#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Hey there, have you ever heard someone say that all holy books are basically the same? Maybe you’ve wondered if the Bible is just another religious text like the Quran or the Hindu Vedas. It’s a fair question, and it’s okay to wrestle with it. Let’s dig into why the Bible stands apart and what that means for our faith in Jesus.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
One of the biggest differences between the Bible and other religious texts lies in the very foundation of belief: who God is. In the Bible, Jesus reveals one personal God who exists as a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is clear in passages like Mark 12:29 and John 5:18-19. Contrast that with the Quran, which teaches a single God without a Trinity, or the Vedas, which describe millions of gods tied to one impersonal force. As Norman Geisler has pointed out, these views are not just different—they’re fundamentally incompatible. If one is true, the others can’t be. And when it comes to salvation, the Bible stands alone again. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us salvation is a gift through faith in Christ, not something we earn through works, which is a core teaching in both the Quran and the Vedas. Even the identity of Jesus differs drastically—Christianity proclaims Him as fully God and fully man, while other texts reduce Him to a prophet or an avatar. These aren’t small disagreements; they shape everything about what we believe and how we live.
Encouragement & Application:
It’s natural to have questions about why we trust the Bible over other texts, and that’s a good thing—it means you’re seeking truth. The Bible’s unique message of grace and a personal God who loves you is worth exploring. Spend some time reading Ephesians or John to see how Jesus describes Himself and God’s plan for you. Talk to a trusted friend or mentor about what you’re learning, and don’t shy away from asking tough questions. God can handle them, and He wants to draw you closer through this journey.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the Bible’s teaching on salvation by grace through faith impact the way you see God’s love for you?
- What makes the Bible’s view of Jesus unique to you personally?
- How can you dig deeper into understanding why the Bible is God’s Word?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself through the Bible in such a unique and powerful way. Help me to trust in Your Word, even when I have questions or doubts. Give me the courage to seek answers and the faith to rest in Your truth. Guide me as I grow closer to You, and show me how to share Your love with others. In Your name, Amen.
YouTube
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
