God’s inspired word
My uncle is ELCA and I am WELS. The last time we saw each other, we got on the topic of religion. He fully believes that Jesus died for his sins and he is very devout to his faith, as he reads the Bible nearly every morning. But when I asked him if the Bible is without error, he answered that he thinks the Bible has several errors. He doesn’t believe in Genesis because no one was actually there to record it and parts of the Old Testament. He also claims that the Bible has gone through multiple translations and changes throughout history, saying that Constantine changed many things in the Bible to draw and force people to Christianity. Is this true? I’ll be seeing him over Christmas and I’m sure we’ll get on this topic again. How would I answer this argument? Thanks!
It is good that your uncle reads the Bible faithfully. You could help him out by encouraging him to read Psalm 119. In great detail, the psalm writer explains that “All your words are true” (Psalm 119:160). Other psalms also speak of God’s word being flawless – Psalm 12:6; Psalm 18:30. Proverbs 30:5 states the same truth. In John 17:17 Jesus does as well.
If God’s word is true, and it is, then everything in it is true. That includes the creation account. Certainly, God alone was present when he called everything into existence, and God alone provides the account of his creation. Christian faith takes God at his word (Hebrews 11:3).
Constantine did not change anything in the Bible. He reversed the direction that Diocletian took towards Christians and gave their religion legal status.
God inspired the writers of his word to write exactly what he wanted (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). God preserved his word through careful copyists throughout history. The result is that we today have God’s word—a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105).
A valuable Christmas gift for your uncle would be a good book on biblical interpretation or creation. The books are available from Northwestern Publishing House.
God bless your conversations with your uncle. Have a blessed Christmas!