Church History

How did we get the Bible?

by Dale Partridge

Our modern Bible has 66 books. That’s 39 from the Old Testament and 27 more from the New Testament. But the question that must be answered is, how did we get them? An even more important question we must ask is, can these 66 books be trusted as the authoritative Word of God?

Since, as Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (or word of Christ)”, it’s critical that we can know what exactly the “Word of God” is. Is it possible that our modern Bibles are missing an inspired book? How can we know that each book we do have is truly divine and authoritative?

In this episode, Dale Partridge tackles this extremely common but very important question by looking at both biblical principles and church history. It’s our hope this content will offer you further confidence in the Bible you read and trust.

This Episode’s Question

“Pastor Dale, if the Bible is to be authoritative in the life of a Christian, the immediate question for me becomes, “Wasn’t this book put together by men? How are we to know that what we have in our hands is truly God’s Word? Was anything left out?” Dale, can you help me with these questions so I can have settled confidence in the Scriptures?”

Jackie in Oklahoma City

Additional Resources

Scripture References

  • Romans 10:17

    “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

  • Matthew 5:17-18

    “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

  • Matthew 24:35

    “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

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After watching or listening to this episode, what is your opinion? Do you have any questions or comments? Maybe you have something to add to the discussion? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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