Last week we raised some questions about our modern Bibles. One thing we learned was that the Catholics have 73 books in their Bible and we have only 66 in the Protestant versions. Maybe we Protestants have the abridged Reader’s Digest edition? But, are the extra seven books, known as the Apocrypha inspired by God? That is the question.How did that come to be? If the Catholics have God-breathed Scriptures that we Protestants don’t have, we better adopt them-like quick. If the Catholics have books that are not inspired Scripture then we are good where we are and the Catholics should drop their extra seven. Who is correct? Who has the “real Bible”?

Since most of us are not really up on Church history we don’t pay attention to things like this. We really should though. Studying Church history may not change our minds about anything but at least we would know why we believe what we believe (I call this being epistemologically self conscious).

To save time, I’ll offer you a quick answer to the question of which Bible is the authentic one. Whether we like it or not true Scripture is Scripture that is accepted by faith, just like salvation is a faith process.

The Protestants have what they believe to be overwhelming evidence why the Apocrypha is not inspired. The Catholics believe otherwise. In 1546 the Catholic Church declared the extra seven books to be part of the Canon of Scripture. Some of the Catholic beliefs such as Purgatory and praying for the dead are rooted in the Apocryphal writings.

Remember also that the Muslims accept, by faith, the Koran. The Hindus hold the Bhagavad Gita and the Veda to be inspired and the Jews accept the Old Testament as God’s Word. All of these are faith decisions.

Some, reading this article may say that I’m begging the question. This is not my intention, but I cannot see a way around the faith issue. I could open a big can of worms here and go down the road of mixing in Providence, Election, and other controversial topics with this one. This is not the time for that. My purpose is otherwise.

Let’s face it. We all think that we know what truth is. Isn’t that true? God only knows for sure. We still see through a glass darkly (I Corinthians 13). We all have attained different levels of information and facts that affect our belief system. Our beliefs usually change over time due to various events in our lives or coming into new knowledge.

Personally, by faith, I believe the Bible, Old and New Testament, the sixty-six books, are the complete inspired word of God. This does not mean that there is no benefit of reading the Apocrypha or other religious writings. We always have to keep in mind that we should, evaluate everything in light of Scripture.

As a Christian, I think I know the truth. The truth is the Bible is God’s Word, all of it. The truth is that Jesus Christ is Lord and that we are all accountable to Him. Knowing Him is the ultimate truth. He is the truth we must get to know.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me (John 14:6).

Next week we will finish up this series as we discuss why there are so many translations today and which one may be best for you.