I. God has promised man that His word will serve as an accurate, infallible, all-sufficient guide for our lives. He also tells us that His word will stand forever.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim . 3: 16-17)

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Rom. 1:16)

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Pet. 1:20-21)

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psa. 119:105)

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (I Thess. 2:13)

"Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. (Mark 13:31)

II. Despite these promises made by God and His appointed messengers, many people doubt the authenticity and reliability of the Bible.

    A. The atheist denies the inspiration of the Bible altogether. The agnostic is not sure what to believe. Our present study does not address these positions because it is not, primarily, a study in evidences.

    B. Still others seek a factual and honest account of how the Bible has been preserved and handed down to our generation. Our study is designed to meet the needs of these individuals. In the course of these lessons we will address the following questions, as well as others:

        1. How were ancient books, including copies of the Bible, made?

        2. Who decided which books would be included in the canon of scriptures? What about the so-called "lost" books of the Bible?

        3. Can Christians have confidence in the accuracy of transmission and translation to modern times?

        4. Are some English translations better than others? Are there some translations which we should avoid?