Can I Trust the Bible? (2017)

Crucial Questions #2

by R.C. Sproul

What is the Bible? Can we really trust it? Many people today assume that the Bible is full of errors and contradictions. At best, it is a mildly interesting look at the lives and beliefs of people who lived centuries ago.

While these assumptions may be common, they are wrong, as R.C. Sproul demonstrates in this Crucial Questions booklet. The reason is simple: the Bible is the Word of God. As such, it is trustworthy and authoritative, and what it says is of the utmost importance for every person. In this booklet, Dr. Sproul defines and defends the Bible as God’s unique special revelation to mankind and as worthy of our trust.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion, Reference, Scripture

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gonna boil this down to a short answer to the question posed by the book title... NO
I though this short book was well written, though it occasionally got a bit technical, however it really never answers the question in such a way that someone coming from the outside questioning the bible would have found believable. I like a lot of the arguments presented here, however they all seemed designed for someone who already believed the bible was infallible and inerrant and just needed reassurence in their faith. I found nothing that would convince anyone truly looking for an answer to the title question who did not already believe. That said... I really enjoyed reading this book, just did not get what I expected from it based on the title.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little technical and weighty for my thick skull, but I'm still glad I read it. I think books like this are important for Christians to read. I would even say this book would be good for a non-Christian to take a look at to see where some Christian ideas are coming from.

[Lucas Bragança · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sproul faz uma exposição comentada da Declaração de Chicago sobre a inerrância bíblica e seus 19 artigos. Vale a pena a leitura. Esclarece muitos pontos de maneira rápida e simples.

[Brennan Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book really stretched my thinking and made me consider how much I value the providence of God. Ultimately if I trust in the Lord as the ultimate ruler and that his providence is perfect, then I should trust in his providence that the Lord included the right books of the bible and he would not allow his word to be twisted in that way. Thankful for this thought the author pushed. Sproul also goes into depth on the reformation and how the reformers separated themselves from the Roman Catholics and why. Overall a good read, some of the terminology was a bit much for a non-seminary student but it was good to learn some terms I didn't know prior.

[Vianny D'Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authority of the Bible is far too underemphasized in most of the nominal Christian circles. However we who call ourselves Bible believing Christians also stand in danger of falling over into the subtle trap of downplaying the authority of the Word of God in our personal as well as ecclesiastical (church) lives if we don't understand how the Bible is truly 'God breathed', and hence inspired and inerrant. This book is basically a commentary on the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. It's short, but nevertheless is academical and not an easy read. It will make you think long and hard! Nevertheless it's a must read for every Christian and I highly recommend it. God bless Ligonier for making it available for free.

[Fred · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can I trust the Bible? Well if I were a skeptic who read this book by the time I got to the end I still wouldn't know.

Why? Because this book isn't an apologetic for the trustworthiness of the Bible it's a treatise on the inerrancy of the Bible that Dr. Sproul wrote for the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy back in the 1980's. As a result, this book presumes that the Bible IS trustworthy and starts from there.

The overall tone is declarative and dogmatic rather than explanatory and evidence based and, therefore, acts as a kind of "reasons to believe for those who already believe" style work of the type that skeptics and critics of the Bible very rightly roll their eyes over. Fellow Christians Apologists, please listen to what I'm going to say next: Don't declare, explain. Don't dogmatize, give supporting evidence.

Please bear in mind that I am IN Dr. Sproul's camp and agree with the contents of the book. The problem ISN'T the content here, the problem is the branding. IMO, this book should be pulled off the market and replaced with a book targeted at skeptics that actually delivers on the title.

To that end, I recommend the following works as alternatives to this book:

Can I Trust the Bible?

You Can Trust the Bible: Our Foundation for Belief and Obedience

Why You Can Have Confidence in the Bible: Bridging the Distance Between Your Heart and God's Word

Ligonier/Reformation Trust, if you're reading this, I would ask you to consider rebranding this book under the following title: "God's Words Without Error: A Treatise On Biblical Inerrancy".

Thank you.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy rightly affirms that "the authority of Scripture is a key issue for the Christian church in this and every age."

Can I Trust the Bible is a reprint of a booklet: Explaining Inerrancy: A Commentary by the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy in 1980 and as Explaining Inerrancy in 1996. It is the second book in the Crucial Questions series.

The booklet consists of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, which was the work of a committee, and six chapters by R.C. Sproul providing commentary and exposition on the Chicago statement. Each chapter covers two or more of the nineteen articles from the Chicago Statement. Each article contains an affirmation and a denial.

The book discusses the Bible, the role of the Bible in the lives of believers and the church; it also provides terms and definitions for the discussion.

I do wish the book was titled Is the Bible Trustworthy? instead of Can I Trust the Bible? Essentially, he answers both questions. The answer to the first being that the Bible is the Word of God; God cannot err, therefore his Word to us cannot and will not err. It is completely trustworthy and should be an authority in the lives of believers and the church. The answer to the second being, the Bible--the Word of God--is linked so closely to Jesus Christ--the Word Incarnate, that to trust in one is to trust in the other.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is basically a copy of the "Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy" with a brief commentary by RC Sproul on the Statement. It is a good simple, explanation of the Evangelical doctrine of the Inerrancy of the Bible.

1. THE CHICAGO STATEMENT ON BIBLICAL INERRANCY - the original document of the State, along with its affirmations and denials, and a brief exposition of the Statement.

2. THE BIBLE AND AUTHORITY - The Bible is the authoritative Word of God (discussions of canon, sola Scriptura, and tradition as well).

3. THE BIBLE AND REVELATION - The Bible is revelation (discussions of neo-orthodoxy, the use of human authors, and progressive revelation).

4. THE BIBLE AND INSPIRATION - The Bible is divinely inspired (the nature of inspiration, verbal and plenary inspiration, the use of human authors).

5. THE BIBLE AND INERRANCY - The Bible is inerrant (inerrancy, the original texts/autographs, infallibility)

6. THE BIBLE AND TRUTH - The Bible is true (modern measurements and empirical observations, accommodation to human finitude)

7. THE BIBLE AND YOU - Why inerrancy matters for Christians (inerrancy in church history, the witness of the Spirit, interpretation of Scripture).

R.C. Sproul. Can I Trust the Bible? (Crucial Questions Series) (Crucial Questions (Reformation Trust)) (Kindle Locations 11-15). Kindle Edition.

[Phil Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't really what I expected. I was hoping for more of a practical discussion about the Bible's origins and why we could believe the versions we have today are in fact the God-breathed text. It's really a breakdown and description of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy from 1978.

I read the first half of the book, and pretty much just skimmed the second half because it is extremely dry. Not that it doesn't make good points overall, but it read more like a legal document.

If you are looking for a more surgical, educational approach to this topic, then this book is for you. If you are looking a more conversational approach, then keep looking.

[Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

You might think from the title and length of this little article that Sproul would be giving you some reasons to trust the Bible. Instead, this is a fairly exhaustive and incredibly dull exposition of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. If you're into that sort of thing, it's interesting to explore the reformed view of scripture, but the question "Can I Trust the Bible" is never answered from a non-Christian perspective. Nor is the reformed view exactly proved, instead the viewpoint is fleshed out and clarified.

Overall, not a bad little book, just a misleading title.

[Jeremy Gould · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically an exposition of the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. It was a good read, but honestly I expected more than just this. I do understand the book's intention as a short, concise, free! resource - so with that in mind, it excels at it's intended purpose.

[Nidal Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Seems geared towards a Christian with questions about the Bible, its infallibility, and its inerrancy. I was hoping to find something more aimed towards an unbeliever, so I was slightly disappointed. This book still answered some questions for me and has helped me acquire language to use as I build up my case for the faith and the Bible’s teachings. The book very briefly brought up many concepts that I would like to dive further into. Would’ve loved a more drawn out version of this book, especially being that it’s only 60 pages. But it feels great to finish a book and gain some momentum.

Most enjoyed: The historical lessons, church history, canonicity, differentiations between Roman Catholic beliefs and Protestants AND why/how we got there

Disappointed by: Aimed towards believers. I was looking for a book that focused more on canonicity and linguistic aspects of how the Bible came to be. Still great. Helped me realize what I’m looking for and peaked my interest in other things

Best for: An academic-minded Christian young in the faith, someone looking to defend the Bible’s truth

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit, I read this short booklet solely for the fact that it had a question mark in the title! LOL! I was two slots short of my 100 slot reading challenge for the year, and this book fulfilled the prompt "a book with a question mark in the title" and filled number 99 for me :) That being said, it's a well written book, though maybe just for me, because I'm half sick and crazy busy, it didn't seem overly great at laying out a great defense of trusting in the Bible. It seemed a bit haphazard and jumping around to me, but again, that was likely just me. The book discussed the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible, as well as interesting info on the canon of Scripture, and the authority of Scripture. My favorite quote "the church is always subordinate to the authority of the Bible" - amen!

[Cole Stumph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good for any Christian that wants learn more about their faith and feel confident in the reliability and authority of scripture. It was short, concise, easy to follow and offered great context around the debate over the Bible’s authority. The most intriguing part was where Sproul appeals to Jesus himself to validate scripture. It is generally accepted among scholars that Jesus believed the scriptures to be authoritative and believe he had the same authority that scripture had. So the question of can you trust the Bible really boils down to can you trust Jesus.

I think this is a great resource for anyone but especially for teenagers and young adults. I personally plan to use this book as a resource to teach youth students.

[Tor Langehaug · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this book is basically a commentary on the Chicago statement about biblical inerrancy. The book and the affirmations are sound from a teaching perspective. However, my chief criticism of the book is that it doesn't really answer the question "Can I trust the bible?" completely. The affirmations hinge on the original autographs and the science of textual criticism to discern the contents of the autographs is glossed over. To me understanding the transmission of the words of Scripture is essential to the question in the book's title and the treatment of the topic is inadequate. In summary, I would give the book to my kids to help them understand what I believe about Scripture but I wouldn't refer someone asking hard questions to look here for answers.

[Alex Dunkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book on the trustworthiness of Scripture.

Hits all the important topics including inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility, sufficiency, authority, canonicity, and the work for the Holy Spirit. Each plays a role in what we believe about God’s book and how we apply it to our lives.

Also it can be read in less than an hour… not essential, but greatly appreciated!

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little resource on the Bible. More of a short commentary on the Chicago statement on Biblical inerrancy.

[Christiaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I trust the Bible? by R.C Sproul is a quick read filled with arguments on why the Bible is trustworthy as well as infallible and inerrable. I enjoyed reading the book, because it gives the believer in depth arguments against common beliefs of Bible critics. I would recommend the book for any reader interested in an academic book on the topic of why the Bible is infallible and inerrable as well as why Scripture is trustworthy. However, the content can sometimes get quite technical, because of the academic (scholarly) language used in the book.

[John Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

INTERESTING & EXHAUSTIVE STATEMENT & EXPLANATION OF WHY WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS INFALLIBLE & INERRANT.
This second of 17 books on the fundamentals of Christianity is a lot different than the first. It starts with a statement drafted (& widely adopted by American pastors & theologians) in the late 1970’s. Sproul was one of three who worked to create the document which consists of I) an Opening Overview, II) the Statement of Belief in the Infallibility & Inerrancy of The Bible, III) Articles (19 of them) Amplifying on the Beliefs, and, finally, IV) an Essay Explaining the Articles (this was created after I-III were ratified by the majority at the 1978 convention). I don't think Sproul was involved in IV, but the others then asked him to write a book (the last 60% of this book) to thoroughly explain each article, why they chose the wording they did, & why they believe everything included in the original articles.
With this backstory (the first 40% of the book is I-IV) it makes for a fascinating (albeit dry) final product that clearly outlines exactly what they believe to be true about The Bible & why and a defense as to how they disprove attacks on the inerrancy of scripture.
I found it to also serve as an interesting snapshot into the attacks on The Bible in the 1970's as he explains which statements in which articles address specific concerns & even names the named of the attackers. It's also interesting to note how it covers the same attacks we hear today. (There truly is nothing new under the sun.)
Since almost each article is broken into a “We agree . . .” statement followed by a “We deny . . .” statement, you really get an understanding of what issue they're trying to address as they approach it from both sides. I can think of no aspect of the debate that they don't address & think they do a great job of proving that The Bible is both infallible AND inerrant, why it's important that it is both, specifically why we believe it is both, and how that belief impacts the everyday life & reading of the average Christian seeking to be daily conformed to Christ’s image.
I again VERY highly recommend this book - & only gave it 4 Stars because it is hard to get through because of it's format. If he had time (& I'm sure his time is at a premium) it would be better to approach this topic anew in a format closer to the first book of the series “Who Is Jesus?”. I can hardly wait to read the next in the series - “Does Prayer Change Things?”! =^D

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult and deeply theological book. It can be downloaded for free from Amazon's Kindle store.

A group met in October of 1978 at a summit meeting in Chicago. At that meeting, it issued an Affirmation on Biblical inerrancy. Sproul's book (he was on the committee that wrote the affirmation statement) goes over that statement point by point, carefully explaining what was actually meant and why each article of that statement was worded as it was.

Dr. Sproul takes a strong stand discussing and defending textual criticism. He takes a strong stand for the authority of Scriptures and the need for both exegetical preaching (preaching the text, mining it for its rich meaning) over topical or allegorical preaching.

At times, I was overwhelmed reading this book, short as it is. It is demanding of the reader, and does not present any new truths for me, but it defines some of my beliefs quite well, even if not exactly using layman's terms.

Because it is a deep and powerful theological statement, it will not be for most laymen. However, I think every pastor and minister should take a close look at it, for it solidifies the position that evangelicals should take, that the Bible is the authority for the Christian faith and should be taken as the Word of God.

I do wish he had spent more time offering illustrations of the principles he was presenting, and that is perhaps its only real flaw.

[Matthew Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an expanded version of a set of statements put out by a group of evangelicals in the 80s, setting out the standard evangelical position on the inerrancy of Scripture.

As far as explaining the doctrine, the book is well-written and is good for explaining definitions and terms that can cause a good deal of confusion.

The lack of a star from me is that I'm still wrestling with the issue of canonisation. It's one thing to say that Scripture says it's inerrant - certainly the idea is there in the books of the Bible.

The problem I have is that the Bible nowhere in and of itself defines which books make up the canon. So how do you know you've got all the true books? Can you work that out from Scripture alone? I know this is venturing into the old debate with Roman Catholics here, but I'm new to all this and would like to know more.

I should also add that if you're not a Christian and you're looking into questions of the accuracy and reliability of the Bible, I don't think this is the book for you either. This is more dealing with inerrancy as a philosophical and theological concept rather than particular evidence of the truth of the Bible.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've often encountered people who take "Inerrancy" to mean some sort of extreme literalism, or to be the domain of the sort of fundamentalism that quickly shuts down honest discussion. It was quite refreshing to read this short commentary on the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (included in the book) which presents a far more "sound" view on what Inerrancy is and means as far as Scripture is concerned. Whilst I have read the Chicago Statement in the past (probably about 30 or so years ago), I hadn't read this book written by one of those involved with the Statement.

I would recommend it to any who wish to have a better understanding on what is meant by Inerrancy - too often "straw men" are built that are easily demolished, and using statements like this can help prevent that.

So this is a short easy to read book - and I would recommend it to more than just Evangelicals.

I also applaud the inclusion that belief on Inerrancy is not a requirement for Salvation ;-)

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book that works phrase-by-phrase through The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, a document written by 250 evangelicals at a summit meeting called by the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy in October 1978… this short book is an explanation of that document by R.C. Sproul and it is very helpful in defending and defining Biblical inerrancy and infallibility. This is a very solid book that defends an extremely crucial view of the Bible. Sproul sums up the significance of defending the trustworthiness of Scripture by saying, “When the church loses its confidence in the authority of sacred Scriptures, it inevitably looks to human opinion as its guiding light.” This is well written; it is certainly more academic and a bit tougher to read but also very worth reading.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

R C Sproul is both a great writer and speaker. While this book does not stand up with the best, it does clarify his view on Scripture. He acknowledges there are challenges but does not acquiesce to the arguments that subject Scripture is anything less than authoritative. He holds that his belief in the trustworthiness of the whole of Scripture replicates jesus' commitment to the whole of Scripture. Billy Graham said that his affirmation of Scripture was the turning point of his ministry.

[Steve Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This booklet only indirectly answers the question it poses. It is a commentary on each of the nineteen articles of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, and of course, inerrancy is an important concept to understand when determining the trustworthiness of the Bible. I would have liked it better if Sproul would have answered the question directly, but this was very helpful in clarifying what the doctrine of inerrancy means and doesn't mean.

[Jennifer Layte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dry, but very earnest and helpfully well-thought-out explanation if the affirmations and denials regarding the authority and inerrancy of Christian Scripture as delineated in Chicago in the 80's. Considering the confusion in my own mind lately regarding this doctrine, I'm grateful to have read it.

[jimsgravitas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always find it difficult reading a book like this, seems little point as I already trust the bible. However this ended up being an interesting and fairly in depth look at the reasons why. Over all well worth the read.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very carefully worded defense of the Bible. It leaves no doubt that the author believes in the inspired word of God, as infallible and inerrant. A great book to have in your library and always at hand.

[Don Henrikson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good apologetic commentary on the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. As usual, Dr. Sproul's writing is clear and interesting. That makes this a helpful little book on a topic important to the church.

[Nathan Newcomer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sproul here writes a short, "layman's" book for bibliology. It won't wow you with in-depth theological prose, but it fulfills its purpose of being an edible read for those seeking a surface level understanding.