Is the Bible Trustworthy? – Part 3

Is the Bible Consistent with Itself?

In part 1 of this series, we looked at the Bible’s unique composition—written by around 40 authors, across 1,500 years, in three languages, and from diverse cultural backgrounds.

In part 2, we asked: Does the Bible’s history line up with historical reality?

Now, in part 3, we turn to another important question:
Is the Bible, all 66 books of it, written over centuries—actually consistent with itself?

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What’s the Point of Consistency?

Every meaningful work has a unifying theme. A book without one quickly collapses into confusion.

So what about the Bible?

• Does it carry one major theme throughout?
• Does it consistently return to a few key points?
• And does its overall message hang together in a coherent way?

The surprising answer is yes.

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Genesis to Revelation: The Spine of Consistency

The Bible’s arc is established in its opening chapters.

Genesis 1–2 introduces us to a perfect creation.

But in Genesis 3, humanity rejects God’s command, believing the serpent’s lie:

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4–5)

Eve and Adam eat, and the fallout is immediate:

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” (Genesis 3:7)

With that choice, sin and death entered the human story, bringing along shame, suffering, and brokenness.

Yet even in this bleak moment, God speaks hope:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

From that moment forward, the Bible traces a single storyline: God working through history to undo sin, defeat death, and restore fellowship with Himself.

In John 5, Jesus explains that all of Scripture points to Him:

“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5:39–40)

And the Bible’s story closes in Revelation 21, where God’s purpose reaches its climax:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)

From Genesis to Revelation, the message is consistent: creation, fall, redemption, restoration.

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Four Common Consistency Challenges

Skeptics often point out differences within the Bible, but digging deeper shows that these “tensions” actually highlight the Bible’s honesty and depth.

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1. The Four Gospels: Different Angles, One Story

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each tell the story of Jesus—but with different emphases. Matthew highlights Jesus as the Jewish Messiah; Mark concentrates on Jesus’ action-packed ministry; Luke emphasizes the compassion of Jesus; John reveals the divinity of Jesus.

The variations aren’t contradictions but complementary eyewitness perspectives—like four witnesses in a courtroom. If their testimonies were identical, it would look suspicious, as though they had colluded. But when witnesses recall the same events with different details and emphases, their independent accounts strengthen credibility. That’s exactly what we see in the Gospels.

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2. Paul vs. James: Faith and Works

Paul writes:

“A person is justified by faith apart from works.” (Romans 3:28)

While James says:

“A person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)

At first glance, this seems contradictory. But Paul addresses how we are made right with God (faith alone), while James addresses how true faith shows itself in action. They’re not enemies—they’re allies looking at two sides of the same coin.

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3. Proverbs vs. Ecclesiastes: Simple Answers or Hard Questions?

Proverbs often portrays life in clear cause-and-effect terms:

“The diligent hand brings wealth.” (Proverbs 10:4)

Ecclesiastes, by contrast, wrestles with life’s frustrations:

“The race is not to the swift… but time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

Which is true? Both. Proverbs gives wisdom principles for how life generally works; Ecclesiastes reminds us that in a fallen world, outcomes don’t always match expectations. Together, they offer a realistic and balanced view.

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4. Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart

Exodus alternates between saying Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Exodus 8:15) and that God hardened it (Exodus 9:12).

Which is it? Both. Pharaoh stubbornly resisted, and God ultimately confirmed him in that path. The tension reflects both human responsibility and God’s sovereignty—mysteries that the Bible does not erase but records with honesty.

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The Bible’s Transparency

One striking feature of Scripture’s consistency is its transparency. Unlike human-made legends that glorify their heroes, the Bible is candid about the flaws of its central figures.

• Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister (Genesis 12:13).
• David sinned grievously with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11).
• Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:61).

Rather than weakening the Bible’s message, this honesty strengthens its credibility. It shows us that salvation rests not on human greatness but on God’s grace.

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Closing Thought

From beginning to end, the Bible tells one consistent story: humanity’s fall, God’s promise of redemption, Jesus at the center, and the hope of a new creation.

• Genesis 3 shows the problem: sin and death enter the world.
• John 5 points us to Jesus, the one who brings life.
• Revelation 21 gives the resolution: God restores all things.

Despite dozens of human authors across centuries, the message holds together with remarkable unity—something best explained by one divine Author.

The Bible’s honesty about its heroes’ flaws only strengthens its credibility, showing that salvation rests not on human perfection but on God’s faithfulness.

So yes, the Bible is consistent with itself, and that consistency points us to trust its message of hope.

“If you haven’t read the earlier posts in this series, you can explore them here: Part 1 – The Bible’s Unique Composition and Part 2 – Historical Corroboration.”

➡️ Coming Next: Part 4 – Prophecy and the Bible’s Foresight

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Still Have Questions? (FAQ)

Here’s a quick recap if you’re looking for fast answers:

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Resources for Further Study

• GotQuestions.org – Clear, accessible answers to common questions.
• Bible Project – Videos and studies tracing the Bible’s unified story.
• Blue Letter Bible – Tools for studying Scripture in depth.