How do we reconcile the existence of older religious texts with the claim that the Bible is the first revelation?

I. Defining “First Revelation”

Reconciliation of older religious texts with the claim that the Bible is the “first revelation” begins with a careful understanding of what “first revelation” means. It refers to the premise that God revealed Himself from the earliest point of human history—even before writings were physically recorded—and that the Scriptures preserve and clarify this divine self-disclosure in a unique, authoritative way.

According to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This opening statement reflects not only a declaration of God’s existence but also an indicator of His earliest activity. Though many cultures produced writings over millennia, the original revelation of God to humanity, rooted in creation history, predates any text. The later compilation of that revelation in written form became the foundation of the biblical canon.

II. Historical Context of Older Religious Texts

Many ancient cultures—such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Babylonians—left behind texts that appear older than some biblical manuscripts. The Epic of Gilgamesh, for instance, dates to a time that preceded many extant Old Testament manuscripts. Similarly, ancient Egyptian funerary documents like the “Book of the Dead” may predate certain copies of biblical writings.

Yet, older physical manuscripts do not necessarily mean they preserve an earlier or truer account of revelation. These texts may have survived due to conditions favorable for preservation or due to the particular way they were recorded. Archaeological evidence, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, demonstrates that biblical writings of Isaiah, the Psalms, Deuteronomy, and others remained remarkably consistent over time. Though the actual composition date of these books is significantly earlier than many of the extant manuscripts, the biblical narrative was transmitted with great care, reflecting an original revelation that believers hold was given directly by God.

III. Biblical Timeline and Early Transmission

Traditional chronologies based on genealogies—such as those compiled by Archbishop James Ussher—place creation around 4004 BC. Although some modern scholarly debates propose different dating methods, the genealogical records in Genesis 5 and 11 provide a framework for understanding the historical story arc. When considered alongside the ancient Near Eastern context, these genealogies reveal a unified testimony of humanity’s beginnings according to Scripture.

Prior to writing, oral transmission played a significant role in preserving accounts of creation, the flood, and the patriarchs. Genesis 2:4 notes, “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created.” The word “account” indicates a record, whether preserved orally or in early written forms. The concept of “first revelation” thus lies in God’s direct communication to the earliest humans (cf. Genesis 1:28) rather than in manuscript age.

IV. Progressive Revelation in Scripture

Although the Bible claims to contain God’s earliest revelation to humanity, the Scriptural narrative also shows an unfolding or progressive revelation over time. Hebrews 1:1 observes, “On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.” This testifies to the dynamic nature of how God disclosed Himself and His will across generations.

Over the centuries, God spoke through patriarchs, prophets, kings, and ultimately through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:2). Even if some artifacts or texts from other religions appear older in manuscript form, they do not negate the claim that Scripture represents God’s direct revelation, progressively revealed and culminating in the person of Christ.

V. Comparative Near Eastern Tales and Parallels

Some critics point to parallels between biblical accounts and older texts—such as flood narratives in the Epic of Gilgamesh—arguing that the Bible borrowed from these sources. However, there is scholarly evidence that suggests these parallels reflect a common historical event preserved in various forms. Archaeological and geological studies indicate a major flood phenomenon in the ancient Near East. This could explain multiple cultural memories, all pointing to a singular cataclysmic occurrence.

Biblically speaking, the record of Noah’s Flood (Genesis 6–9) is understood as the accurate revelation of events, in line with the genealogies and narrative consistency of Genesis. The existence of other contemporary or older flood stories does not invalidate the biblical account; rather, it shows a shared cultural memory that the Scriptures claim to narrate faithfully.

VI. The Reliability of Biblical Manuscripts

Physical evidence for biblical texts—even if some manuscripts appear later than certain other religious writings—demonstrates remarkable preservation and consistency. Discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls (dating as early as the third century BC) confirm the accuracy of large portions of the Hebrew Bible, including the Book of Isaiah, which aligns closely with the later Masoretic Text.

Luke 16:17 reads, “But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.” This statement underscores the firm belief in the preservation of Scripture. While older extant manuscripts from other faith traditions might be found, none exhibit the same consistent transmission process under God’s providence that Christians believe characterizes the Bible.

VII. The Claim of Divine Source and Authority

Scripture’s self-claim as the earliest revelation rests not merely on its age but on its divine origin and unbroken thematic unity. Second Peter 1:21 states, “For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” According to the biblical worldview, the authors may have spanned centuries and different regions, yet their writings reflect one continuous message, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Older religious texts fail to display this unified narrative that builds from creation to restoration, offering salvation through the Messiah. The coherent, progressive framework of Scripture—from Genesis to Revelation—demonstrates internal consistency that believers regard as evidence of God’s singular authorship.

VIII. Historical and Archaeological Corroboration

Beyond manuscript evidence, archaeological discoveries corroborate people, places, and events described in the Bible. For instance:

• The Tel Dan Stele references the “House of David,” affirming David’s historical reality.

• The Moabite Stone records conflicts described in 2 Kings 3, reinforcing biblical details.

• Excavations at Jericho and Hazor uncover strata that align with biblical conquest narratives when placed within a conservative timeline.

Such findings support the notion that the Bible’s historical framework is rooted in real events tied to an actual timeline. While many ancient texts supply mythological fragments, biblical accounts intertwine theological revelation with verifiable historicity.

IX. Reconciling the Existence of Older Texts

To reconcile the existence of older religious texts with the claim that the Bible is the first revelation, consider:

1. Creation and Oral Transmission: Scripture’s claim of earliest revelation refers to God’s relationship with humankind from the start. These events and truths were preserved orally and later written under divine guidance.

2. Manuscript Age vs. Content: The physical age of manuscripts does not automatically prove a text’s priority. The reliability and cohesion of the Scriptures show that the revelation they record extends back further than existing textual fragments might imply.

3. Point of Origin: The earliest biblical revelations center on the Creator Himself. The question of “first revelation” is about who acted first—namely, God who created and communicated to humanity—and not merely which text survived in a complete manuscript form.

4. Progressive Unfolding: The Bible’s unfolding revelation, culminating in Jesus Christ’s resurrection, distinguishes it from other religious writings. The consistency of the scriptural record provides a secure foundation for understanding God’s earliest revelation.

X. Conclusion

When examining claims about older religious texts, it is essential to distinguish between physical manuscript age and divinely revealed truth. From a theological standpoint, the Bible’s “first revelation” emanates from God’s direct communication at creation, faithfully preserved throughout history. Despite the survival of other ancient documents, the biblical record stands uniquely coherent, historically corroborated, and culminating in the resurrection message that has transformed countless lives.

As written in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” This points to an underlying consistency and authority. Far from being nullified by the presence of older writings, Scripture holds primacy based on divine origin, careful preservation, unified message, and confirmation through historical and archaeological findings.