The Bible stands at the heart of the Christian faith. But this leads to an inescapable question: why should we trust the Bible? Written to help non-Christians, longtime Christians, and everyone in between better understand why God’s word is reliable, this short book explores the historical and theological arguments that have helped lead millions of believers through the centuries to trust the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Written by pastor Greg Gilbert, author of the popular books What Is the Gospel? and Who Is Jesus?, this volume will help Christians articulate why they trust the Bible when it comes to who God is, who we are, and how we’re supposed to live.
Read Chapter 1
- Don’t Believe Everything You Read
- Lost in Translation?
- Copies of Copies of Copies of Copies?
- Are These Really the Books You’re Looking For?
- But Can I Trust You?
- So Did It Happen?
- Take It on the Word of a Resurrected Man
A Final Word: The Next Question
Appendix: Resources for Further Exploration
Author
Greg Gilbert (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author of What Is the Gospel?; James: A 12-Week Study; and Who Is Jesus?; and is the coauthor of What Is the Mission of the Church? Greg and his wife, Moriah, have three children.
Endorsements
“Now more than ever, Christians need to know how to defend the truth of God’s Word in the midst of an increasingly hostile world. In this book for Christians and non-Christians alike, Gilbert sets forth compelling arguments in support of the trustworthiness of the Bible—equipping believers with an important tool for engaging a skeptical world.”
Josh McDowell, author and speaker
“This book fills a great need in a day when people raise all kinds of legitimate questions about the Bible and its trustworthiness before they’ll even open it to take a look. Greg Gilbert’s Why Trust the Bible? answers that question by examining a series of issues people often raise in order to not take a look at this greatest of books. In everyday language, he shows why we can trust Scripture and pay attention to what it says about life.”
Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director of Cultural Engagement, The Hendricks Center, Dallas Theological Seminary
“‘Can we really trust the Bible?’ It’s an important question to consider, especially in the face of our culture’s skepticism. Greg Gilbert takes on this question directly, providing clear and convincing answers that will help the reader fully trust the Scriptures. Why Trust the Bible? is a great resource for equipping Christians to passionately defend the Bible, and it also challenges skeptics to rethink their position. I benefitted greatly from reading this book.”
Christian Wegert, Senior Pastor, Arche Gemeinde, Hamburg, Germany
“This outstanding book provides a magnificent summary of the evidence in support of the Bible’s historicity. It is well argued, brief, thorough, highly readable, and compelling. I not only recommend it but will also seek to give it to many friends—both believers and skeptics.”
William Taylor, Rector, St. Helen's Bishopsgate, London; author, Understanding the Times and Partnership
“Many students I meet know that they should trust the Bible, but they don’t know why—and so they often don’t. This book tackles that question with clarity and ease. Well researched and accessibly written, this will be one of my new go-to resources for earnest seekers and new believers.”
J. D. Greear, President, Southern Baptist Convention; author, Not God Enough; Pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
“Greg Gilbert makes for a friendly, convincing guide along one important pathway to trusting the Bible. He lays out an amazingly simple strand of good sense that weaves its way right through the many complex arguments for Scripture’s reliability as a historical document. For those investigating the Bible—and for those who love to share it—this book lights the way, not only to clear thinking about Scripture but also to meeting the risen Christ.”
Kathleen Nielson, author; speaker; Senior Adviser, The Gospel Coalition