepared to provide answers (1 Peter 3:15), and to be a witness for the Lord (2 Timothy 4:2).
Skepticism and persecution are not new
Celsus wrote that Jesus was the illegitimate son of a Roman soldier and introduced what has become known as the ‘Swoon Theory.’ The ‘Swoon Theory’ postulates that Jesus was put into a drug-induced coma during the crucifixion and was later revived. He writes: “The teachings of the Scriptures are altogether absurd” (True Doctrine, 178 AD).
Roman Emperor Diocletian, wanting to eradicate Christianity from the imperial capital in 303AD, ordered the burning of all collections of Scripture and churches or houses in which they were found.
Episcopal Bishop John Spong’s 1992 book, ‘Born of a Woman’ presents the virgin birth as a myth and suggests that Jesus was born of a sexually violated girl.
In many ways, the enemy seeks to demean church doctrine and cast doubt on the integrity of Scripture. It was foretold that this would happen in the last days:
“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons…” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
Let us remember that God is good and does provide answers to tough questions. If we seek them, we will find them (Jeremiah 29:11). Now is the time for believers to not just know what they believe—they must also know why they believe it and be able to articulate their convictions.
Note: There are three video teachings (titled, Reasons to Believe) in Section 05 - Discipleship Study Materials and one 76-page book (by the same title) in Section 04 - Books. These resources support the reliability and inspired nature of the Word of God.