Why Trust the Bible?

Author: Joe Keller

Category: Biblical Counseling, Blog, Counseling, The Gospel

We all have to trust something in life. We quickly realize we are unable to live life completely independent of anything or anyone else. The human experience is an interdependent one that relies on others to live, sustain, and flourish. The fact of the matter is that I cannot even see myself fully and accurately alone. I need a mirror or someone else to tell me that something is on my back because I cannot see life completely and accurately by myself. Reliance infers trust. As biblical counselors, we not only trust the Bible for ourselves but also engage with and invite others to trust the Bible as God’s Word to address every area and season of life.

There are common questions that arise as we engage others to trust in the Bible through interpersonal ministry. Being an ancient book, why should we trust the Bible? What makes the Bible better than other books that claim to have insight into human flourishing?

Those who trust the Bible believe that it is the Word of God to humanity and is sufficient to address everything about life and godliness without error or equal. It stands as the authoritative standard by which truth and error are both revealed and understood. The authoritative revelation of Scripture alone guides the Christian life. Let’s explore together some foundational reasons we should trust the Bible and how we, as biblical counselors, invite others to trust it as well.

The Bible Is Trustworthy

Scripture is accurate in all its truth claims (John 17:17) and serves as the authoritative and sufficient revelation of God, containing everything needed for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3–4). It is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17), equipping believers for every good work.

The Chicago Statement on Inerrancy defines biblical inerrancy this way: “Holy Scripture, being God’s own Word, written by men prepared and supervised by His Spirit, is infallible divine authority in all matters upon which it touches: it is to be believed, as God’s instruction, in all that it affirms; obeyed, as God’s command, in all that it requires; embraced, as God’s pledge, in all that it promises.”[1] We trust the Bible because it claims to be the trustworthy revelation of God and has not been proven otherwise.

The Bible Is Relevant

Though an ancient text, the Bible remains relevant in today’s world. God, who is over all of time, has revealed how He created the world, human beings, and the best way to live according to His design (Isa. 46:9-10; Eph. 1:11; Col. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12-13). The Bible does not address every life issue specifically, but its content speaks to every issue sufficiently. This divine revelation, focused on the unfolding plan of redemption, provides a relational framework for every principle and doctrine, speaking clearly to every issue of life without error, so that believers can apply it directly to their hearts and actions.[2] Regarding the sufficiency of Scripture, Wayne Grudem states: “The sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contains all the words of God he intended his people to have at each stage of redemptive history, and that it now contains all the words of God we need for salvation, for trusting Him perfectly, and for obeying him perfectly.”[3]

The Bible Is Authoritative

The Bible, therefore, is authoritative in all it addresses.[4] It acts as a discerning guide for daily decisions (Ps. 119:105; John 16:13; Prov. 6:23; Acts 17:11; Matt. 4:4; 2 Pet. 1:19; Prov. 4:18; 1 Cor. 1:20–25; 3:19), shaping a distinctive Christian life (Heb. 10:23-25; Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Tim. 3:15-17; Titus 2:11-15). Psalm 19:7-11 beautifully describes the perfection, purity, and desirability of God’s Word, which revives the soul, enlightens the eyes, and brings great reward. These truths encourage reflection on how believers relate to God through His Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10-12) and guided by the mark of a true disciple (John 8:31-32). It directs decisions, shapes daily life, fosters discernment and wisdom, and influences speech and conduct to align with biblical truth.[5]

Biblical Counselors Trust the Bible

As biblical counselors, we are not fools to trust that the Bible is the authoritative revelation of God, giving us hope that the truth claims and prophetic promises are true (Heb. 11:1). Our trust is in the assurance that God is who He says He is and that He is a God who keeps His promises. This is the conviction that God’s Word is accurate, our trust in the Bible is built on reality, and our faith is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).

Those who counsel from the Bible can build trust in Scripture in those they minister to in three meaningful ways. First, by teaching the Bible faithfully in its literal, historical, and grammatical context, they help others see its truthfulness firsthand. Effective teaching also equips individuals to study Scripture personally, emphasizing not only intellectual understanding but also practical application. Second, as biblical counselors model godliness guided and shaped by Scripture, others begin to understand and see a life transformed by the reliability of God’s Word. Counselors themselves must live lives guided by Scripture. A life transformed by biblical truth becomes a powerful testimony, inspiring others to trust in the Word through the example of a trustworthy life. Third, counseling that employs Scripture as the primary and ultimate authority for human flourishing is vital. When challenges arise, we can offer guidance rooted in a biblical worldview, demonstrating how Scripture addresses every aspect of life and godliness. By connecting past experiences with present struggles and future hope in God’s promises, we help deepen trust in the Bible’s relevance, regardless of the circumstances those we minister to find themselves in.[6]

Trusting that the Scriptures are the authoritative Word of God, which sufficiently addresses everything for life and godliness, is the internal testimony of the Bible itself and the traditional understanding of the church.[7] While the discipline of formal biblical counseling is relatively new in human history, the pursuit of promoting and engaging with one another in the trustworthy, relevant, and authoritative Word of God has been the work of the church since its earliest gatherings. Therefore, let us strive to place our trust in the truth of the Bible and help others to do the same. Together, we will experience human flourishing that will reinforce our trust in the Bible.

Questions for Reflection

1. What are some things you instinctively trust in your daily life? How do those compare to your trust in the Bible?
2. As a biblical counselor, how are you personally modeling a life shaped by the Bible?

[1] “The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy,” Chicago, 1978, in G.K. Beale, The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism: Responding to New Challenges to Biblical Authority (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008), 269.

[2] Michael R. Emlet, CrossTalk: Where Life and Scripture Meet (Greensboro: New Growth Press, 2009), 28-29.

[3] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 2009.

[4] Richard L. Mayhue, “The Authority of Scripture,” The Master’s Seminary Journal (2004).

[5] David Powlison, “The Sufficiency of Scripture to Diagnose and Cure Souls”, The Journal of Biblical Counseling (Spring 2005).

[6] Jeremy Pierre, “Scripture Is Sufficient, but to Do What?” In Scripture and Counseling: God’s Word for Life in a Broken World, edited by Bob Kellemen and Jeff Forrey (Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2014), 94-108.

[7] S. B. Ferguson, & J. I. Packer, New Dictionary of Theology, (InterVarsity Press, 2000), electronic ed., p. 338.

Joe blogs at the Biblical Counseling Coalition; this article is reprinted with his permission.

Posted on November 14, 2025