Page 130 - Doctrine and History of the Preservation of the Bible revised

We often receive questions along the lines of “Explain how these verses do not contradict!” or “Look,
here is an error in the Bible!” Admittedly, some of the things people bring up are difficult to answer.
However, it is our contention that there are viable and intellectually plausible answers to every
supposed Bible contradiction and error. There are books and websites available that list “all the errors in
the Bible.” Most people simply get their ammunition from these places; they do not find supposed
errors on their own. There are also books and websites available that refute every one of these
supposed errors. The saddest thing is that most people who attack the Bible are not truly interested in
an answer. Many “Bible attackers” are even aware of these answers, but they continue to use the same
lii
old shallow attacks again and again. The old adage is true, “A man convinced against his will is of the
same opinion still!”

So, what are we to do when someone approaches us with an alleged Bible error? 1) Prayerfully study
the Scriptures and see if there is a simple solution. 2) Do some research using some of the fine Bible
commentaries, “Bible defense” books, and biblical research websites. 3) Ask our pastors/church leaders
to see if they can find a solution. 4) If there is still no clear answer after steps 1), 2), and 3) are followed,
we trust God that His Word is truth and that there is a solution that just simply has not been realized yet
liii
(2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17).

If indeed, the Bible does contain demonstratable errors, it would show that at least those parts in error
have not come from a perfect, all-knowing God. It is very easy to accuse the Bible of inaccuracies, but
quite another matter to prove it. If someone makes such an accusation, the burden is on them to prove
the error.

What constitutes an error or contradiction?

nd
The Law of non-contradiction, which is the 2 Law of all logical thinking, states that a statement cannot
be both true and false at the same time. In other words, if I say it is raining, it cannot both be raining
and not raining at the same time. One must be true and the other false.

For example, Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man can come to the Father but
through me.” (John 14:6). Jesus stated that He was the way to God. This statement is either true or
false. Christian hold that statement to be true. Someone else might say, “All religions are a way to
God.” Using this law, both statements cannot be true. Jesus is the only way or there are other ways.
But both statements are not true.

If one can demonstrate a violation of this principle from Scripture, then and only then can he prove a
contradiction. For example, if the Bible says, (which is does not) that Jesus died by crucifixion both in
Jerusalem and in Nazareth at the same time, this would be a provable error.

When facing possible contradictions, it is of the highest importance to remember that two statements
may differ from each other without being contradictory. Some fail to make a distinction between
contradiction and difference.

For example, the case of the blind men at Jericho. Matthew relates how two blind men met Jesus, while
both Mark and Luke mention only one. However, neither of these statements denies the other, but
rather they are complementary.

128