What are the answers to common Bible questions?

I. The Reliability of Scripture

The Bible is a collection of 66 books unified by a single overarching message. Multiple lines of evidence reinforce its consistency and historical trustworthiness.

1. Manuscript Evidence

Ancient texts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in the mid-20th century near Qumran, demonstrate that Old Testament writings were accurately preserved over millennia. New Testament fragments, such as papyri like P52 (dated to around the first half of the second century AD), show that the recorded words of Jesus and the early church were transmitted with remarkable precision. These manuscripts affirm that textual variations are primarily minor and do not alter core Christian doctrines.

2. Archaeological Corroborations

Numerous discoveries support biblical narratives. The Merneptah Stele (13th century BC) mentions “Israel” in Canaan, confirming a distinct people group tied to biblical accounts. Excavations at sites like Jericho, Hazor, and the City of David add historical context to events described in the Old Testament.

3. Consistency of Theme

The unifying thread of redemption runs throughout the Bible, despite its different human authors, spanning nearly 1,500 years. The Old Testament’s prophecies and types are fulfilled in the New Testament, illustrating Scripture’s cohesive structure (cf. “Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He [Jesus] explained to them what was written about Himself in all the Scriptures” [Luke 24:27]).

II. The Nature of God

1. Existence and Eternality

Scripture begins by declaring, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). He exists outside of time and space, being sovereign over creation and sustaining it according to His will.

2. Trinitarian Understanding

The Bible describes the one true God who eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (cf. Matthew 28:19). Each Person is fully divine, yet they are one Being, revealed in passages such as John 1:1 and John 10:30. This triune truth emerges progressively throughout Scripture.

3. Attributes

Scripture testifies to God’s holiness (1 Peter 1:16), omnipotence (Luke 1:37), omniscience (Psalm 139:1–4), and love (1 John 4:8). All these attributes display His perfection, justice, and deep care for His creation.

III. The Person and Work of Jesus Christ

1. Historical and Biblical Evidence

The Gospels, corroborated by secular writings (e.g., Tacitus and Josephus), depict Jesus as a historical figure who taught with authority, performed miracles, and claimed divinity (John 8:58). Early Christians, including eyewitnesses, were willing to endure persecution and martyrdom for this testimony.

2. Deity and Humanity

Jesus is both fully God and fully man. John’s Gospel attests: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). This union enables Him to mediate between God and humanity.

3. Crucifixion and Resurrection

Crucifixion remains one of the most historically verified forms of Roman execution. The resurrection is central to the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Multiple lines of evidence—empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and the transformation of the disciples—support it. Early creedal statements (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3–8) circulated soon after the event, demonstrating that the belief in Christ’s resurrection was foundational to the earliest Christian communities.

IV. The Path to Salvation

1. Necessity of Redemption

All people fall short (Romans 3:23) and require atonement for sin. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross secures forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7). His resurrection validates His power over death and grants believers eternal life.

2. By Grace through Faith

Salvation is not earned but accepted as a gift. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). True faith leads to repentance, transformation, and a renewed purpose in life.

3. The Chief Purpose

Glorifying God is the highest aim of humanity (Isaiah 43:7). This glorification becomes the fruit of a life redeemed by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 10:31).

V. Creation and Intelligent Design

1. Biblical Account of Origins

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). The Bible presents a purposeful and direct act of creation, forming the world and all living creatures. Genealogical records (e.g., Genesis 5 and 11) suggest a timeline that some interpret as young-earth.

2. Scientific Observations and Intelligent Design

The irreducible complexity observed in biological systems, alongside the fine-tuning of physical constants in the universe, strongly suggests a designing intellect. Researchers note that phenomena like the Cambrian Explosion, where complex life forms appear abruptly in the fossil record, challenge gradualistic evolutionary models.

3. Geological and Historical Chronicles

Flood narratives in cultures worldwide echo the biblical record of a global deluge (Genesis 6–9). Some geologists cite fossil layering patterns consistent with massive water deposition events, pointing to cataclysmic occurrences rather than slow uniform processes.

VI. Common Objections and Answers

1. Problem of Evil

Critics ask why a good God allows suffering. Scripture affirms God’s goodness and humanity’s free will. Evil originates from sin (Romans 5:12). God, however, redeems suffering for His purposes (Romans 8:28), offering ultimate hope through Christ’s victory over death.

2. Apparent Contradictions

Many alleged contradictions stem from misunderstandings of context, genre, or language. Serious textual study often clarifies these issues. Jesus’ genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, for instance, have different thematic focuses but do not nullify each other.

3. Modern Miracles and Healing

Scripture depicts miracles as acts of divine power (John 2:11). While some question whether miracles still occur, countless anecdotal instances and medically documented healings suggest God continues to intervene in ways beyond natural explanation.

4. Old Testament Laws and Their Relevance

Mosaic laws were specifically given to ancient Israel (Galatians 3:23–25). Christ’s fulfillment of the Law establishes new covenant principles (Romans 10:4). Moral imperatives remain relevant, reflecting God’s unchanging holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16).

VII. The Age of the Earth

1. Biblical Genealogies

Traditional interpretations based on genealogies (such as those highlighted by Archbishop James Ussher) point to a young-earth view of roughly several thousand years. These genealogies connect from Adam to Abraham and onward, suggesting a direct, linear timeline.

2. Scientific Views

Contemporary research includes interpretations of data (like radiometric dating) for an ancient earth. However, alternative young-earth models propose a rapid formation of geological layers during cataclysmic events and question assumptions in dating methodologies.

3. Harmony of Science and Scripture

The pursuit of truth in nature and Scripture can be complementary. Many scientists who believe in the Bible view the evidence through the lens of sudden creation and global Flood events. They maintain that data can be reconciled with a straightforward reading of Genesis.

VIII. Living Out the Message

1. Practical Transformation

A rigorous commitment to Scripture leads to moral and ethical changes (Ephesians 4:22–24). Believers strive to follow Christ’s example in daily life, extending love, compassion, and forgiveness in reflection of God’s character.

2. Evangelism and Purpose

Sharing the good news flows naturally from a life changed by Christ. Believers find their ultimate purpose in worship and service to God (John 4:23–24). As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

3. Hope for Eternity

The Bible teaches a new creation awaiting those reconciled to God (Revelation 21:1–4). This eternal perspective gives believers confidence and peace amid temporal trials (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).

Conclusion

Answers to common questions often revolve around knowing the reliability of Scripture, understanding the nature of God, and affirming the deity, resurrection, and saving work of Christ. Archaeological, historical, and scientific insights work together with the biblical text to reaffirm its trustworthiness. From creation’s testimony to the transformative power of the gospel, the Bible consistently points to a life dedicated to glorifying God, anchored in the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.