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Be Ready To Answer

Topic

Scripture and Authority

Answers to claims that the Bible was corrupted, incomplete, superseded, mistranslated, or subordinate to later prophetic authority.

The question behind the question

Many objections are not merely about one verse. They ask whether God has preserved the apostolic witness, whether later authorities can revise it, and how claimed prophets or institutions should be tested.

Keep textual and authority claims separate

A claim that the Bible was textually corrupted is different from a claim that it was misread, incomplete, or superseded by later revelation. Name which claim is being made before answering.

Reference map

Arguments

4

Objections

11

Scripture

8
  • 2 Timothy 4:1-5

    Paul's charge to preach the word, remain ready, endure hardship, and fulfill the ministry.

  • Deuteronomy 13:1-5

    Moses warns Israel not to follow a sign-working prophet into the worship of other gods.

  • Deuteronomy 18:20-22

    Moses gives a test for presumptuous prophecy.

  • Galatians 1:8

    Paul warns against any gospel contrary to the apostolic gospel already preached.

  • Hebrews 1:1-2

    Hebrews contrasts earlier prophetic revelation with God's climactic speech in the Son.

  • John 1:1

    John identifies the Word as both with God and God.

  • John 14:26

    Jesus says the Father will send the Holy Spirit to teach and remind the disciples.

  • Jude 3

    Jude urges believers to contend for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.

Sources

17

Religions

3
  • Islam

    A reference profile for answering Islamic objections to the gospel.

  • Jehovah's Witnesses

    A reference profile for answering Watch Tower claims about Jehovah, Jesus, the Trinity, resurrection, translation, the Memorial, blood, and organizational authority.

  • Latter-day Saints

    A reference profile for discussing Latter-day Saint restoration claims with clarity and fairness.