Why I Choose to Believe the Bible: A Reflection on Faith and Reason, Voddie Baucham, Greg Lancaster

Voddie Baucham shared something deeply personal , a topic that weighed heavily on his heart. It stems from his journey of faith, which did not begin in a conventional Christian upbringing. He was raised in the tough streets of South Central Los Angeles by a single teenage mother who was a practicing Buddhist. He never heard the gospel until he was in college, and that’s when his life began to change. Like many, he had a multitude of questions that needed answers, and thankfully, someone took the time to answer them.

The wall he addressed is not necessarily one constructed by our adversaries, but rather a barrier that we, as believers, have inadvertently contributed to. Over the years, the church has responded to rationalism, logical positivism, and secular humanism by sometimes retreating from intellectual rigor. In our passion for a holy God, we have swung the pendulum so far in the opposite direction that we risk becoming anti-intellectual. Worse yet, we’ve allowed a culture of mysticism to creep in, where doctrine and theology are viewed with suspicion. We are now in an era where emotionalism often trumps reason, and we must address this. We must rebuild an intellectual foundation for our faith while loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

He shares three things with us: Answer what I believe is the most important question we can ask today, Make an observation about that answer, and finally, Issue a challenge.

The Most Important Question: Why Do You Believe the Bible?

In 1 Peter, we are reminded to always be ready to give an answer—an apologia, a reasoned defense of our faith. The question we must be prepared to answer is this: Why do you choose to believe the Bible? It’s a legitimate question that demands a thoughtful answer. Too often, responses like “I was raised that way” or “It works for me” are given, but these answers fall short. Believing the Bible because it “works” is flawed logic, as someone could equally claim that a completely different belief system “works” for them, rendering both positions equally valid under that reasoning.

A more robust answer is required—one that is intellectually and theologically sound.

I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable collection
of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses.
These documents record supernatural events that occurred in fulfillment of specific
prophecies and claim to be of divine origin rather than human.

The Reliable Nature of Scripture

I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. These documents record supernatural events that occurred in fulfillment of specific prophecies and claim to be of divine origin rather than human.

Let’s unpack this. In 2 Peter 1:16-21, the apostle writes, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths… but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” The Bible is not a collection of myths or fairy tales; it is a reliable historical record. Luke, in his Gospel, speaks similarly when he says that he carefully investigated everything from the beginning, ensuring that the accounts we have are historically accurate.

The New Testament, for instance, is supported by an overwhelming number of manuscripts. Over 6,000 Greek manuscripts exist, a number vastly greater than other ancient writings like Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars (with only ten manuscripts) or Aristotle’s Poetics (with fewer than five). Some of the earliest New Testament manuscripts date back to within decades of the events they describe, ensuring their authenticity.

Eyewitness Accounts and Corroboration

The Bible’s authors wrote as eyewitnesses or recorded the testimony of eyewitnesses. In 1 John, we read, “What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes… we proclaim to you.” This corroboration is crucial. Imagine a courtroom where multiple credible witnesses provide consistent accounts of a single event; that’s essentially what we have in Scripture.

Not only were these accounts written by eyewitnesses, but they were also written during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses who could verify or refute the claims. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul notes that over 500 people witnessed the resurrected Christ, most of whom were still alive when he was writing.

Fulfilled Prophecies and Supernatural Events

The Bible does not merely recount historical events; it records supernatural occurrences that were foretold by specific prophecies. These are not vague predictions like those of Nostradamus, but precise prophecies fulfilled hundreds or even thousands of years later. Consider Psalm 22, written a millennium before Christ. It describes details of the crucifixion long before crucifixion was even a practice, including the piercing of hands and feet and the casting of lots for clothing.

These prophecies, combined with the eyewitness accounts of supernatural events, provide a compelling case for the divine nature of Scripture.

Divine Inspiration

Finally, the Bible claims that it is not merely the words of men but the very Word of God. In 2 Peter 1:20-21, we read, “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation… but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The writers themselves insist that they are conveying God’s message, not their own.

Addressing Common Objections

Skeptics often claim that the Bible has been altered over time, translated and re-translated until its original meaning is lost. However, this theory is untenable. The Bible exists in thousands of manuscripts in multiple languages, including Syriac, Coptic, and Latin, from the early centuries of Christianity. Any attempt to alter the text would have required an impossible conspiracy involving thousands of manuscripts and multiple languages.

Another common objection is the supposed conflict between faith and science. Some argue that unless something can be proven scientifically, it cannot be trusted. However, historical events, by their nature, cannot be proven by the scientific method, which relies on observation, measurement, and repeatability. Instead, historical events are verified through evidence, testimony, and corroboration—methods that the Bible withstands exceedingly well.

Conclusion: A Challenge to Believers

So, why do I believe the Bible? Because it is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses, recording supernatural events that occurred in fulfillment of specific prophecies, and claiming to be divine rather than human in origin.

I also want to issue a challenge. As believers, we must equip ourselves to understand and articulate the reason for our faith. Scripture is not only inerrant, but it is also sufficient. It answers the deepest questions of life, and we need to preach and teach it with confidence and clarity. We must train ourselves and others to defend the faith with both conviction and intellect, so that we can give a thoughtful, reasoned response to those who ask.

This is why I believe the Bible. It’s not just a matter of personal experience or tradition—it’s a matter of truth. And the truth demands an answer.

More Facts About the Bible

The Bible holds numerous world records related to its publication, distribution, and sales. Here are the key records and statistics:

1. Most Printed and Sold Book

• The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, with an estimated 5 to 7 billion copies sold and distributed worldwide, according to Guinness World Records.
• Its sales far exceed any other book in history and continue to grow annually, with an estimated 100 million Bibles printed each year.

2. Most Translated Book

• The Bible is the most translated book in the world. As of 2024:
  • The New Testament has been translated into over 1,600 languages.
  • The entire Bible is available in over 700 languages.
  • Portions of the Bible are available in over 3,600 languages, covering about 97% of the world’s population.

3. Widest Geographic Distribution

• The Bible has been distributed across every continent and country, often overcoming significant barriers, such as political restrictions or cultural challenges. Organizations like the Gideons International and the United Bible Societies have played a significant role in global distribution.

4. Oldest Printed Book

• The Gutenberg Bible, printed around 1455 by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany, was the first major book printed using movable type. It marked the beginning of the mass production of books and is considered one of the most valuable printed books today.

5. Longest Continuous Publication

• The Bible has been in continuous publication since its initial compilations were finalized, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity (circa 4th century CE for the canonization of the Christian Bible).

6. Most Read Book

• The Bible is the most read book globally, serving as a central text for billions of Christians and influencing culture, laws, and literature. Even outside of religious contexts, its impact on world history is unparalleled.

7. Most Smuggled Book

• The Bible is also one of the most smuggled books, with clandestine efforts to distribute it in regions where religious texts are banned or heavily restricted, such as North Korea or parts of the Middle East.

8. Most Gifted Book

• The Bible is often given as a gift, particularly during life milestones like baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and other ceremonies.

9. First Book in Space

• The Bible was taken to the moon aboard Apollo 14 in 1971. A microfilm copy containing all 1,245 pages of the King James Version traveled with astronaut Edgar Mitchell.

10. Largest Bible

• The largest Bible in the world is a massive King James Version created by Louis Waynai in 1930. It weighs over 1,000 pounds and is 43.5 inches tall, 98 inches wide when open, and 34 inches thick.

11. Most Expensive Bible

• The Gutenberg Bible is one of the most valuable books in the world, with individual copies or fragments valued in the tens of millions of dollars. A single leaf of the Gutenberg Bible can sell for over $100,000.

These records highlight the Bible’s unique and enduring impact across cultures, languages, and history.

The Bible Is Making A Comeback 🙌 📖 pic.twitter.com/OHMIrNjI9P

— The 700 Club (@700club) December 3, 2024

Which Bible Version Is Best for You?

The top 5 most-read versions of the Bible vary depending on region, denomination, and language, but the following versions are globally recognized as the most popular based on sales, distribution, and readership:

1. King James Version (KJV)

• Why It’s Popular:
  • Known for its majestic, poetic language and literary influence.
  • A standard Bible for many Protestant denominations, especially in English-speaking countries.
  • First published in 1611, it remains a cornerstone for traditional Bible study and worship.
• Commonly Used By: Evangelicals, Baptists, and traditional Protestant denominations.

2. New International Version (NIV)

• Why It’s Popular:
  • Balances readability and accuracy to the original texts, making it accessible for modern readers.
  • First published in 1978, it quickly became a favorite for personal devotion and church use.
  • Widely used in Evangelical churches and study groups.
• Commonly Used By: Evangelicals, non-denominational Christians, and youth groups.

3. New Living Translation (NLT)

• Why It’s Popular:
  • Focuses on readability with a dynamic equivalence translation approach, making it easy to understand.
  • Popular among newer generations and those seeking practical application in daily life.
• Commonly Used By: Youth ministries, casual readers, and devotional users.

4. English Standard Version (ESV)

• Why It’s Popular:
  • A more literal translation than the NIV, preferred by those looking for accuracy while retaining readability.
  • Often used in academic study and expository preaching.
  • Published in 2001, it has become a favorite for Bible scholars and pastors.
• Commonly Used By: Reformed Christians, scholars, and in churches focused on expository teaching.

5. New King James Version (NKJV)

• Why It’s Popular:
  • Retains the literary beauty of the KJV while modernizing archaic language.
  • First published in 1982, it appeals to those who value tradition with updated readability.
• Commonly Used By: Those transitioning from the KJV and traditional Protestant Christians.

6.  Life Application Study Bible (LASB)

• Why It’s Popular:
  • The Life Application Study Bible (LASB) is popular for its practical approach to connecting Scripture with everyday life.
  • Audience: It is widely used by new believers, seasoned Christians, and study groups seeking real-life application of biblical teachings.
  • Translation Options: It is available in multiple translations, such as NIV, NLT, and KJV, to cater to diverse reader preferences.
  • Study Notes: The Bible includes over 10,000 notes that provide explanations, historical context, and cultural insights.
  • Character Profiles: It features profiles of biblical figures to help readers learn life lessons from their stories.
  • Maps and Charts: Maps and charts visually represent events and genealogies for better understanding.
  • Book Introductions: Each book includes an introduction that explains its themes, significance, and historical background.
• Commonly Used By: Christians of all maturity levels, including individuals, small groups, and churches, seeking to apply Scripture to everyday life.