* Respond to “How do I know the Bible is really true?” Realize that many more ancient copies and portions of the Bible have been found than those of any other ancient manuscript. Know that each of those biblical writings have been accepted as authentic by historians. Recognize that many of the biblical accounts were recorded just a short time after they took place, in contrast to the huge time gap of centuries that existed with most other ancient manuscripts. Understand that when various biblical manuscripts have been scrutinized against each other, they’ve been proven to be consistent. Realize that no other ancient document can even come close to the New Testament in terms of number of manuscripts found and the closeness in time to the original autographs, so questioning the New Testament’s credibility would require tossing out the validity of every other ancient manuscript ever found. Recognize that the Bible qualifies as the most reliable, verifiable source ever written. Consider the myriad of archeological discoveries that verify people, places, and events the Bible mentions. Also consider the hundreds of biblical prophecies that have been fulfilled in specific and meticulous ways – often, long after the prophetic writer had died. Think about the Bible’s historical and scientific accuracy. Ponder how indestructible the Bible has proven to be, despite many attempts throughout history to either censor or eradicate it. Realize that the Bible’s unique structure points to its reliability, since it maintains perfect unity and consistency throughout, despite its 66 different books written by at least 40 different people from all walks of life over a period of 2,000 years. Consider how profoundly the Bible has impacted world culture and events – more than any other document in human history. Think about the Bible’s unique power to change people’s lives. 

* Respond to “What about all the errors in the Bible?” Admit that the Bible contains complicated passages that can be difficult to understand. But be assured that a proven error has never been found in all of Scripture. Remember that, although the New Testament wasn’t officially compiled until the Council of Nicea in 327 A.D., the early Church already acknowledged the same 27 New Testament books long before then. Understand that, while early Christians wrestled with doctrinal differences, they agreed on the core of the faith – the essential beliefs related to Jesus and the salvation He offers. Know that what can appear to be variations in biblical narratives are not contradictions. Realize that, just like modern journalists, the author of each biblical book mentioned only the details that were most vividly impressed on their minds or the minds of those who witnessed the different events. Understand that a partial account doesn’t mean a false account, and that none of the details mentioned in any of the accounts conflict with details in other accounts. Consider that all of the biblical authors openly acknowledged that they were writing with divine inspiration, and if all of them were wrong in those claims, then they were either lying or insane – neither of which makes sense, because they wrote the world’s most beautiful literature containing the most perfect moral code ever devised. Think beyond mere assumptions as you wrestle with the Bible’s difficult passages. For example, rather than assuming that a race of people not descended from Adam and Eve must have existed for Cain to find a wife, realize that he could have married one of his sisters, especially since the command against incest didn’t come from Moses until at least 400 years later. Understand that the Bible is reliable because its specific and verifiable claims have all been found to be true, eyewitnesses to biblical events and many other people throughout history have testified to its credibility, and biblical teachings have profoundly impacted the world in ways that go far beyond any other book. 

* Respond to “What makes Jesus so different from other great men of history?” Recognize that Jesus stands out above all people because of: His prophesied coming, His supernatural birth, His miraculous deeds, His distinctive teaching, and His actions that substantiated His claims. Understand that the greatest proof of Jesus’ uniqueness is His resurrection, which has been verified extensively, through evidence such as the testimonies of the empty tomb, the numerous appearances of Jesus after He was resurrected, the instant and powerful change in the disciples afterward, and the complete silence of Jewish and Roman authorities. 

* Respond to “Aren’t there many roads to heaven? Don’t all paths ultimately lead to the same place?” Understand that all religious viewpoints can’t be true, because they’re bound to contradict at some point. Know that it’s logical for opposite roads to lead to different destinations. Remember that Jesus explicitly stated, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,” (John 14:6) and that the Bible is unmistakably clear that there is only one road to heaven – through the salvation Jesus alone offers. Recognize the legitimate authority Jesus has to speak on the subject. Know that popular opinion to the contrary, while politically correct, is spiritually wrong. 

* Respond to “Is hell for real? If so, how can a loving God send people there?” Don’t deny the truth that hell exists. Understand that hell is necessary because God’s just nature demands that sin be punished. Realize that all people actually deserve hell, but God’s great love compelled Him to offer heaven to everyone who trusts Him. Know that God gives everyone the freedom to decide what they want for themselves, and those who end up in hell put themselves there by rejecting Jesus’ offer of salvation and choosing to trust in their own imperfect efforts (which are bound to fail) instead. Remember God’s promise to allow everyone who truly seeks Him to find Him. Be assured that no one goes to hell because they can’t be reached; they go because they don’t want God.