The Importance of God's Word: Manuscript Evidence Supports It

by David Chadwick This week, we are taking a deeper look into the last piece in the armor of God, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The Word of God is not an archaic book with no impact on today. It is full of truths, principles, and realities that will push back against the dark schemes and tactics of the devil. It’s God’s story, giving us direction for how to live in a way that reflects the heart of God on earth as it is in heaven. How, when people obeyed God’s directives, they were generally blessed. When they didn’t, they were generally cursed. Today, I want to help you walk in greater confidence in God’s Word as you use it as a weapon. There is a great deal of manuscript evidence to support the truth of God’s Word. Did you know there are over 5,500 New Testament manuscripts? And the closest ones are within 100 years of its origination. No other historical document has even close to that number and proximity. The Iliad and The Odyssey have around 90, and the earliest one is within 900 years of its origination. Yet no one doubts their veracity. Some raise criticisms of supposed “variants” in the Bible and point out over 25,000 supposed errors in the New Testament. But these errors are mostly copyist errors (an “a” that should be “an”). These minor errors have no effect on the understanding of the clear meaning of the text and overall Christian doctrine. 99% of the Bible’s doctrines of faith are clearly understood. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Old Testament documents are more proof that this is, in fact, the Word of God! Do some study here. The accuracy of these documents being handed down for hundreds of years is undeniable. By the second century, there was a mostly complete Bible of both the Old Testament and New Testament - circulating around Christian communities. The Holy Spirit was working mysteriously behind the scenes to give us God’s Word for all ages. The Bible really is trustworthy! It is true. Quote it against the enemy’s lies and watch him flee!