What Does the Bible Say About Questioning the Bible?
The Bible addresses the issue of questioning Scripture with a balance of openness and reverence. While it encourages sincere questioning that flows from a desire to know God more deeply, it warns against attitudes that place human judgment above God’s Word. In every generation, the way believers approach questioning the Bible reveals much about their trust in God, their openness to truth, and their willingness to submit to divine authority.
1. Does the Bible Encourage Questioning?
Sincere questioning is not only permitted in Scripture but often portrayed as a sign of faith seeking understanding. The psalmists frequently brought their doubts, fears, and “why” questions before God (Psalm 13:1–2; Psalm 42:9). Jesus Himself invited questions from His disciples, patiently explaining His parables and teachings (Mark 4:10–20).
This kind of questioning is humble and teachable—it seeks clarity, not control. It assumes that God’s Word is true and trustworthy, even when parts of it are difficult to understand. Such questioning strengthens faith by driving believers deeper into prayer, study, and reflection.
2. What Warnings Does the Bible Give About Questioning?
The Bible also warns against questioning that places human reason above divine revelation. When Eve entertained the serpent’s question, “Did God actually say…?” (Genesis 3:1), she stepped into dangerous territory—treating God’s Word as something to be weighed against her own judgment rather than as the ultimate standard.
Similarly, the New Testament warns against irreverent speculation that undermines faith (1 Timothy 1:3–4). This type of questioning is not aimed at understanding but at discrediting, twisting, or reshaping Scripture to fit human preferences. The danger here is not the act of asking questions, but the motive and posture of the heart behind them.
3. How Does the Bible Present Its Own Authority?
The Bible claims divine authorship, describing all Scripture as “God-breathed” and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Jesus repeatedly affirmed the authority of the Old Testament by quoting it as the final word in disputes (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).
Because of this divine origin, the Bible is not merely a human book subject to shifting opinions—it is the standard by which all truth claims must be tested. Questioning the Bible, therefore, must always proceed from a place of submission to its ultimate authority.
4. Why Is Questioning the Bible Common Today?
In today’s post-Christian culture, skepticism toward Scripture is widespread. Many question its trustworthiness due to perceived contradictions, cultural distance, or moral objections. This skepticism has not only taken root in secular contexts but has also infiltrated the church, where some professing Christians treat the Bible as just one voice among many rather than the inspired Word of God.
Yet, despite cultural doubt, the Bible’s influence on human history—in areas such as law, science, art, and ethics—remains unmatched. For believers, this serves as a reminder that the enduring fruit of Scripture is evidence of its divine origin and trustworthiness.
5. How Does the Gospel Shape Our Approach to Questioning?
The Gospel reframes questioning the Bible in a way that protects against both blind acceptance and destructive skepticism. Because Christ is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), to question Scripture rightly is to engage with the living God who speaks through it. The Gospel invites honest questions while also calling for humble trust, recognizing that God’s wisdom exceeds human understanding.
Believers can bring their questions to God, confident that He welcomes sincere seekers. Yet, they are also called to surrender their final verdict to the Lord who has spoken once for all through His Word and His Son.
Conclusion
The Bible affirms that questioning can be a healthy part of spiritual growth—provided it is done with reverence, humility, and a willingness to obey what God reveals. The danger lies not in asking questions but in adopting a posture that elevates human authority above divine revelation. The Gospel reminds us that we do not approach Scripture as its judge, but as those who are judged, loved, and transformed by it.
Bible Verses About Questioning the Bible
Psalm 13:1–2, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?”
Psalm 42:9, “I say to God, my rock: ‘Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?’”
Genesis 3:1, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, “You shall not eat of any tree in the garden”?’”
2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Matthew 4:4, “But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’”
