HCC Theological Survey: The Bible is 100% Accurate

In recent years, the Bible and Christianity as a whole have come under attack. It seems as if there is a renewed effort on the part of those who lean towards agnosticism and atheism to give foundation to their unbelief. If they can disprove the authenticity of Scripture then they, of course, do not need to recognize or submit to its authority.
Unfortunately for them, though, the accuracy and the authenticity of Scripture have not been affected by their attacks. The Bible has proven to be more historically and archaeologically accurate than any other ancient book. It has been subjected to the most rigorous scientific and textual analysis possible and has been proven to be authentic in every way. Not one archeological discovery has disproven any portion of the Bible. To the contrary, science and archeology continue to prove the authenticity of Scripture.
Looking at just the books of Luke and Acts, here are a few examples of the specificity and the accuracy with which the Bible speaks:

• In the book of Acts, Luke mentions 32 countries, 54 cities, and 9 Mediterranean islands. He also lists 95 people by name, 62 of which are not named elsewhere in the New Testament. (Bruce Metzger, The New Testament: Its Background, Growth, Content, 171).
• Sir William Ramsey, who initially doubted Luke’s reliability, did many years of “on site” study of these matters; he eventually classified “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14) as one of “the very greatest of historians” who ever lived (Luke the Physician, 222).
• Noted scholar Philip Schaff once observed that the final two chapters of Acts have provided more information about the details of ancient sea navigation than any other document of antiquity (Theological Propaeduetic, 132-133).

These are just a few of the countless examples that we could give that prove the veracity of the Bible. In addition, we could mention the amount of surviving manuscripts, the precision of how the Bible was preserved as well as the accuracy of today’s translations to the ancient texts.   All of this “unparalleled accuracy” elevates the Bible above all other books. Even the best historians cannot avoid an occasional mistake. Yet, the writers of Scripture, guided by the Spirit of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17), were protected from the inclusion of error into their works; thus making the Bible completely accurate and authoritative, regardless of the topic that it addresses.

1. The Bible claims to be true

The theological term that is used to describe the Bible’s accuracy is “inerrant,” which means the impossibility of any error. Although the term “inerrant” is not found in Scripture, the principle of  accuracy, perfection and truth is clearly seen.   Here are a few verses that emphasize the infallibility of the Bible:
Psalm 19: 7-9 – The law of the Lord is perfect… the testimonies of the Lord are sure…the precepts of the Lord are right… the commandment of the Lord is clean, enduring forever… the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
Psalm 119:43 – “…the word of truth”
Psalm 119:160 —“The sum of your word is true.”
John 17:17 —“Your word is truth.”

2. The Bible must be true

The simple truth is that an inaccurate Bible would undermine the authority of Scripture. If the Bible were not true about things that are tangible (history, genealogies, science, etc.), how could we trust it for things that are intangible (the character of God heaven, hell, the forgiveness of sins, etc.).   No, the Bible must be true or God is a liar and our faith is in vain.
Titus 1:2 – In the hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.
Hebrews 6:18 – So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
So, believer have confidence in the fact that the Bible that you hold in your hands is 100% accurate.  It contains no errors, untruths or exaggerations. It is worthy of your confidence, your trust and your obedience.