I like the song Ancient Words by Michael W. Smith. The first verse speaks of how the very heart of God has been passed down to us in the Holy Scriptures.
Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
The song goes on to talk about how the Bible gives us hope and how it has the influence to change us. However, we need to come to it with open hearts and an acceptance that these ancient words are ever true.
A few years ago I heard a Reverend suggest in her message that Mark 9:43-48 and the parallel passages were not actually the words of Jesus. I later asked her, Does not 2 Timothy 3:16 say that All Scripture is breathed by God and it is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (NASB)?
Certainly, that passage in Mark has been abused and misused, as have many other scriptures over the years. I believe it is important for us to delve for a better understanding of God’s meaning in this scripture, in light of the entire Biblical narrative. But to suggest that it is not the Word of God is to rip at the very fabric of the scripture. Once we start tearing out pieces we don’t like, where will it stop, and who’s to say what is true?
I imagine you’ve heard the apologetic arguments before. We can confirm that the words we have today are accurate because the manuscript evidence we have for the New Testament is overwhelming compared to other ancient texts. Differences in narratives may be due to differences in eye-witness testimony, or the writer stressing different aspects of the event. Such as when Matthew states there were two blind men on the road to Jericho, while Luke and Mark only mention one. It may actually be two different occurrences, Or it may be that there were two, but one was a silent partner and Bartimaeus did all the speaking, so Mark and Luke only mention him.
For me, it comes down to this: I know from personal experience as well as from the Bible that God is the all-powerful Being who knows us each intimately and loves us beyond measure. Given this understanding of God, then would He not be able to make sure that His message is conveyed intact through the ages?
I believe the original revelations written over thousands of years compile one accurate narrative which the Holy Spirit inspired down to the smallest letter (as originally written). I believe our God has made sure that the message has come down through the ages intact as He wants it for us to read today. I believe the Holy Spirit also helps believers understand and apply the scriptures.
What gives you confidence that the Bibles we read today contain the very words of God?