Guided by The Gospel – Issue 178 (Questions of Faith: Did Jesus Confirm the Bible Is God’s Word?)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Many Christians believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God—but did Jesus Himself affirm this? Skeptics often argue that the Bible is merely a collection of religious writings, shaped by human interpretation. Even among believers, some wrestle with the question: Did Jesus explicitly validate the authority of Scripture?

If Jesus is God in the flesh, then what He says about Scripture carries ultimate authority. What did He teach about the Old Testament? Did He anticipate the New Testament? And how does His view of Scripture shape how we approach it today?

Let’s explore Jesus' words to understand why we can trust the Bible as the divine Word of God.

Jesus frequently referenced the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), treating them as divinely authoritative. He did not view them as mere religious tradition but as the very words of God:

• Matthew 4:4 – “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Quoting Deuteronomy 8:3)
• John 17:17 – “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Jesus also used the phrase “It is written” numerous times when addressing both followers and adversaries, showing He upheld the Scriptures as binding and authoritative (Matthew 21:13, Luke 24:46).

Some skeptics question whether biblical accounts, like Noah’s flood or Jonah in the whale, were literal events. Yet Jesus spoke of them as historical realities, not myths:

• Matthew 12:40 – “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
• Luke 17:26-27 – “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.”

Jesus did not treat these stories as symbolic fables but as factual history, reinforcing the Old Testament’s trustworthiness.

While the New Testament had not yet been written during Jesus' earthly ministry, He anticipated its formation. He promised that His teachings would continue through the apostles, led by the Holy Spirit:

• John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
• John 16:13 – “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”

These verses show that Jesus entrusted His apostles with preserving and spreading His message—a process that led to the writing of the New Testament under divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

If Jesus, the Son of God, affirmed Scripture as true, authoritative, and divinely inspired, then how should we approach it?

1. We should trust it as God’s Word. Jesus saw Scripture as absolute truth—so should we.
2. We should rely on it for guidance. Jesus used Scripture in temptation, teaching, and correction—so should we.
3. We should defend it with confidence. If Jesus validated the Bible, we can boldly stand on its truth today.

Jesus didn’t just confirm the Bible’s divine origin—He built His entire ministry upon it.

Practical Takeaway: What Does This Mean for Us?

• If Jesus trusted Scripture, we can too. His words leave no room for doubt—He saw the Bible as the very Word of God.
• Reading the Bible strengthens our faith. Jesus relied on Scripture in times of trial, and so should we.
• We should handle Scripture with reverence. It is not just a book—it is God’s revelation to us, meant to guide, correct, and transform our lives.

Reflection and Challenge - Have you ever struggled to trust the Bible as God’s inspired Word? Consider reflecting on Jesus’ view of Scripture and how it strengthens your confidence in God’s truth.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—share in the comments or feel free to reach out privately if you have questions.

With Hope and Faith,

Edward C. Thomas

Guided by The Gospel

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