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Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible
'In a society where relativism is the most acclaimed philosophy, it is of utmost importance that Christians believe absolutely that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.' Erwin Lutzer takes readers on a journey of faith where they are asked some of the most fundamental questions a person could ask. In his readable, yet profound style, Lutzer critically examines proof that will determine supernatural authenticity of the Bible.
216 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 1998
64 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Erwin W. Lutzer
165 books277 followersErwin W. Lutzer is senior pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Loyola University, he is the author of numerous books, including the Gold Medallion Award winner "Hitler's Cross" and the best seller "One Minute After You Die". He is also a teacher on radio programs heard on more than 700 stations throughout the United States and the world, including "Songs in the Night," "The Moody Church Hour," and the daily feature "Running to Win." He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area and have three married children and seven grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 23, 2015
"We don't have the luxury to pick and choose what we consider to be from God and what is not". Many Christians today do pick and choose but Erwin Lutzer has a consistent worldview. He doesn't compromise on the Bible. It's either all true or it's not.
So far I agree with Lutzer. But his arguments for the Bible are not very impressive. There's lots of circular reasoning (he even has a chapter where he tries to prove the Bible is God's word because the Bible says it is God's word, which he claims is not a circular argument). He talks a lot about Bible prophecies proving the Bible's divine origin, dismissing all claims that some of these prophecies may have been written after the events. He also spends a long chapter discussing the creation-evolution issue, quoting the infamous Henry Morris (founder of the Institute for Creation Research), as well as "intelligent design" proponent Michael Behe, while dismissing all arguments against creationism or in favor of evolution. Lutzer's theory seems to be that evolutionists are all morally and intellectually corrupt. Indeed, Lutzer suggests the reason some people may not be convinced by his book is because of their "fundamental unwillingness to investigate the Scriptures seriously". (You know, because the Bible is true because it is true, and anyone who still doesn't believe it after reading the brilliant Erwin Lutzer repeat all the old arguments is morally and/or intellectually corrupt. Because the Bible says so.)
Oh, and he also uses the old cliché about "the slaughter of millions under the atheistic regimes of Stalin, Lenin, Hitler, Ceaucescu, and Pol Pot" (whose crimes were, of course, motivated by their dogmatic, sometimes almost religious, political ideologies). Lutzer also doesn't seem to know the difference between atheism and secularism or between a secular state and totalitarian state atheism, or even between atheism and new age. I don't know if Lutzer is intentionally trying to mislead his reader or if he is just ignorant.
This book was a rehash of the same old arguments for faith, combined with lots of misrepresentations of all opposing viewpoints. Or, it's just that I'm so morally corrupt I shun the light and prefer to hide in the darkness.
(The book seems to be a new, updated (i.e. with lots of references to the "high priests" of atheism, Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris) edition of a book originally published in 1998)
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook by Moody Publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So far I agree with Lutzer. But his arguments for the Bible are not very impressive. There's lots of circular reasoning (he even has a chapter where he tries to prove the Bible is God's word because the Bible says it is God's word, which he claims is not a circular argument). He talks a lot about Bible prophecies proving the Bible's divine origin, dismissing all claims that some of these prophecies may have been written after the events. He also spends a long chapter discussing the creation-evolution issue, quoting the infamous Henry Morris (founder of the Institute for Creation Research), as well as "intelligent design" proponent Michael Behe, while dismissing all arguments against creationism or in favor of evolution. Lutzer's theory seems to be that evolutionists are all morally and intellectually corrupt. Indeed, Lutzer suggests the reason some people may not be convinced by his book is because of their "fundamental unwillingness to investigate the Scriptures seriously". (You know, because the Bible is true because it is true, and anyone who still doesn't believe it after reading the brilliant Erwin Lutzer repeat all the old arguments is morally and/or intellectually corrupt. Because the Bible says so.)
Oh, and he also uses the old cliché about "the slaughter of millions under the atheistic regimes of Stalin, Lenin, Hitler, Ceaucescu, and Pol Pot" (whose crimes were, of course, motivated by their dogmatic, sometimes almost religious, political ideologies). Lutzer also doesn't seem to know the difference between atheism and secularism or between a secular state and totalitarian state atheism, or even between atheism and new age. I don't know if Lutzer is intentionally trying to mislead his reader or if he is just ignorant.
This book was a rehash of the same old arguments for faith, combined with lots of misrepresentations of all opposing viewpoints. Or, it's just that I'm so morally corrupt I shun the light and prefer to hide in the darkness.
(The book seems to be a new, updated (i.e. with lots of references to the "high priests" of atheism, Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris) edition of a book originally published in 1998)
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook by Moody Publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2025
This was for my Dad, part of an I’ll-read-this-if-you-read-this situation. :) I was undeniably biased going into it, but trying to take a step back and steel man the arguments didn’t help. I won’t go through all seven of the reasons, as I’m trying to keep this short, but a few things that stand out: The author frequently states we have two options but gives no explanation as to why only two, almost like his brand of Christianity cannot comprehend gray areas. (Pg. 51: “The Bible is either true or it is a forgery…it is either the Word of God or the misleading, deceptive words of men.”) He also regularly employs circular reasoning - the Old Testament must be true because Christ references it as truth in the New Testament, etc. There’s the dismissal of evolution as a discredited theory scientists don’t take seriously, a passing reference linking atheism to Hitler, and the obligatory suggestion that those who find the book less than convincing may have hardened their hearts. A lot of what I expected, to be honest.
If you’re a Christian looking to back up your already established beliefs without going too deep, you may appreciate this one, but it’s not winning over any skeptics. The logic is faulty, and, quite frankly, there’s no reason to use so many exclamation points.
If you’re a Christian looking to back up your already established beliefs without going too deep, you may appreciate this one, but it’s not winning over any skeptics. The logic is faulty, and, quite frankly, there’s no reason to use so many exclamation points.
September 20, 2014
A very good book on the defense of the Bible. Erwin Lutzer does a very good job in giving reasons that we should trust our Bibles in the midst of all attacks against it. The reasons are well documented with Biblical references and with references to other professionals in many walks of life. This is a must read for people who are questioning the validity of the Bible as God's Word.
July 24, 2011
very interesting book. I can't agree wholeheartedly with all of it, but most of it was right on the money. But if you are already a bible believer, you don't need facts to convince you, and if you aren't a Bible believer, than no amount of facts will ever be enough for you.
June 12, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Given the widespread ignorance of scriptures and the savage nature of attacks by theological liberals and secular humanistic opponents of God, this author has sought to add to the writing that exists concerning the reliability of scripture [1] in this appealing and well-organized and honest work. Although frequent readers of apologetic works will find much in here that is echoed in other works, this book expresses the material in a humane way that avoids overstating his case, admitting the necessity of faith, and even openly wrestles with the distinction between Protestants and Catholics over the relative authority of scripture as opposed to the Church. As a result of its approach, this is definitely an appealing apologetic work and it is little surprise that over 150,000 copies of this book are in print, as the book's front cover humbly proclaims. This revised edition of a best-selling book is one that ought to be appreciated by many who wish to defend and discover the basic validity of the Bible.
In terms of its contents, the author straightforwardly discusses the validity and trustworthiness of the Bible through seven distinct lines of argument. Really, the book is not about 7 reasons so much as seven connected families of reasons: the Bible's internal evidence, historical reliability, prophetic validity, claims of Christ, harmony between science (properly applied) and the Bible, the divine providence in the preservation of scripture, and the power of the Bible to change lives. Throughout the the book the author uses a range of evidence from a brief discussion of intelligent design and a discussion from anecdotal evidence about the conversion of former enemies of God into Bible believers to demonstrate the legitimacy of a belief in the Bible. Throughout, though, the author gives an honest admission of the fact that while one can prove the validity of scripture through means of reason and evidence--plenty of which exists in terms of archaeology and the continual supporting evidence for the belief in human depravity--there are plenty of people who demand an impossible standard for God's word. While the Bible's validity can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, it cannot be proved beyond unreasonable ones for those who have hardened their hearts and minds against testimony on its behalf.
Nevertheless, for either fair-minded doubters (to whom the book's closing section is directly addressed) or believers in the Bible, this book is one that has pleased a large audience of readers and is likely to please many more in the future. The book is aimed primarily at the sort of doubts that believers are likely to face given the biases present in contemporary culture hostile to God's ways. It is, in short, a book designed to ramp up the intellectual confidence of believers in the face of the slanders and libels put against the Bible by self-professed contemporary scholars, some of whom this book deals with in an elegant but decisive fashion. It should be noted, though, that a great deal of struggle with God comes as a result of the difficulties of life, and while this book does discuss the question of free will, it should be noted that this book does not attempt a detailed justification of the existence of evil in this world or the reasons for the suffering of humanity, but rather seeks to give a positive defense of scripture based on its own claims and the evidence that can be found for this in history and archaeology and science as well as in logic and human reasoning. Within its limits, this is a book to treasure and appreciate and to use appropriately as an apologetic resource.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
Given the widespread ignorance of scriptures and the savage nature of attacks by theological liberals and secular humanistic opponents of God, this author has sought to add to the writing that exists concerning the reliability of scripture [1] in this appealing and well-organized and honest work. Although frequent readers of apologetic works will find much in here that is echoed in other works, this book expresses the material in a humane way that avoids overstating his case, admitting the necessity of faith, and even openly wrestles with the distinction between Protestants and Catholics over the relative authority of scripture as opposed to the Church. As a result of its approach, this is definitely an appealing apologetic work and it is little surprise that over 150,000 copies of this book are in print, as the book's front cover humbly proclaims. This revised edition of a best-selling book is one that ought to be appreciated by many who wish to defend and discover the basic validity of the Bible.
In terms of its contents, the author straightforwardly discusses the validity and trustworthiness of the Bible through seven distinct lines of argument. Really, the book is not about 7 reasons so much as seven connected families of reasons: the Bible's internal evidence, historical reliability, prophetic validity, claims of Christ, harmony between science (properly applied) and the Bible, the divine providence in the preservation of scripture, and the power of the Bible to change lives. Throughout the the book the author uses a range of evidence from a brief discussion of intelligent design and a discussion from anecdotal evidence about the conversion of former enemies of God into Bible believers to demonstrate the legitimacy of a belief in the Bible. Throughout, though, the author gives an honest admission of the fact that while one can prove the validity of scripture through means of reason and evidence--plenty of which exists in terms of archaeology and the continual supporting evidence for the belief in human depravity--there are plenty of people who demand an impossible standard for God's word. While the Bible's validity can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, it cannot be proved beyond unreasonable ones for those who have hardened their hearts and minds against testimony on its behalf.
Nevertheless, for either fair-minded doubters (to whom the book's closing section is directly addressed) or believers in the Bible, this book is one that has pleased a large audience of readers and is likely to please many more in the future. The book is aimed primarily at the sort of doubts that believers are likely to face given the biases present in contemporary culture hostile to God's ways. It is, in short, a book designed to ramp up the intellectual confidence of believers in the face of the slanders and libels put against the Bible by self-professed contemporary scholars, some of whom this book deals with in an elegant but decisive fashion. It should be noted, though, that a great deal of struggle with God comes as a result of the difficulties of life, and while this book does discuss the question of free will, it should be noted that this book does not attempt a detailed justification of the existence of evil in this world or the reasons for the suffering of humanity, but rather seeks to give a positive defense of scripture based on its own claims and the evidence that can be found for this in history and archaeology and science as well as in logic and human reasoning. Within its limits, this is a book to treasure and appreciate and to use appropriately as an apologetic resource.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
February 6, 2023
Good defense of the Bible's reliability, covering a range of topics, including Bible's claims, historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, Jesus' authority, canonicity, and more. It doesn't dive as deeply into these as other books, but is useful for its breadth.
Notes
Introduction
If objective morality exists, it must have come from a being independent of the universe. Finite humans can't discover moral absolutes on their own.
A Logical Reason: The Claims of the Bible
We should at least give Bible opportunity to show its claims about itself are consistent and worth believing, as we'd at least consider the claims of a stranger about themselves, or of a defendant in court, before weighing other claims.
OT claims to be God's Word: Ex 20:1-4; 7:1-2; Deut 8:3; 18:18-20; Isa 1:2; Jer 1; 1 Kin 20:13; 2 Kin 17:13; 2 Chr 12:5.
NT claims to be God's Word: 1 Cor 14:37-39; 1 Thess 2:13; 4:15; 1 Pet 1:23-25; Rev 22:18-19.
Bible is consistent across 66 books written by ~40 diverse authors over 1,500 yrs, showing its truth and single ultimate Author.
We become convinced the Bible is God's Word by the work of the Holy Spirit, which isn't the same as a subjective thought or feeling.
A Historical Reason: The Reliability of the Bible
Cyrenius was governor of Syria twice, when Christ was born, and later. Census records show one in 6-5 BC (time of Christ's birth).
There's record of Gaius Vivius, Roman prefect of Egypt, ordering residents to return to family homes for census.
Dead Sea Scroll copies of Isaiah were 95% same as modern copies, with ~1,000 yrs of difference. 5% variations were mostly obvious slips of the pen and spelling variations, none of which change religious meaning. With such little difference over a large time, we can be confident we have reliable copies of original documents.
A Prophetic Reason: The Predictions of the Bible
Accurate biblical prophecy shows its reliability.
Isa 44:26-28 and 45:1-3 accurately predicted Cyrus' name and decision 100 yrs before his birth and 150 yrs before his becoming king.
Dan 2:37-40 and Dan 11 accurately predicted rise of Alexander the Great, split of Alexander's kingdom among 4 generals, and rise of Antiochus Epiphanes 200 yrs in advance.
Bible contains many accurate predictions of Jesus' life hundreds of years in advance.
Messianic prophecies
• Micah 5:2 fulfilled by Mt 2:6.
• Isa 40:3 and Mal 3:1 fulfilled by Mt 3:1-2 and Mk 1:2-3.
• Isa 53:7 fulfilled by Mt 27:13-14.
• Isa 53:9 fulfilled by Mt 27:57-60.
• Ps 16:10 fulfilled by Acts 2:29-31.
• Ps 110:1 fulfilled by Acts 1:9 and Heb 1:3-4, 13.
A Christological Reason: The Authority of Christ
NT documents are reliable eyewitness accounts of Jesus, and they say He claimed to be omniscient God, and proved it. So, His opinion of OT matters.
Jesus taught OT is authoritative (Mk 12:24-27; Mt 5:17; 23:2-3, 23; Jn 5:39-47).
Jesus believed OT history (Mt 12:39-41; 19:4-5; 24:37-39; Jn 6:31-32).
Jesus believed OT prophecies (Lk 18:31-33; 22:37; 24:25-26, 46-47; Mt 26:24, 53-56; Mk 14:21; Jn 5:39, 46-47; 13:18).
Jesus believed OT is inspired and inerrant (Mt 5:17-18; Jn 10:34).
Disciples couldn't have invented Jesus
• Jesus was radically different from the Messiah the Jews expected (He invited Gentiles into His Kingdom, didn't overthrow Roman occupation, etc.).
• Jews were against idea of calling a human God.
• Disciples were skeptical until Jesus' resurrection.
A Scientific Reason: The Story of Creation
Attributes the Creator of the universe must possess
• Awesomely powerful (because cause must be greater than effect)
• Personal, with intelligence and will (because humans, which are creatures, have personality, intelligence, and will)
• Existing outside of time (because time is measured by motion of astronomical objects, and Creator must exist before them)
• Having right to end universe (because Creator created it)
Gaps evolution can't bridge
• Between nothing and matter. Nothing can't produce something. Even if matter was eternal, how could it have organized itself into complex forms?
• Between matter and life. 2nd law of thermodynamics prevents nonliving atoms from organizing into complex, energy-rich forms. Complex life forms arising by chance is so improbable as to be impossible. Irreducibly complex biological systems couldn't have arisen stepwise through evolution.
• Between humans and non-human life. Evolution can't account for human mind or soul.
A Providential Reason: The Canonical Reason
Jesus' Bible was same as OT Protestants use. In Mt 23:34-35, He mentions 2 murders that are at beginning and end of Hebrew OT (Gen 4 and 2 Chr 24).
Jesus considered OT authoritative (Mt 5:17; His many OT quotations and references).
Jews agreed that OT canon was closed ~400 BC with Malachi.
Apostles verified NT books (Lk 1:2; Acts 1:21-22; 1 Jn 1:2-3; 2 Pet 1:16-18).
Some NT books were regarded as Scripture immediately, or almost immediately (1 Thess 5:27; Col 4:16; Rev 1:3; 2 Pet 3:15-16; Jude 17; 1 Tim 5:18).
Hebrews was accepted as canonical even though its authorship was unknown because it's a powerful witness to Christ's fulfillment of OT.
By end of 1st century, all 27 NT books were written and received by churches. That some canonical lists were incomplete was often due to books being unknown in certain areas, not necessarily to rejection of those books.
By generation following apostles, every NT book had been cited as authoritative by a church father.
Because Church isn't infallible, it could've erred in its recognition of canonical books. However, we don't believe it erred, because there are no non-canonical books that deserve inclusion, and we believe God providentially guided the Church.
Apocryphal books aren't canonical
• NT books contain no direct quotations of apocryphal books.
• Apocrypha was never part of Hebrew OT; it was written in Greek, and appeared later than OT books.
• Contents of Apocrypha are subbiblical, and some stories are clearly fanciful.
• Apocrypha contains historical errors.
• Before Reformation, even Roman Catholic Church made distinction between Apocrypha and canonical OT.
• 1st official ratification of Apocrypha was 1546, and only ratified 11 of 15 apocryphal books.
Shepherd of Hermas teaches that if we add to our sins we can't be saved, and have only 1 chance at repentance. These ideas are unbiblical, so the book can't be canonical.
Gospel of Thomas contains unbiblical Gnostic teachings, and was unanimously rejected by early Church fathers.
A Personal Reason: The Power of the Word
Bible reflects God's character
• Perfect (Ps 19:7; 1 Pet 1:23-25; Jas 1:18
• Faithful (Ps 19:7)
• Righteous (Ps 19:8)
• Pure (Ps 19:8)
• Clean (Ps 19:9; Deut 4:10)
• True (Ps 19:9-14)
For Doubters Only
Advise doubter to read NT, especially John, a chapter a day, and before reading, to ask God to show them if it's true.
Types of doubt
• Factual: intellectual questions
• Volitional: choice to not believe, usually for moral reasons
• Emotional: difficulty believing due to anxiety, depression, guilt
Notes
Introduction
If objective morality exists, it must have come from a being independent of the universe. Finite humans can't discover moral absolutes on their own.
A Logical Reason: The Claims of the Bible
We should at least give Bible opportunity to show its claims about itself are consistent and worth believing, as we'd at least consider the claims of a stranger about themselves, or of a defendant in court, before weighing other claims.
OT claims to be God's Word: Ex 20:1-4; 7:1-2; Deut 8:3; 18:18-20; Isa 1:2; Jer 1; 1 Kin 20:13; 2 Kin 17:13; 2 Chr 12:5.
NT claims to be God's Word: 1 Cor 14:37-39; 1 Thess 2:13; 4:15; 1 Pet 1:23-25; Rev 22:18-19.
Bible is consistent across 66 books written by ~40 diverse authors over 1,500 yrs, showing its truth and single ultimate Author.
We become convinced the Bible is God's Word by the work of the Holy Spirit, which isn't the same as a subjective thought or feeling.
A Historical Reason: The Reliability of the Bible
Cyrenius was governor of Syria twice, when Christ was born, and later. Census records show one in 6-5 BC (time of Christ's birth).
There's record of Gaius Vivius, Roman prefect of Egypt, ordering residents to return to family homes for census.
Dead Sea Scroll copies of Isaiah were 95% same as modern copies, with ~1,000 yrs of difference. 5% variations were mostly obvious slips of the pen and spelling variations, none of which change religious meaning. With such little difference over a large time, we can be confident we have reliable copies of original documents.
A Prophetic Reason: The Predictions of the Bible
Accurate biblical prophecy shows its reliability.
Isa 44:26-28 and 45:1-3 accurately predicted Cyrus' name and decision 100 yrs before his birth and 150 yrs before his becoming king.
Dan 2:37-40 and Dan 11 accurately predicted rise of Alexander the Great, split of Alexander's kingdom among 4 generals, and rise of Antiochus Epiphanes 200 yrs in advance.
Bible contains many accurate predictions of Jesus' life hundreds of years in advance.
Messianic prophecies
• Micah 5:2 fulfilled by Mt 2:6.
• Isa 40:3 and Mal 3:1 fulfilled by Mt 3:1-2 and Mk 1:2-3.
• Isa 53:7 fulfilled by Mt 27:13-14.
• Isa 53:9 fulfilled by Mt 27:57-60.
• Ps 16:10 fulfilled by Acts 2:29-31.
• Ps 110:1 fulfilled by Acts 1:9 and Heb 1:3-4, 13.
A Christological Reason: The Authority of Christ
NT documents are reliable eyewitness accounts of Jesus, and they say He claimed to be omniscient God, and proved it. So, His opinion of OT matters.
Jesus taught OT is authoritative (Mk 12:24-27; Mt 5:17; 23:2-3, 23; Jn 5:39-47).
Jesus believed OT history (Mt 12:39-41; 19:4-5; 24:37-39; Jn 6:31-32).
Jesus believed OT prophecies (Lk 18:31-33; 22:37; 24:25-26, 46-47; Mt 26:24, 53-56; Mk 14:21; Jn 5:39, 46-47; 13:18).
Jesus believed OT is inspired and inerrant (Mt 5:17-18; Jn 10:34).
Disciples couldn't have invented Jesus
• Jesus was radically different from the Messiah the Jews expected (He invited Gentiles into His Kingdom, didn't overthrow Roman occupation, etc.).
• Jews were against idea of calling a human God.
• Disciples were skeptical until Jesus' resurrection.
A Scientific Reason: The Story of Creation
Attributes the Creator of the universe must possess
• Awesomely powerful (because cause must be greater than effect)
• Personal, with intelligence and will (because humans, which are creatures, have personality, intelligence, and will)
• Existing outside of time (because time is measured by motion of astronomical objects, and Creator must exist before them)
• Having right to end universe (because Creator created it)
Gaps evolution can't bridge
• Between nothing and matter. Nothing can't produce something. Even if matter was eternal, how could it have organized itself into complex forms?
• Between matter and life. 2nd law of thermodynamics prevents nonliving atoms from organizing into complex, energy-rich forms. Complex life forms arising by chance is so improbable as to be impossible. Irreducibly complex biological systems couldn't have arisen stepwise through evolution.
• Between humans and non-human life. Evolution can't account for human mind or soul.
A Providential Reason: The Canonical Reason
Jesus' Bible was same as OT Protestants use. In Mt 23:34-35, He mentions 2 murders that are at beginning and end of Hebrew OT (Gen 4 and 2 Chr 24).
Jesus considered OT authoritative (Mt 5:17; His many OT quotations and references).
Jews agreed that OT canon was closed ~400 BC with Malachi.
Apostles verified NT books (Lk 1:2; Acts 1:21-22; 1 Jn 1:2-3; 2 Pet 1:16-18).
Some NT books were regarded as Scripture immediately, or almost immediately (1 Thess 5:27; Col 4:16; Rev 1:3; 2 Pet 3:15-16; Jude 17; 1 Tim 5:18).
Hebrews was accepted as canonical even though its authorship was unknown because it's a powerful witness to Christ's fulfillment of OT.
By end of 1st century, all 27 NT books were written and received by churches. That some canonical lists were incomplete was often due to books being unknown in certain areas, not necessarily to rejection of those books.
By generation following apostles, every NT book had been cited as authoritative by a church father.
Because Church isn't infallible, it could've erred in its recognition of canonical books. However, we don't believe it erred, because there are no non-canonical books that deserve inclusion, and we believe God providentially guided the Church.
Apocryphal books aren't canonical
• NT books contain no direct quotations of apocryphal books.
• Apocrypha was never part of Hebrew OT; it was written in Greek, and appeared later than OT books.
• Contents of Apocrypha are subbiblical, and some stories are clearly fanciful.
• Apocrypha contains historical errors.
• Before Reformation, even Roman Catholic Church made distinction between Apocrypha and canonical OT.
• 1st official ratification of Apocrypha was 1546, and only ratified 11 of 15 apocryphal books.
Shepherd of Hermas teaches that if we add to our sins we can't be saved, and have only 1 chance at repentance. These ideas are unbiblical, so the book can't be canonical.
Gospel of Thomas contains unbiblical Gnostic teachings, and was unanimously rejected by early Church fathers.
A Personal Reason: The Power of the Word
Bible reflects God's character
• Perfect (Ps 19:7; 1 Pet 1:23-25; Jas 1:18
• Faithful (Ps 19:7)
• Righteous (Ps 19:8)
• Pure (Ps 19:8)
• Clean (Ps 19:9; Deut 4:10)
• True (Ps 19:9-14)
For Doubters Only
Advise doubter to read NT, especially John, a chapter a day, and before reading, to ask God to show them if it's true.
Types of doubt
• Factual: intellectual questions
• Volitional: choice to not believe, usually for moral reasons
• Emotional: difficulty believing due to anxiety, depression, guilt
May 1, 2016
I have to say that I found this book to be rather confusing and unsuitable for my needs. I am already a believer, however I have a family member who is not. It was my hope that this book would show me that way to help him to believe. However I found the book to be so bland that I found myself rereading section just to get myself to retain the information. Also I found myself struggling to understand the author's reason for why to trust the Bible. I feel like this book has the right information, but that it needed the help of an editor or an organizer to help put the information in a way that the reader can grasp. I was sent a free copy of this book for only my honest and unbiased review.
January 13, 2024
An excellent, straightforward, thoughtful book about why we can believe the Bible is the word of God. Lutzer interacts with atheistic claims throughout. Many helpful quotes and much logical reasoning. I only wish he had a few more testimonies of the life-changing power of the word in the last chapter.
February 26, 2022
Erwin Lutzer wrote 7 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible to answer the question he calls “the most fundamental question any human being could ask: Has God spoken?” In the preface and introduction, Lutzer argues for the relevance of this topic for both believers and nonbelievers. He “promise[s] that the Bible will not break” under criticism, a solid reminder for anyone who is tentative about delving into tough questions in case the Bible or God would prove incapable of coming out on top. The reliability of Scripture is an essential basis of the Christian faith. Unfortunately, although Lutzer provides a good introduction to the subject, his brevity and occasional failure to analyze opposing views in a serious manner diminish the potential usefulness of this book.
Lutzer speaks quite early about objections people have to the idea of Scripture being without error. He discusses why humans being sinful would not make this inerrancy impossible or why using “human language” does not hinder God’s truth from being declared. By answering one of the integral questions at the beginning, Lutzer lays the groundwork for the rest of the book.
Lutzer provides many reasons to trust the Bible. Among other things, he mentions the historical confirmation of facts described in the Bible and how the Scriptures have been found. As Lutzer notices, “Though our faith is not dependent on the next archaeological find, it is gratifying to know that, as time moves on, more and more discoveries confirm the biblical record.” He also mentions the double standard that is applied to the Bible as opposed to other historical documents. Other reasons to trust the Bible that Lutzer mentions include fulfilled prophecies and Christ being confident in the Old Testament. The fulfilled prophecies described in Scripture give hope both for the correctness of Scripture in general and for the fulfillment of those prophecies that have not yet come true. Christ's faith in the correctness of the Old Testament is confirmed time after time in Scripture. Lutzer draws our attention to these as some of the seven reasons for believing the validity and truth of Scripture.
Even though some reasons were well-document, clarity is necessary for others. For example, Lutzer brushes over why those who claim that the authors of Scripture are simply lying are themselves wrong. He argues that the Bible cannot possibly lie to us on every page because it “has inspired the highest standard of morality … has given the world the most coherent worldview … has given us a Christ who is admired even by skeptics.” It would be “a matter of incomprehensible irony.” This argument ridicules the critics but does not explain the trustworthiness of Scripture. The effect of God's Word is a key factor but does not in itself insist on the rightness of Scripture since good things can come from imperfect books and, as history shows, misreading Scripture often has immoral consequences. A few other moments remain where Lutzer only does a brief overview or where he ridicules ideas, saying things such as “enough said” but leaving questions on the lips of his readers. It is hard to read those moments, even when they discuss ideas that one understands and agrees with. This avoidance of taking the opposing side seriously sounds informal and reduces the authority of the book, leaving the reader frustrated.
The purpose of 7 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible was to present reasons why we can believe that the Bible is trustworthy. The topic affects everyone, believer and non-believer alike. The organization of the book is good, as the author divides the text into seven chapters. He writes in a simple and understandable way and uses good examples and studies, which he then analyzes. Unfortunately, Lutzer also has conclusions that look hastily made. That is because of insufficient attention given to the opposing viewpoint or the tone used, which sometimes sounds like a defensive reaction and sometimes like the open ridicule of the point of view of others.
This book lays a good foundation. It is not in itself an encyclopedia on the reliability of Scripture, but it is a good introduction to the subject. For those who are interested in this topic, 7 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible will give something to think about and may encourage a deeper study of the reliability as well as the contents of the Bible.
Lutzer speaks quite early about objections people have to the idea of Scripture being without error. He discusses why humans being sinful would not make this inerrancy impossible or why using “human language” does not hinder God’s truth from being declared. By answering one of the integral questions at the beginning, Lutzer lays the groundwork for the rest of the book.
Lutzer provides many reasons to trust the Bible. Among other things, he mentions the historical confirmation of facts described in the Bible and how the Scriptures have been found. As Lutzer notices, “Though our faith is not dependent on the next archaeological find, it is gratifying to know that, as time moves on, more and more discoveries confirm the biblical record.” He also mentions the double standard that is applied to the Bible as opposed to other historical documents. Other reasons to trust the Bible that Lutzer mentions include fulfilled prophecies and Christ being confident in the Old Testament. The fulfilled prophecies described in Scripture give hope both for the correctness of Scripture in general and for the fulfillment of those prophecies that have not yet come true. Christ's faith in the correctness of the Old Testament is confirmed time after time in Scripture. Lutzer draws our attention to these as some of the seven reasons for believing the validity and truth of Scripture.
Even though some reasons were well-document, clarity is necessary for others. For example, Lutzer brushes over why those who claim that the authors of Scripture are simply lying are themselves wrong. He argues that the Bible cannot possibly lie to us on every page because it “has inspired the highest standard of morality … has given the world the most coherent worldview … has given us a Christ who is admired even by skeptics.” It would be “a matter of incomprehensible irony.” This argument ridicules the critics but does not explain the trustworthiness of Scripture. The effect of God's Word is a key factor but does not in itself insist on the rightness of Scripture since good things can come from imperfect books and, as history shows, misreading Scripture often has immoral consequences. A few other moments remain where Lutzer only does a brief overview or where he ridicules ideas, saying things such as “enough said” but leaving questions on the lips of his readers. It is hard to read those moments, even when they discuss ideas that one understands and agrees with. This avoidance of taking the opposing side seriously sounds informal and reduces the authority of the book, leaving the reader frustrated.
The purpose of 7 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible was to present reasons why we can believe that the Bible is trustworthy. The topic affects everyone, believer and non-believer alike. The organization of the book is good, as the author divides the text into seven chapters. He writes in a simple and understandable way and uses good examples and studies, which he then analyzes. Unfortunately, Lutzer also has conclusions that look hastily made. That is because of insufficient attention given to the opposing viewpoint or the tone used, which sometimes sounds like a defensive reaction and sometimes like the open ridicule of the point of view of others.
This book lays a good foundation. It is not in itself an encyclopedia on the reliability of Scripture, but it is a good introduction to the subject. For those who are interested in this topic, 7 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible will give something to think about and may encourage a deeper study of the reliability as well as the contents of the Bible.
September 13, 2021
Fights fire with fire. And by fire, I mean in the destructive, all-or-nothing, us-vs-them sense of engaging with ideological differences. Too often uses blanket statements, or undefended circular reasoning, and paints all potential dissidents with a big 'ol brush.
As I am a Christian with a science and philosophy background who yet still somehow ascribes to sola scriptura etc, this book seemed to leave no room for conversation. Lutzer speaks like someone who would talk first and talk later, and never really listen to me or try to see where I come from. He says his book is for atheistic skeptics as well as believers looking to strengthen their being "always ready to give an account", but he definitely uses language that would alienate and antagonize skeptical non-Christians. As such, maybe this is an okay book for Christians who are staunchly opposed to doubts and doubters, but for the rest of us (Christians with doubts, non-Christians), I recommend reading C.S. Lewis or Tim Keller or Ravi Zacharias, who all write as if they have had non-antagonistic conversations with people of differing beliefs.
That said, he has put together a collection of good pieces of evidence for God and the Bible, using arguments from science and history, as well as a deep look into the words of the Bible, and numerous quotes by a variety of scientists, theologians, historians, authors, philosophers, etc.
As I am a Christian with a science and philosophy background who yet still somehow ascribes to sola scriptura etc, this book seemed to leave no room for conversation. Lutzer speaks like someone who would talk first and talk later, and never really listen to me or try to see where I come from. He says his book is for atheistic skeptics as well as believers looking to strengthen their being "always ready to give an account", but he definitely uses language that would alienate and antagonize skeptical non-Christians. As such, maybe this is an okay book for Christians who are staunchly opposed to doubts and doubters, but for the rest of us (Christians with doubts, non-Christians), I recommend reading C.S. Lewis or Tim Keller or Ravi Zacharias, who all write as if they have had non-antagonistic conversations with people of differing beliefs.
That said, he has put together a collection of good pieces of evidence for God and the Bible, using arguments from science and history, as well as a deep look into the words of the Bible, and numerous quotes by a variety of scientists, theologians, historians, authors, philosophers, etc.
March 5, 2018
A multi-faceted answer to the question, "Can you trust the Bible?" Even with one minor critique, this book will help you see why you can trust The Book.
See full book review at http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/03...
See full book review at http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/03...
August 31, 2018
É um livro bem didático, fica muito claro no decorrer do livro que o propósito é justamente este. Não considero como um livro essencial, de cabeceira, mas é uma literatura muito interessante para quem está começando a caminhar na fé.
December 5, 2018
I got this because Alistair Begg endorsed it and I am always wanting to become a better apologist. It was helpful. I know some things I am glad to know now that I did not before, but it took discipline to keep focused at times. Glad I read it.
November 12, 2023
Every Christian should read and go through it with their kids.
September 13, 2024
A+ by Pastor Lutzer on 7 Reasons Why You Can Trust The Bible. Good and insightful read. Enjoyed it fully!
January 9, 2025
Insightful and affirming
This collection of three of Erwin Lutzer's books is very helpful, encouraging, and informative for new Christians as well as mature Christians.
This collection of three of Erwin Lutzer's books is very helpful, encouraging, and informative for new Christians as well as mature Christians.
October 13, 2024
Somewhat elementary and slightly outdated, but fundamentally sound and easily approachable, it has a place in the apologist's toolkit.
October 7, 2012
Give skeptics 7 reasons to doubt themselves.
We live in a day where atheists and skeptics are so sure of themselves. There is a confidence in their own belief that the Bible is inaccurate, riddled with holes, and written by men filled with their own ideas. The notion that the Bible might actually be what it claims is ludicrous to them. Unfortunately, many skeptics are more versed in their knowledge that many believers are in the Bible. Sure, Christians can cite Scripture passages. However, how many can cite historical data and scientific evidence that Scripture is the true Word of God? Lutzer does just that!
In this book, Lutzer focuses on seven areas in particular. He delves into a logical reason with the claims of the Bible. He goes back into a historical reason regarding the reliability of the Bible. He expounds on a prophetic reason with the predictions of the Bible. Feel humbled as you read a Christological reason surrounding the authority of Christ. Learn all about a scientific reason with the story of Creation. Read about a providential reason regarding the canon of Scripture. Finally, feel touched with a personal reason centering around the Word of God. Lutzer ends his book with a special section titled "For Doubters Only" that is meant to really challenge them to open their minds and ponder the reality of the Word of God. There really is no reason to believe otherwise!
We live in a day where atheists and skeptics are so sure of themselves. There is a confidence in their own belief that the Bible is inaccurate, riddled with holes, and written by men filled with their own ideas. The notion that the Bible might actually be what it claims is ludicrous to them. Unfortunately, many skeptics are more versed in their knowledge that many believers are in the Bible. Sure, Christians can cite Scripture passages. However, how many can cite historical data and scientific evidence that Scripture is the true Word of God? Lutzer does just that!
In this book, Lutzer focuses on seven areas in particular. He delves into a logical reason with the claims of the Bible. He goes back into a historical reason regarding the reliability of the Bible. He expounds on a prophetic reason with the predictions of the Bible. Feel humbled as you read a Christological reason surrounding the authority of Christ. Learn all about a scientific reason with the story of Creation. Read about a providential reason regarding the canon of Scripture. Finally, feel touched with a personal reason centering around the Word of God. Lutzer ends his book with a special section titled "For Doubters Only" that is meant to really challenge them to open their minds and ponder the reality of the Word of God. There really is no reason to believe otherwise!
December 23, 2009
I don't often read your basic, run-of-the-mill, evangelical pastor much these days. But I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Lutzer's arguments; as well as his analyses of many of the reasons why so many people no longer trust the Bible. He interacts with likes of Dawkins, Hitchens, and Sam Harris. Lutzer is the pastor of Moody Church in Chicago. Which makes it all the more surprising to see a guy you would expect to give the usual arguments for inspiration, inerrancy, etc.; to be making appeals to guys like Gary Demar, Douglas Wilson, and even Alvin Schmidt's recent book How Christianity Changed the World. It seems that some of our old-line fundamentalist, dispensational, and premillinnial brothers have caught on to some of the good things going on in other traditions. It was good to see.
October 6, 2016
Edwin Lutzer's relatively short book tackles all of the issues that surround the acceptance of the bible as the inerrant Word of God. He pulls no punches in citing scholarly research and principles of faith. He tackles science, skepticism and rejection of Jesus and God in a surgical matter. One fact that doubters struggle with is that the bible cannot be read as just another book. It is a letter from God to us. It requires one to be touched by the Holy Spirit and to have faith in God to be truly understood, appreciated and believed. It contains concepts of truth, love, infallibility, cleansing and promise that no other book contains. I encourage believers and doubters alike to read this book to better appreciate and grasp the message of the holy bible
October 22, 2018
If I had to describe this book in two words, it would be: faith bolstering. It covers everything from creation to the canon of Scriptures in just enough detail to keep the reader from getting too bogged down in facts, and just enough to make a solid case for the Scriptures. Lutzer is quick to point out that though there is solid evidence that the Scriptures can be trusted, there is always room left for faith, which is true of any religion, or even atheism/Darwinism. This is a book every Christian should have on their shelf, and one that should be read periodically, rather than once and then forgotten. Five stars because it’s a book of truth, and very well written. Awesome all around!
July 27, 2011
if you need reasons, here you go.
Why was this on my bookshelf? I don't think you can learn faith by what somebody else knows. You learn to trust God by testing if His Word is true. Ditch the book; live the adventure.
Why was this on my bookshelf? I don't think you can learn faith by what somebody else knows. You learn to trust God by testing if His Word is true. Ditch the book; live the adventure.
August 27, 2017
I'm currently reading this book for a class. The language is not too theological... great information on the dead sea scrolls and prophecies.
December 21, 2011
This is a good book to read. The author goes back into the Greek to explain what terms mean in the bible in one chapter.
February 3, 2012
Very informative, esp re: canonization!
January 5, 2013
chock full of excellent information explaining how the Bible was written and compiled, and why it stands the test of accuracy and truth.
June 26, 2016
Outstanding defense of the veracity of scripture; well-written.
March 27, 2019
The author writes a clear defense of the Bible in seven areas. Research is evident from various endnotes. I'd recommend the book for believers and skeptics alike.
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