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Why Believe the Bible?
We live in a culture that more and more questions authority, truth claims, and traditional beliefs. So what are we to believe about the authority and trustworthiness of a book that is thousands of years old? Is God's Word truly inerrant? How is it different from other religious texts? Why should we trust its claims?
In Why Believe the Bible? , esteemed Bible teacher John MacArthur asks--and definitively answers--these questions and many more, including
-Is the Bible the Word of God?
-Can we prove the Bible is true?
-How did the Bible come to be?
-What does it mean that the Scriptures are "inspired?"
-What did Jesus believe about God's Word?
-Who decided which books were part of the Bible?
Skeptics, new Christians, and longtime believers will find in this accessible book clear answers to vexing questions about the book that has arguably had more impact on the world than all other books combined. Includes a Bible reading plan with study tips and an appendix with helpful tools for Bible study.
In Why Believe the Bible? , esteemed Bible teacher John MacArthur asks--and definitively answers--these questions and many more, including
-Is the Bible the Word of God?
-Can we prove the Bible is true?
-How did the Bible come to be?
-What does it mean that the Scriptures are "inspired?"
-What did Jesus believe about God's Word?
-Who decided which books were part of the Bible?
Skeptics, new Christians, and longtime believers will find in this accessible book clear answers to vexing questions about the book that has arguably had more impact on the world than all other books combined. Includes a Bible reading plan with study tips and an appendix with helpful tools for Bible study.
206 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1928
77 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,931 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 17, 2017
I bought this used for $2.00. Whew! More than worth it.
Book Title.
Why Believe the Bible: the reliability of God's Word and its power to transform your life.
This isn't a book for Atheists, or people from other religions, or academics, or liberal theologians. This is a book made to inspire God's people to read and embrace HIS WORD. When I bought it, I assumed it was an almighty defense of scripture - but it's really not. But that's okay. In many ways it's even better.
"While there are many solid arguments for the authority of scripture, none of them are of much use if someone doesn't want to be convinced." (pg. 23)
I've spent years researching those solid arguments. Comically, most people would rather believe they spawned from their ape ancestors and the Bible is a tool of oppression created by some old monk like Guru's centuries ago. But I've read it, and i've also read up on the experts who boast that we came from Ape-like cave dwellers. Indeed, the Bible has less flaws in it than their peer reviewed fantasy. But a believer's gotta believe.
This is a book about Why a Christian should believe the Bible: Sure there's actual science and archaelogy, and known empires and history, as well as geology and biology, and philosophy through the ages to more than prove the Bible is factual. WE believe the Bible because it WORKS. Works how exactly? It makes sense of your life and existence. AS well as the world around us. Science mostly fails to do that - it can't decide whether a life of pleasure (at any cost) is better than a life of commitment and responsibility (at any cost). YES, the Bible guides us perfectly.
Funnily enough - i've chatted with many people who frustratingly declared: "I wish we had a guide book to this life". Well, we do. Duh!
At first there were few people: God spoke directly to them.
Then there were more people: God spoke to them through stories and prophets.
Then there were many people: God wrote down the essentials.
God authorized all of this. Those who did the writings - did the MIRACLES to prove they were authorized. (I haven't met anyone who recently does miracles. I've met a lot of liars and very confused Harry Potter wannabe's).
Here's the problem: If you don't like God, or His ways, Or His plan... You ain't gonna like or even comprehend His book. Personally, I've watched many Spiritually Blind people attempt to read the Bible and make sense of it. It's like they are reading blank pages or their copy is missing every second verse. When they attack the Bible: they simply embarrass themselves. This is easily fixable - just ask God for Help. He even said that He'd give us the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey.
Here's one of my favorite Weird verses in the Bible: Amos 8:11
"The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine on the land--not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD.
Sure, folks can read it. Study the Bible in schools, even go to church or a Tuesday Bible study... but a famine of Biblical proportions is happening in their souls. They just can't comprehend the Bible. And yet: I've met 8 year olds who can easily make sense of the entirety of scripture. And that is why John MacArthur wrote this book - to help Christians who just aren't getting it. And there are about a billion of them. Don't worry - there's a billion who DO GET IT.
There's enough in this book for a great group Bible study. Every chapter ends with a Personal Questions section. These would be fun to ask a few church friends who really are interested.
Okay, a few years ago I hosted a Bible study with friends. I went to the Christian book store to look for some Bible study book guides. Almost all the books had ridiculous questions like: "When Moses came across the burning bush", how did that make you feel? Do you have any burning bush moments in your life? What brand of hotdog goes best with a burning bush campfire? (basic emotional questions that don't offend anyone with Biblical truth or even teach clearly the text).
MacArthur shows us exactly how we read the bible wrong at times. He gives a hilarious example of a couple (from another church) who came for marriage counselling from an assistant pastor:
"What made the two of you get married?"
"A sermon our pastor preached on Joshua conquering Jericho."
"What did that have to do with getting married?"
"Our Pastor told us that if we trusted God, claimed a certain young girl and marched around her seven times, the walls of her heart would collapse and she would be willing to marry. So, I did it, and we got married."
What the Hell?!
I've watched Christians come up with crap like this. Basically making the Bible about THEM. Thankfully the very essential phrase "Context, context, context" has begun to bounce around Bible readers minds. Yes, when a story is about Joshua - LET IT be about Joshua. Later learn from it - but don't Freakin' Repeat it for your own personal Voodoo ceremony. And stop watching Harry Potter movies - they're above your pay grade.
Yep, this book teaches us how God recorded His word. How it was used and put together. And what the very people IN THE BIBLE did with it.
Many don't realize that the Old Testament endlessly points to the New Testament. And the New Testament endlessly quotes and validates the Old Testament. You can't have one without the other. Many have tried it and failed. Some are even dumb enough to JUST have the red letter words of Jesus. But, as we just said "Context, context, context.". We need the Old Testament and the Prophets to make sense of Jesus' words.
Some today claim we don't really need a Bible, we just need the personal Holy Spirit revelations of Jesus. WELL... That's not how Jesus wanted it. He even told a story:
Luke 16:
29But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
The Bible IS Moses and prophets. And the Apostles and a few Saints. That is how God wishes to convince and reach people.
A huge portion of this book is How To Read The Bible and Grow As A Christian. Sadly, most Christians show up for church (maybe not even most?), some help out, do some good social/friendly deeds... and are mostly ignorant about God/Jesus/Truth and Doctrine and Salvation. I've even heard Christians say, "I could never worship the God of the Old Testament." What?! It appears they failed to read the New Testament clearly as well: God hasn't changed His ways or plan. (Animal sacrifices in the O.T. - Jesus sacrifice in the N.T. ... Messiah King in the O.T. - Messiah King in the N.T.)
The Bible is clear: God is very specific. Jesus is the blood of the lamb for a reason. And it's not a nice reason - but it's a loving reason. And it makes sense of all reality: Good & Evil, meaning, origins, destiny, Justice, and relationships.
AS always, MacArthur wrote a great Biblical resource that turns our focus on God's Word. Keep em' coming.
Book Title.
Why Believe the Bible: the reliability of God's Word and its power to transform your life.
This isn't a book for Atheists, or people from other religions, or academics, or liberal theologians. This is a book made to inspire God's people to read and embrace HIS WORD. When I bought it, I assumed it was an almighty defense of scripture - but it's really not. But that's okay. In many ways it's even better.
"While there are many solid arguments for the authority of scripture, none of them are of much use if someone doesn't want to be convinced." (pg. 23)
I've spent years researching those solid arguments. Comically, most people would rather believe they spawned from their ape ancestors and the Bible is a tool of oppression created by some old monk like Guru's centuries ago. But I've read it, and i've also read up on the experts who boast that we came from Ape-like cave dwellers. Indeed, the Bible has less flaws in it than their peer reviewed fantasy. But a believer's gotta believe.
This is a book about Why a Christian should believe the Bible: Sure there's actual science and archaelogy, and known empires and history, as well as geology and biology, and philosophy through the ages to more than prove the Bible is factual. WE believe the Bible because it WORKS. Works how exactly? It makes sense of your life and existence. AS well as the world around us. Science mostly fails to do that - it can't decide whether a life of pleasure (at any cost) is better than a life of commitment and responsibility (at any cost). YES, the Bible guides us perfectly.
Funnily enough - i've chatted with many people who frustratingly declared: "I wish we had a guide book to this life". Well, we do. Duh!
At first there were few people: God spoke directly to them.
Then there were more people: God spoke to them through stories and prophets.
Then there were many people: God wrote down the essentials.
God authorized all of this. Those who did the writings - did the MIRACLES to prove they were authorized. (I haven't met anyone who recently does miracles. I've met a lot of liars and very confused Harry Potter wannabe's).
Here's the problem: If you don't like God, or His ways, Or His plan... You ain't gonna like or even comprehend His book. Personally, I've watched many Spiritually Blind people attempt to read the Bible and make sense of it. It's like they are reading blank pages or their copy is missing every second verse. When they attack the Bible: they simply embarrass themselves. This is easily fixable - just ask God for Help. He even said that He'd give us the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey.
Here's one of my favorite Weird verses in the Bible: Amos 8:11
"The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine on the land--not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD.
Sure, folks can read it. Study the Bible in schools, even go to church or a Tuesday Bible study... but a famine of Biblical proportions is happening in their souls. They just can't comprehend the Bible. And yet: I've met 8 year olds who can easily make sense of the entirety of scripture. And that is why John MacArthur wrote this book - to help Christians who just aren't getting it. And there are about a billion of them. Don't worry - there's a billion who DO GET IT.
There's enough in this book for a great group Bible study. Every chapter ends with a Personal Questions section. These would be fun to ask a few church friends who really are interested.
Okay, a few years ago I hosted a Bible study with friends. I went to the Christian book store to look for some Bible study book guides. Almost all the books had ridiculous questions like: "When Moses came across the burning bush", how did that make you feel? Do you have any burning bush moments in your life? What brand of hotdog goes best with a burning bush campfire? (basic emotional questions that don't offend anyone with Biblical truth or even teach clearly the text).
MacArthur shows us exactly how we read the bible wrong at times. He gives a hilarious example of a couple (from another church) who came for marriage counselling from an assistant pastor:
"What made the two of you get married?"
"A sermon our pastor preached on Joshua conquering Jericho."
"What did that have to do with getting married?"
"Our Pastor told us that if we trusted God, claimed a certain young girl and marched around her seven times, the walls of her heart would collapse and she would be willing to marry. So, I did it, and we got married."
What the Hell?!
I've watched Christians come up with crap like this. Basically making the Bible about THEM. Thankfully the very essential phrase "Context, context, context" has begun to bounce around Bible readers minds. Yes, when a story is about Joshua - LET IT be about Joshua. Later learn from it - but don't Freakin' Repeat it for your own personal Voodoo ceremony. And stop watching Harry Potter movies - they're above your pay grade.
Yep, this book teaches us how God recorded His word. How it was used and put together. And what the very people IN THE BIBLE did with it.
Many don't realize that the Old Testament endlessly points to the New Testament. And the New Testament endlessly quotes and validates the Old Testament. You can't have one without the other. Many have tried it and failed. Some are even dumb enough to JUST have the red letter words of Jesus. But, as we just said "Context, context, context.". We need the Old Testament and the Prophets to make sense of Jesus' words.
Some today claim we don't really need a Bible, we just need the personal Holy Spirit revelations of Jesus. WELL... That's not how Jesus wanted it. He even told a story:
Luke 16:
29But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
The Bible IS Moses and prophets. And the Apostles and a few Saints. That is how God wishes to convince and reach people.
A huge portion of this book is How To Read The Bible and Grow As A Christian. Sadly, most Christians show up for church (maybe not even most?), some help out, do some good social/friendly deeds... and are mostly ignorant about God/Jesus/Truth and Doctrine and Salvation. I've even heard Christians say, "I could never worship the God of the Old Testament." What?! It appears they failed to read the New Testament clearly as well: God hasn't changed His ways or plan. (Animal sacrifices in the O.T. - Jesus sacrifice in the N.T. ... Messiah King in the O.T. - Messiah King in the N.T.)
The Bible is clear: God is very specific. Jesus is the blood of the lamb for a reason. And it's not a nice reason - but it's a loving reason. And it makes sense of all reality: Good & Evil, meaning, origins, destiny, Justice, and relationships.
AS always, MacArthur wrote a great Biblical resource that turns our focus on God's Word. Keep em' coming.
March 13, 2024
A great read. A disclaimer - MacArthur doesn’t completely deal with the question “why believe the Bible?”. I was expecting him to break it down in a similar way to how Voddie Baucham has been known to do it. By the end of the book he’s drifted from why to believe to how to read & study the Bible. A very beneficial read! Just not what I was expecting based upon the title.
January 25, 2025
This is a short yet incredibly helpful resource. The first section of the book is a great introduction into critical arguments on why we should trust the Bible, the second section is a beautiful systematic explanation of why the Bible matters, and the final chapters contain enormously helpful practical tools for Bible reading and study.
June 22, 2018
Very solid read. MacArthur stays to-the-point and always backs his claims with Scripture and relevant life examples.
March 31, 2021
A good basic popular level introduction to the believer's relationship to the Bible. There are indications that this was written early on in MacArthur's ministry. Like when he recommends a Study Bible that is not his own ;). Useful resource and very practical on many points.
Audio Book
Audio Book
September 24, 2018
This was one of the worst books I’ve read in the theology/apologetics genre. Basically the only people this will convince, are people who are already convinced.
This book is basically an argument for the inerrancy of the bible. I was actually very surprised at how weak it was, considering how respected John MacArthur is. He even has his own university, so I expected this book to have some sort of scholarship. But no, he used the bible to prove the bible, circular reasoning, personal experience, and just plain old assertions as his argument.
He seems to think that, because some people got together and signed a piece of paper in Chicago in the 70’s, that the debate on biblical inerrancy is over, it really isn’t, and if this book is an indication of the best arguments there are for biblical innerancy, it’s pretty clear why the debate is not over.
There are many presuppositions someone needs to make in order to take the arguments in this book seriously, and if someone already presupposes those things, it’s not much further to believe what MacArthur writes. But for someone like me, who does not believe that god exists, or that god inspired people to write the bible, or that scripture trumps science, or that rationality and reason should be considered secondary to what the bible says, the arguments fell flat.
Assertions without reason, and bold claims without evidence are not convincing. This book was a complete waste of my time and I wish I could give it less than one star. Absolute garbage.
This book is basically an argument for the inerrancy of the bible. I was actually very surprised at how weak it was, considering how respected John MacArthur is. He even has his own university, so I expected this book to have some sort of scholarship. But no, he used the bible to prove the bible, circular reasoning, personal experience, and just plain old assertions as his argument.
He seems to think that, because some people got together and signed a piece of paper in Chicago in the 70’s, that the debate on biblical inerrancy is over, it really isn’t, and if this book is an indication of the best arguments there are for biblical innerancy, it’s pretty clear why the debate is not over.
There are many presuppositions someone needs to make in order to take the arguments in this book seriously, and if someone already presupposes those things, it’s not much further to believe what MacArthur writes. But for someone like me, who does not believe that god exists, or that god inspired people to write the bible, or that scripture trumps science, or that rationality and reason should be considered secondary to what the bible says, the arguments fell flat.
Assertions without reason, and bold claims without evidence are not convincing. This book was a complete waste of my time and I wish I could give it less than one star. Absolute garbage.
July 2, 2017
Great book for all believers!
I got this book on the spur of the moment. I really didn't think I needed to read a book to find why I should believe the Bible. I had read several books on this topic and I believe the Bible and I know why. But I felt a real urge to get this and I am so glad!!
I especially found the sections on Bible study to be the best part. MacArthur put forward some things I had never heard of. The biggest was his method of reading a book of the Bible every day for 30 days starting with short books like 1 John. It sounded crazy to me. For longer books you divide them into sections and read them every day for 30 days. I am excited to start using this method. Other things like inductive study were not new but well presented.
This is a book every Christian will find useful. John particularly emphasizes application of what we learn and that is vital for all of us in these last days!
I got this book on the spur of the moment. I really didn't think I needed to read a book to find why I should believe the Bible. I had read several books on this topic and I believe the Bible and I know why. But I felt a real urge to get this and I am so glad!!
I especially found the sections on Bible study to be the best part. MacArthur put forward some things I had never heard of. The biggest was his method of reading a book of the Bible every day for 30 days starting with short books like 1 John. It sounded crazy to me. For longer books you divide them into sections and read them every day for 30 days. I am excited to start using this method. Other things like inductive study were not new but well presented.
This is a book every Christian will find useful. John particularly emphasizes application of what we learn and that is vital for all of us in these last days!
December 19, 2024
I'd probably re-title this book something like "Getting to know the Bible." I expected it to be an apologetic for the trustworthiness of scripture, and it was that for a while. But much of the content goes above and beyond that, such as teaching strategies for Bible study and daily Bible reading. A good thing, to be sure! I just didn't expect it from the title. Definitely recommend, especially for young/new believers.
April 30, 2023
For starters, I appreciate McArthurs love of the Bible. However, this was not worth the read. His substantive arguments for inerrancy are weak—zero scholarship.
February 2, 2019
I did not buy this book but I did check it out of my library. I just finished it and wanted to write down my thoughts.
I'm disappointed but happy to warn you this was barely worth the read if at all... I can't recommend it for everyone.
The author was a signatory of an evangelical conference statement on the inerrancy of the bible. As such, I was hoping to get some insight into his own thoughts... I didn't. The most powerful section of the book was a verbatim appendix on the "Chicago Statement". That statement is available online - https://carm.org/chicago-statement-of... . Or just search it.
MacArthur bases his argument on 4 foundations.
1) His personal experience
2) Science - very poor, very brief discussion of this by the way
3) Archaeology - even worse discussion here
4) The prophetic power of the Bible - many already having been fulfilled - again poor presentation in my opinion
If you read that it will save you the read here except for the second appendix which is a fairly clear statement on faith and theology with respect to inerrancy. Since the author's take is basically about his personal experience (the other 3 reasons above are so poorly expressed as to deserve editorial striking) let me say there is zero difference between the Chicago Statement and this book as a whole. It is littered with scripture and study questions post each chapter that portend to inspire authority and direction. If you want that in your life then this book may be for you.
As others have stated ... if you already believe or tolerate this doctrine you are going find the book helpful to start on that path. Otherwise, read the Chicago Statement and get on with your life for Christ's sake.
Ultimately a bad choice based on the title. There are other places to read about inerrancy. Wikipedia is going to get you more perspective. Having read this book I would say MacArthur and the Chicago theologians are in the evangelical inerrancy school as it would pertain to the new testament at least.
I read this along with two others to gain Christian perspective for the 2020 election. The other two were Bob Goff's Love Does and Elaine Pagels Why Religion? It somewhat inspired me to write reviews. I think I'm going to blog that.
Anyhow... that's my take. Sorry for colloquialism. The tone of this book is anything but that.
I'm disappointed but happy to warn you this was barely worth the read if at all... I can't recommend it for everyone.
The author was a signatory of an evangelical conference statement on the inerrancy of the bible. As such, I was hoping to get some insight into his own thoughts... I didn't. The most powerful section of the book was a verbatim appendix on the "Chicago Statement". That statement is available online - https://carm.org/chicago-statement-of... . Or just search it.
MacArthur bases his argument on 4 foundations.
1) His personal experience
2) Science - very poor, very brief discussion of this by the way
3) Archaeology - even worse discussion here
4) The prophetic power of the Bible - many already having been fulfilled - again poor presentation in my opinion
If you read that it will save you the read here except for the second appendix which is a fairly clear statement on faith and theology with respect to inerrancy. Since the author's take is basically about his personal experience (the other 3 reasons above are so poorly expressed as to deserve editorial striking) let me say there is zero difference between the Chicago Statement and this book as a whole. It is littered with scripture and study questions post each chapter that portend to inspire authority and direction. If you want that in your life then this book may be for you.
As others have stated ... if you already believe or tolerate this doctrine you are going find the book helpful to start on that path. Otherwise, read the Chicago Statement and get on with your life for Christ's sake.
Ultimately a bad choice based on the title. There are other places to read about inerrancy. Wikipedia is going to get you more perspective. Having read this book I would say MacArthur and the Chicago theologians are in the evangelical inerrancy school as it would pertain to the new testament at least.
I read this along with two others to gain Christian perspective for the 2020 election. The other two were Bob Goff's Love Does and Elaine Pagels Why Religion? It somewhat inspired me to write reviews. I think I'm going to blog that.
Anyhow... that's my take. Sorry for colloquialism. The tone of this book is anything but that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2023
This book was, unfortunately, disappointing at best. I had high hopes for getting answers to some questions from the book, but if anything it just presented even more frustration. First of all, only about one third of this book is dedicated to the titular question about why we can believe the Bible. The rest of the book is dedicated to how to use the Bible and recommendations for a Bible study. Second, I thought his arguments (if you can even use that word) were circular, weak and repetitive. In his defense of why the Bible is believable, he rambles on, using odd, blunt and sometimes irrelevant stories to try to make a point but woefully fails to hit the mark. I also found his reasoning to be arrogant in some parts as well as patronizing in others. The divine inspiration of the Word of God is ultimately a mystery (as admitted by the Chicago Statement in Appendix B), yet he tries to put forward his reasoning as fact while failing to provide any substantial logic as to why he is proporting these statements to be true. In doing this, he contradicts himself in several places and is at best providing a very high level, vague explanation of how one can believe the Bible.
If you’re a Christian looking for an echo chamber, this book is for you. However, if you’re looking for a well-articulated, deep-dive on the merits of the Bible’s truthfulness and inerrancy (without simply being accused of not having the Spirit as a throw away argument) then look elsewhere and don’t waste your time.
If you’re a Christian looking for an echo chamber, this book is for you. However, if you’re looking for a well-articulated, deep-dive on the merits of the Bible’s truthfulness and inerrancy (without simply being accused of not having the Spirit as a throw away argument) then look elsewhere and don’t waste your time.
January 15, 2024
Incredible summary of studying and approaching the Bible. A bit simple at times, but is encouraging to be reminded of such truths and perspectives.
Some quotes:
“The only one who can free a slave is someone with rightfil heirship or place in the family. Only the father or the son can release the slaves. The same is true on a spiritual plane. If Chris the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”
“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover. up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king" (1 Pet. 2:16-17).”
“The Word of God is the only thing we know of, apart from the Trinity itself, that is alive in an eternal sense.”
Some quotes:
“The only one who can free a slave is someone with rightfil heirship or place in the family. Only the father or the son can release the slaves. The same is true on a spiritual plane. If Chris the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”
“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover. up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king" (1 Pet. 2:16-17).”
“The Word of God is the only thing we know of, apart from the Trinity itself, that is alive in an eternal sense.”
January 12, 2021
In this easy-to-read primer about the Bible, MacArthur explains,
- why we can believe the Bible
- what the Bible means for us
- how to get the most out of the Bible
MacArthur explains the inspiration, inerrancy, authority of the Bible. He also speaks of the truth and freedom, the guide to knowing God's will, the way to grow as a Christian according to the Bible. He also has a couple of chapters on how to study the Bible.
- why we can believe the Bible
- what the Bible means for us
- how to get the most out of the Bible
MacArthur explains the inspiration, inerrancy, authority of the Bible. He also speaks of the truth and freedom, the guide to knowing God's will, the way to grow as a Christian according to the Bible. He also has a couple of chapters on how to study the Bible.
April 4, 2023
Listened to it via Audible+.
A wonderful introduction to the Bible, expositing the doctrine of Scripture (inspiration, infallibility, etc.), practical applications, and how to read and interpret Scripture.
MacArthur in this book excels in providing basic, clear, yet rich truths about the Bible. A useful recommendation was to go through the Old Testament in a year (around 3 chapters a day) and to read through one book of the New Testament every day for 30 days (or a section of a New Testament book for the longer books). I have been following essentially this plan even before I read this book, and MacArthur's points about being able to grasp the flow and logic of a book rang true. Another important emphasis is that Scripture is meant to be read, intellectually understood with the help of the Spirit, and moreover applied.
Excellent.
A wonderful introduction to the Bible, expositing the doctrine of Scripture (inspiration, infallibility, etc.), practical applications, and how to read and interpret Scripture.
MacArthur in this book excels in providing basic, clear, yet rich truths about the Bible. A useful recommendation was to go through the Old Testament in a year (around 3 chapters a day) and to read through one book of the New Testament every day for 30 days (or a section of a New Testament book for the longer books). I have been following essentially this plan even before I read this book, and MacArthur's points about being able to grasp the flow and logic of a book rang true. Another important emphasis is that Scripture is meant to be read, intellectually understood with the help of the Spirit, and moreover applied.
Excellent.
July 25, 2017
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was just about why the Bible was reliable. Though it definitely covers that, it also takes you through how to read and study the Bible in a way that will help you grow in Christ. I really enjoyed reading this book. It will certainly be something that I come back to as a reference source.
October 16, 2018
A powerful tool for both learning to defend the innerency and sanctity of the Bible against the skeptics of our times, and to improve your own Bible study. The vast majority is a defense of the Scripture and then, after the book convinces you of the importance of the Bible in your life, the final chapters are applicable aids to improve personal bible study.
March 10, 2020
Another solid read by MacArthur - rock solid theologically, as he always is, but not out of reach for the layperson or "non-educated" Christian. For either the new believer, seeker, or non-believer, this is a book I would recommend -- especially if you have doubts about Scripture or its authenticity.
April 16, 2024
I always love the words of John MacArthur. There were some moments where he spoke to hippies and that's when I knew this was a classic, though when it was written, hippies had already disappeared.
I listened while doing other things and never felt bored once except the last chapter which was hard to keep my mind on.
I listened while doing other things and never felt bored once except the last chapter which was hard to keep my mind on.
May 25, 2018
Some good reminders here.
May 3, 2022
A full review to appear on my blog in time.
July 8, 2023
Great book, many wonderful points, and good resources included at the end.
August 25, 2023
A lot of the material in this book has been covered in MacArthur’s previous books. Still his passion for the Bible remains infectious.
March 6, 2024
The book was clear to understand the author's points he was trying to get across. straight to the point and focused.
December 10, 2024
Fantastic read.
Read
December 21, 2025Classic MacArthur! I appreciate the practical stuff at the end of the book. It is a primer on Biblical authority and bibliology!
December 18, 2023
This book is one that you’d most likely keep going back to. I really enjoyed it as there is so much to learn from Johnny Mac. A lot of my own questions were answered and so I definitely recommend this book for everyone, whether you’re an unbeliever, baby believer or been a believer for many years.
“Without the Holy Spirit, the Bible is "just another book.” When we have the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts the Bible is THE Book.”
~
"The Bible is the absolute authority for everyone. It is infallible, inerrant, effective, and absolutely authoritative. It is the final word on how we should all live."
— John F. MacArthur
“Without the Holy Spirit, the Bible is "just another book.” When we have the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts the Bible is THE Book.”
~
"The Bible is the absolute authority for everyone. It is infallible, inerrant, effective, and absolutely authoritative. It is the final word on how we should all live."
— John F. MacArthur
January 28, 2016
Good reading.
Easy to follow.
But I see this as a book more writeen for christians that want to reinforce they fait.
I dont see to much as a book for someone who does not believe in bible.
More chapters should be dedicated to expain what profs there are that show bible's inspiration.
Globally the books starts very well, with a very good introductions.
First chapter is very good, at the end I see as a book more for christians.
Easy to follow.
But I see this as a book more writeen for christians that want to reinforce they fait.
I dont see to much as a book for someone who does not believe in bible.
More chapters should be dedicated to expain what profs there are that show bible's inspiration.
Globally the books starts very well, with a very good introductions.
First chapter is very good, at the end I see as a book more for christians.
January 28, 2016
While the content is generally good barely a third of it is actually about the question posed in the title, "Why Believe the Bible?". and even where it does try answer that it does it rather superficially.
The rest of the book covers Christian living and how to grow as a Christian. Good content, poor marketing. This is not the apologetics type book I was looking for. So in the end it was disappointing.
The rest of the book covers Christian living and how to grow as a Christian. Good content, poor marketing. This is not the apologetics type book I was looking for. So in the end it was disappointing.
January 19, 2016
Good, and precise. Excellent read for Christians at any stage, or even those who wish to know more about the Bible.
Some parts could have been more in depth, but having said that, this was meant to be an overview.
Some parts could have been more in depth, but having said that, this was meant to be an overview.
October 26, 2015
Simple look into why believe the bible, MaCarthur presents issues that are brought up with the bible and handles them short and sweet.
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