All of have doubted the Bible at one time or another. Like when a friend stumps us with a Bible question. Or when we happen upon an apparent discrepancy in the scriptures. Jesus was doubted even after his resurrection. Why not His Word?
Perspective of the scriptures.
How do you view the Bible? Is it a nice book of stories to you or is it The Word of God? Do you believe some of it or all of it? Do you wonder if the Bible has errors? Do you welcome questions about the Bible and your faith, or does that terrify you?
To me, the Bible is so much more than leather bound ink on paper. It is the Word of God! It doesn't just contain truth; it is truth! But please don't take my word for it; open your Bible and read it for yourself. Catch a glimpse of God's perspective of His Word...
Psalms 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
God's Word is perfect and doesn't need an update, revision or addition...
Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
God's Word is accurate and forever protected by God himself...
Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
The Word of God will save us...
1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
His Word will outlast everything...
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
How's that for perspective? The Bible is much more than coffee table decoration. It is the powerful Word of God! It is truth regardless of what modern science decrees, how Hollywood acts out, or what TV news anchors broadcast. They, along with the rest of the world will pass away while the Word of God remains.
Truth isn't necessarily popular or flashy, but it's still truth. And truth, as Jesus declared, will make us free. More often than not, truth is simple. While some "sophisticated" souls will resist this simplistic view of the scriptures, God will be revealing deep and hidden truths to those with more of a child like heart...
Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
When I've encountered doubts or scriptural conflicts, I've stopped and reset my faith on the foundational premise found in John 17:17: Thy Word Is Truth. From there I've sought God to help me understand what I'm missing. It may have taken me a while to hear, but He has always answered. The "conflict" was resolved and the Bible remained truth. Even if they don't like where it points, hikers don't usually argue with a compass.
Confidence that disspells doubts can be found when we get into the Word and the Word gets into us! It's how I know the Bible is true!
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (Psalms 19:7-11)