3.20.A — What Does It Mean to Say That Scripture Is Trustworthy?
(Trustworthiness of Scripture)
Bearings: Where do we stand right now?
In the previous section we explored the doctrine of inspiration. Scripture teaches that the writings of the Bible are “breathed out by God” and communicated through human authors who were guided by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21, ESV). This means that the message of Scripture ultimately originates from God even though it was written through human voices. If that is true, an important implication follows. A message that comes from a trustworthy God should itself be trustworthy. Before moving further into questions about authority and interpretation, we must clarify what Christians mean when they say that Scripture can be trusted.
What Does It Mean to Say That Scripture Is Trustworthy?
Trustworthiness and the Character of God
The trustworthiness of Scripture begins with the character of the One who reveals it. The Bible consistently describes God as truthful and faithful.
The psalmist writes:
“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”
— Psalm 119:160 (ESV)
If God speaks truthfully, then the message that originates from Him reflects that same truthfulness.
The reliability of Scripture therefore rests ultimately on the reliability of God Himself.
Truthful Communication Through Human Language
Because Scripture was written through human authors, it communicates God’s message using ordinary human language. The biblical writers used historical narrative, poetry, prophecy, and letters to express the revelation they received.
This means that Scripture should be read according to the normal patterns of language. Poetry uses imagery. Historical narratives describe events. Letters address specific situations.
Trustworthiness does not mean that every passage functions in the same literary form. It means that each passage communicates truth according to the purpose for which it was written.
Reliability in What Scripture Affirms
When Christians speak about the reliability of Scripture, they mean that the Bible faithfully communicates the truths that God intends to reveal.
This includes truths about God’s character, the nature of humanity, the problem of sin, and the plan of redemption.
The purpose of Scripture is not to provide an exhaustive explanation of every subject in the world. Its primary purpose is to reveal God and His relationship with humanity.
Within that purpose, the message of Scripture is trustworthy.
Jesus and the Reliability of Scripture
Jesus Himself spoke about the reliability of the Scriptures. In His teaching He frequently referred to the written Word as a dependable foundation.
In one statement He said:
“Scripture cannot be broken.”
— John 10:35 (ESV)
This expression reflects the confidence that the message preserved in Scripture is dependable and authoritative.
Jesus treated the Scriptures not as uncertain traditions but as the reliable Word of God.
Trust That Encourages Careful Reading
Confidence in the trustworthiness of Scripture does not eliminate the need for careful interpretation. Readers must still consider context, literary form, and historical setting.
However, trust in the message encourages patient study rather than skepticism. The reader approaches Scripture expecting coherence rather than contradiction.
Because the message originates from God, the text deserves careful attention.
Personal Reflection Questions
Understanding
What does it mean to say that Scripture is trustworthy in what it teaches?
Examination
Do I approach the Bible expecting truth and coherence, or with quiet suspicion?
Where do I need to slow down and seek the author’s intended meaning instead of rushing to my own conclusions?
Action
What passage could I study this week with the goal of understanding what it meant before asking how it applies to me?
Before We Head Out: What Have We Learned, and Where Is It Leading Us?
The trustworthiness of Scripture rests on the character of God, who speaks truthfully and faithfully. Because the Bible originates from God’s revelation, it communicates truth through human language and literary forms. This reliability applies to the truths that Scripture intends to teach about God, humanity, and redemption. Jesus Himself affirmed the dependable authority of the written Scriptures (John 10:35). With this foundation in place, the next essay will explore how the reliability of Scripture relates to the authority it carries within the life of believers and the community of faith.