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If I could have only one wish for God’s people, it would be that all of us would return to the Word of God—that we would realize once and for all that His Book has the answers. The Bible is the authority, the final resting place of our cares, our worries, our griefs, our tragedies, our sorrows, and our surprises.

In a world of relativism, the Bible talks in terms of right and wrong, good and bad, yes and no, true and false. In a world where we’re encouraged to do it “if it feels good,” the Bible addresses what is sinful and what is holy. Scripture never leaves us with a bewildered look on our faces, wondering about the issues of life. It says, in effect, “This is the way it is. That is the way it is not to be. This is the way to walk; do not walk there.” It tells us straight. It provides the kind of solid foundation you and I need.

But wait. Why is it that this Book qualifies as our final authority? The longest recorded prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ in the entire Bible is in the 17th chapter of John. While praying, Jesus says to the Father: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

I am so grateful that verse is in the Bible. What an absolute statement from the lips of Jesus! “Your word is truth.” In four monosyllabic words we find the basis of our belief in the veracity, the reliability, and the source of Scripture. This is not human counsel; it is truth—divine counsel.

What does it take to free us? It takes truth. Yes, the truth. It was Jesus Himself who once promised, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32)

Frankly, that knowledge does something to you. When you realize that the print on the page you are reading is, in fact, God’s message, God’s Word, it stands alone. Absolutely unique...in a class by itself. Think of it this way: God’s Book is, as it were, God’s voice. If our Lord were to make Himself visible and return to earth and speak His message, it would be in keeping with this Book. His message of truth would tie in exactly with what you read in Scripture. His opinion, His counsel, His commands, His desires, His warnings, His very mind.

So what we have is the preservation of an inerrant text. God breathed out His message to human writers, who, without losing their own style and personality, wrote His truth under His divine control (see 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:19–21). And because the Holy Spirit superintended the process in its entirety, no error was present right down to the very words of the original text.

The critical point of your confidence in the Bible is directly related to your confidence in its inspiration. Can we be sure that God’s Word is free from error and therefore deserving of our trust? Absolutely and unreservedly.

The Bible consists of 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over a period of 1,500 years, on three continents, and in three languages—and yet the Bible has one consistent, redemptive theme: Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. What are the odds of such unity—amidst such diversity—if the Bible were not divine?

For another example, consider archaeology. The archaeologist’s spade has uncovered numerous fascinating finds that support the Bible’s credibility and reliability. In a recent interview in our new Insight’s Archaeology Handbook, archaeologist Bryant Wood noted:

Archaeological findings have revolutionized our understanding of the Bible. Through the discoveries of archaeology, we have ancient texts that help us better understand the original languages of the Bible as well as the world of the Bible. The people, places, history, religion, and material culture of the Bible are much better understood as a result of archaeological finds.¹

God’s Word is reliable. Furthermore, it is still true today. Amazing, isn’t it? This ancient, inerrant Book is dependable, even in the 21st-century.

It is the Bible’s simple truth that keeps you calm in the most alarming situations. Not simplistic, but simple. The profound truth that the Bible gives us is like a warm blanket wrapped around us on a bleak and cold night.

Let me conclude with three quick questions: Do you want stability? Would you like insight? Is it your desire to have maturity? Of course! Absolutely. All that—and so much more—can be found in God’s reliable Word. Even if you have spent most of your years questioning God’s authority, wondering about God’s Book, question and wonder no longer.

Return to this taproot of truth. Lean on it. Start today. It will hold you up. It will keep you strong. It will calm your fears. When it comes to a “final authority” in life, the Bible qualifies.
 
^{1. Bryant Wood, quoted in Derrick G. Jeter, “A Look at the Real Indiana Jones: Interviews with Archaeologist Bryant Wood and Professor Todd Bolen,” in Insight’s Archaeology Handbook (Plano, Tex.: IFL Publishing House, 2008), XX.}

By Chuck Swindoll

Insight for Living's Bible teacher, Chuck Swindoll, has devoted his life to the clear, practical application of God's Word and His grace. A pastor at heart, Chuck has served as senior pastor to congregations in Texas, Massachusetts, and California.