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Can We Rely on the Scriptures Today?

The question as to whether the Bible is truly the inspired Word of God, rather than a product of mere human authorship, requires careful examination. Many have looked upon the Scriptures as divinely given truth, others have dismissed them as mere human invention, and still others have remained undecided. Yet the weight of centuries of evidence, the careful transmission of the text, and the sacrifices made by countless faithful believers strongly affirm the Bible’s divine origin and enduring authority. The prophets, apostles, and scribes who composed and preserved these sacred writings did so under circumstances that would have undermined any merely human project. The results are sixty-six books, written over more than a thousand years, compiled in a unity of message that is unparalleled in human literature. This unity, along with its harmony with known history and archeological support, reveals that it is no simple matter to dismiss the Bible as a product of human imagination. Rather, its internal consistency, moral elevation, historical accuracy, and the prophetic details that have proven true stand as compelling witnesses to its divine source.

Scripture itself testifies to its own inspiration and reliability. The apostle Paul wrote: “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, UASV) These words imply that God directed the minds of the writers so that the resulting message would convey His will accurately, serving as a reliable guide to truth and righteousness. At times in history, however, powerful religious institutions or secular forces have tried to muzzle God’s Word. This has never succeeded in eliminating it. Instead, such efforts have only prompted greater zeal and care in its preservation and translation. Men of courage, such as John Hus, stood firm even under the threat of death, demonstrating that many have been willing to give their lives rather than allow God’s Word to be silenced or misrepresented.

Did the Early Christians Show Unwavering Faith in the Word of God?

The earliest Christians understood that what they had received in the Scriptures was something more than human wisdom. Although men like Peter, Paul, and John wrote letters to congregations, these letters were not their private opinions. They understood that they served as instruments of the holy spirit, that the words they wrote were, in essence, from God. The apostles made it clear that the believer’s faith does not rest on human tradition, but on the inspired writings that God Himself provided through faithful men. As the apostle Peter said: “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were moved by the holy spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21, UASV)

The first-century Christians relied on the authoritative Hebrew Scriptures and the inspired writings of the apostles. They recognized that submission to God’s Word was nonnegotiable. These early believers also faced fierce opposition. The Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem who opposed Jesus opposed his apostles as well. When the apostles stood before the Jewish high priest and the Sanhedrin, they were ordered to stop preaching Christ’s message. Instead of complying, they declared: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 5:29, UASV) This willingness to risk their lives for the truth was a powerful testimony that the message they upheld was more than a human philosophy. It was the divine Word worthy of their obedience, even unto death.

How Did Persecution and Opposition Fail to Stop the Bible’s Advance?

From the earliest times, the enemies of God’s Word have tried to silence it. Persecutors banned it, burned it, and punished those who read it. In the Roman era, emperors forbade possessing Christian writings. Yet despite intense and systematic efforts, the Scriptures could not be stamped out. Faithful copyists and zealous believers hid precious manuscripts, memorized passages, and took extraordinary risks to ensure the survival and circulation of God’s Word. In the centuries following the apostolic age, ecclesiastical authorities often sought to monopolize the interpretation of Scripture, discouraging common people from reading it. Conflicts over doctrine and church hierarchy often overshadowed the pure teachings of the Bible. Nonetheless, scattered groups and individuals, committed to the truth, continued to hold that God’s Word surpasses any human religious system.

The preserved manuscripts testify to the care taken in transmitting the text. We have ancient Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament and extensive Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. Comparing these sources shows that the Scriptures have been remarkably stable and reliable throughout centuries of copying. If it were just a human creation, it would not have maintained such consistency under such adverse conditions. Time and again, the Spirit-inspired Word of God proved stronger than the efforts of men to suppress or distort it. The Bible’s survival and global distribution stand in stark contrast to other ancient works that have often perished, or existed in only fragmentary form.

Did John Wycliffe and John Hus Advance the Cause of Biblical Authority?

During the medieval period, access to the Bible was limited. The religious leaders, entrenched in their traditions, often preferred the faithful to remain ignorant of Scripture. They claimed that reading it in the vernacular would lead to misunderstanding and chaos. Into this religious climate stepped John Wycliffe in England, in the late 14th century C.E. Wycliffe and his followers worked tirelessly to translate the Bible from Latin into English so that common people could read it. Wycliffe emphasized that true authority is not vested in clerical hierarchies but in Scripture itself. He maintained that any teaching or tradition that conflicts with Scripture cannot be binding upon believers. If the Bible were just a human book, there would be no reason to risk life and reputation for translating it. Yet Wycliffe and others did precisely that because they knew it was the Word of God and worthy of all effort required to make it available.

The effects of Wycliffe’s work reverberated beyond England. In Bohemia (now in the region of the Czech Republic) lived a man named John Hus, born around 1371 C.E. Hus encountered Wycliffe’s writings, especially those emphasizing the authority of the Bible. He recognized that he must stand by God’s Word even if it meant defying ecclesiastical commands. Hus found in Scripture the supreme authority of God’s revelation that no church council or pope could overrule. He refused to submit to man-made traditions contradicting biblical truth. This aligned precisely with the spirit of the apostles who, when facing the religious authorities of their day, declared that they must obey God rather than men.

Hus was ordered by church leaders not to preach. He was told to abandon positions that he had learned from careful reading of Scripture. Instead of yielding, he insisted that he be shown from the Bible where he was wrong. Without that proof, he could not recant. His position was based on the principle in Acts 5:29: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” Hus knew that human tradition, no matter how old or how widely accepted, cannot supersede God’s revealed truth. Because he would not compromise, he was condemned as a heretic and eventually burned at the stake in 1415 C.E. This martyrdom occurred at the Council of Constance, a gathering that demanded obedience to human ecclesiastical power rather than God’s Word. Hus’ refusal to recant demonstrated the unwavering confidence he had that Scripture alone stands as the highest authority.

The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

What Role Did Conscience and Scripture Play for Hus?

Hus had learned that if man’s command contradicts God’s revealed will, the believer must remain faithful to God. He knew that God’s Word cannot be changed or bent to accommodate human desires. He put conscience firmly in subjection to Scripture. He echoed the sentiment of Romans 3:4, where the apostle Paul said: “But let God be true, though every man be found a liar.” Hus understood that if the religious authorities demanded that he accept teachings without scriptural basis, he could not submit. He understood the words of Jesus Christ himself, who prayed: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17, UASV) Hus was convinced that only by allowing Scripture to have the final say could believers avoid error and deception.

He recognized that human traditions and ecclesiastical decrees had led to corruption in the church. The sale of indulgences, the political alliances of popes, and the lack of scriptural basis for many doctrines and practices all troubled him. Hus was not a man who took rebellion lightly. He was a university rector, an educated theologian, and a sincere believer. He explored the Scriptures diligently and saw that God’s Word must stand supreme above all else. His desire was not to create divisions, but to restore the church to a faithfulness that he found only in Scripture. When commanded to stay silent, he made it known that to obey men in violation of God’s command was impossible. His choice to hold fast to Scripture over human tradition sowed seeds that would lead many others to do the same in the centuries to come.

Did Hus’ Stand Lay the Groundwork for Future Reformers?

More than a century after Hus’ execution, Martin Luther stood before a council demanding that he retract his writings. Just as Hus had been asked to abandon his scriptural stand, Luther too faced pressure from religious authorities. Luther’s reply would echo Hus’ sentiments closely. He said that unless he was convinced by Scripture and sound reason, he could not recant. He stated openly that “popes and councils have often erred and contradicted one another.” Thus, Luther’s conscience was captive to the Word of God, not to the pronouncements of men. Luther later recognized that Hus had taken a similar stand, and he commented that many were “Hussites” without knowing it. It is clear that Hus’ refusal to budge on the matter of scriptural authority influenced future generations who would carry the struggle for Biblical truth to fruition.

Hus, Wycliffe, and Luther did not invent new teachings. They were attempting to reclaim what the apostles and early Christians had embraced—that Scripture alone is authoritative for faith and conduct. The first-century believers had no popes, no elaborate human hierarchies, and no unscriptural doctrines. They followed the teachings of Jesus Christ and his chosen apostles, all recorded in Scripture. Hus recognized that this original pattern had been distorted over the centuries by unwarranted traditions and human authority claims. He believed that recapturing the purity of the apostolic faith required returning to the Bible as the final standard.

Does the Modern Availability of the Bible Empower Believers?

Today, believers possess many advantages that those in earlier centuries lacked. The Scriptures have been translated into thousands of languages. Wide availability of printed Bibles and, in more recent times, digital editions accessible through various devices ensure that anyone who truly desires the Word of God can obtain it. This widespread availability means that no one is forced to accept religious traditions blindly. Each individual can examine the Scriptures personally and see whether the teachings they hear conform to God’s Word. The principle that Hus championed—that God must be obeyed rather than men—can now be applied by millions who have direct access to the Bible.

In modern times, thorough scholarship and the availability of ancient manuscripts confirm the reliability of the text. Archeology has repeatedly supported biblical accounts, and linguistic studies have clarified difficult passages. Faithful translators strive to reflect the original Hebrew and Greek as accurately as possible, so believers can study God’s Word with confidence. This makes the stand of Hus even more significant. He relied on the best knowledge available in his day, at great personal risk. Present-day Christians stand on firmer textual ground, with abundant evidence that what they read truly represents the inspired Word that guided men of faith for centuries.

Can We Learn from the Courage of Hus and the Early Martyrs?

The courage of those who stood firm on the Scriptures, including Hus and others like him, reminds believers today that loyalty to God’s Word is not always easy. Just as the apostles risked their lives in the first century, those who followed in their footsteps often paid a high price. Hus’ stance before the Council of Constance was not a mere theological debate. It was a life-and-death matter. Yet he refused to let fear or human authority overturn what the Scriptures had clearly revealed.

When he stood in the cathedral at Constance and was commanded to recant, he insisted that he would gladly change his views if someone could show him from Scripture that he was wrong. They were unwilling or unable to do so. Instead, they condemned him without refuting his arguments from the Bible. Hus’ conscience, bound by Scripture, would not allow him to submit to human dictates. He understood that spiritual truth is not decided by majority vote or ecclesiastical decree, but by the Word of the living God.

This example serves as a lesson. Believers must not allow traditions, popular opinions, or the pressure of authorities to override what God has revealed. Scripture stands as an unchanging standard, independent of human wills. Those who have confidence in the Bible as God’s Word will not be swayed by threats, ridicule, or shifting cultural values. They will understand, as Hus did, that “man may lie, but God lies not.” (Compare Romans 3:4, UASV)

How Has the Historic Emphasis on Scripture Guided True Worship?

Hus and those like him recognized that true worship of God depends on aligning one’s beliefs and conduct with Scripture. Jesus himself said, “Your word is truth.” (John 17:17, UASV) He taught his disciples to rely on God’s Word for guidance. He refuted the religious leaders of his time by frequently quoting the Scriptures, reminding them that God’s commandments stand above human traditions. Jesus warned that religious authorities could undermine God’s Word if they gave greater weight to their traditions. (Matthew 15:3-9, UASV)

The apostle Paul likewise advised Timothy to continue in what he had learned from the Scriptures because they could make him wise for salvation. (2 Timothy 3:14-17, UASV) Paul never encouraged blind obedience to human authority. Instead, he praised the Bereans for verifying his teachings against the Scriptures. (Acts 17:11, UASV) This pattern was precisely what Hus followed. He invited his accusers to point out from Scripture if he erred. In refusing to do so, they condemned themselves. Hus’ practice was not a novelty. It was a return to the model established in the first century.

Did the Lives and Teachings of Early Reformers Reinforce Scriptural Authority?

Hus was not alone in challenging unscriptural traditions. Wycliffe, who lived before him, insisted on translating the Bible into English. He believed that ordinary believers had every right to read God’s Word directly. William Tyndale, who came after Hus, risked his life to give the English people a direct translation of the Scriptures from Hebrew and Greek. Men and women have consistently recognized that the Bible belongs to all believers and that no human authority can rightfully withhold it.

Tyndale’s dying prayer was that the king of England’s eyes would be opened, and soon afterward, English Bibles were placed in churches. The Reformation movement in Europe, which followed, was fueled by the conviction that God’s Word, not human institutions, defines truth. Hus contributed to this climate of reliance on Scripture by showing that even under the harshest conditions, a believer must stand by the Word of God.

Do the Scriptures Provide Clarity on Doctrines and Practices?

When believers disagree or when religious authorities issue conflicting commandments, the Scriptures serve as the ultimate court of appeal. If traditions, practices, or doctrinal assertions cannot be confirmed by Scripture, they hold no binding authority on those seeking to worship God “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24, UASV) Hus understood that matters such as indulgences, papal supremacy, and unscriptural doctrines had no standing if not supported by the Bible. He emphasized that where the Bible speaks, believers must listen, and where it is silent, men have no right to impose their own commands.

This principle allowed Hus to cut through centuries of accumulated tradition and focus on essentials. Jesus had already warned that not everyone saying “Lord, Lord” would enter the Kingdom, but only those who do the will of his Father. (Matthew 7:21, UASV) How can one discern God’s will if not by consulting the Scriptures? If human authorities contradict that will, true believers cannot follow them. In a time when the church hierarchy forbade certain teachings or Bible translations, Hus insisted that God’s Word cannot be chained.

Is It Practical Today to Follow Hus’ Example?

It is not only practical but necessary to follow the biblical principle Hus defended. Modern religious landscapes are complex. There are thousands of denominations, each with its own teachings, traditions, and interpretations. Some religious leaders encourage their adherents to trust them without examining the Scriptures. Others might discourage personal Bible reading, claiming that ordinary believers cannot understand the text correctly. Yet the lesson of Hus is that believers must test all teachings against the Bible. If a doctrine or practice cannot be supported by Scripture, one should feel no obligation to accept it.

This approach fosters discernment, ensuring that no one is led astray by human philosophy masquerading as spiritual truth. Because the Bible is widely available, believers can personally verify what they are taught. They are not at the mercy of secondhand knowledge or the decrees of religious authorities. This was precisely the environment that men like Wycliffe, Hus, and Luther longed to achieve. Today, Christians who value God’s Word as the supreme authority can study it daily, meditate on its meaning, and pray for wisdom to apply it accurately. They can do so freely and confidently, knowing that Scripture remains the criterion of truth.

Does the Bible’s Preservation Confirm Its Divine Nature?

The survival of the Bible through millenniums of upheaval, persecution, and attempted suppression points to more than mere human effort. Other ancient works have disappeared or survived only in fragments, yet the Bible remains abundant in manuscripts, translations, and widespread distribution. As Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35, UASV) This assurance suggests a divine hand preserving His message.

Those who attempted to control or distort its message, as happened in Hus’ time, never fully succeeded. Faithful individuals continued to uphold the Scriptures even at great personal cost. They recognized that human leaders come and go, but the Word of God endures. If the Bible were merely human in origin, it would have suffered the fate of countless other ancient texts. Its persistent presence through history and its capacity to transform lives strongly supports the conclusion that it is indeed the inspired Word of God.

What Should Believers Do With This Knowledge?

Knowing that the Bible is the inspired Word of God imposes a responsibility on believers. It means that its teachings are not optional recommendations, but divine commands and principles that lead to life. The apostle Paul urged believers to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22, UASV) True faith involves applying Scripture in daily life, following its moral standards, and allowing it to shape one’s thinking, speech, and conduct. This stands in direct opposition to empty ritual or unquestioning acceptance of human doctrines.

Believers must be willing to stand by the Scriptures even when it is unpopular or dangerous. Hus embodied this principle by refusing to retract biblical truths. In our times, pressure to conform to secular values or culturally acceptable norms that contradict Scripture may be strong. Still, the solution remains the same: obey God as ruler rather than men. This entails respect for secular authorities in matters not conflicting with Scripture, but a firm refusal to compromise scriptural truth for the sake of acceptance or comfort.

How Does This Affect the Way We View John Hus’ Actions?

Looking back, Hus’ actions are fully understandable and commendable when we acknowledge the Bible as God’s revealed Word. He was no rebel without cause, no disrupter seeking personal glory. Instead, he was a sincere believer holding fast to the Word of God in the face of unjust demands. He showed that courage born of faith can withstand even the threat of death. His willingness to suffer martyrdom rather than deny the supremacy of Scripture stands as a beacon for modern believers who face their own tests of faith.

Hus and others like him remind us that loyalty to God’s Word sometimes requires sacrifice. Jesus warned his disciples that they would be persecuted for his name’s sake. (Matthew 10:22, UASV) He taught them to value truth above life itself. Throughout history, many who refused to submit to human traditions that contradicted Scripture faced exile, imprisonment, or death. Yet their testimony continues to inspire. Their legacy teaches that true believers find their identity and strength in Scripture’s guidance, not in the shifting winds of human authority.

Can the Bible Lead Believers to True Unity?

If everyone who professes faith in Christ took the Scriptures as seriously as Hus did, much religious confusion would fade. Unity based on human traditions or forced compliance is often superficial and fragile. True unity arises when believers submit to the same divine standard. The apostle Paul admonished the early Christians to speak in agreement and have no divisions among them. (1 Corinthians 1:10, UASV) Such agreement can be achieved only if believers measure all teachings by the Word of God. Human leaders may fail, but God’s Word never fails.

Hus recognized that a church governed by Scripture has a solid foundation. He spoke against the unscriptural idea that Peter, rather than Christ, was the head of the church. Ephesians 1:22-23 (UASV) shows that Christ is the head of his congregation. A return to biblical truth erodes the claims of men who exalt themselves as ultimate authorities. Instead, it establishes Christ alone as head, leading his people through Scripture. This principle can guide believers today, freeing them from unnecessary divisions caused by human traditions. By placing God’s Word above all else, they can draw closer to one another as they stand firmly on a common foundation.

Is Submission to Scripture Still Relevant in the Modern World?

Submission to Scripture is more relevant than ever. In a world filled with conflicting ideologies, moral relativism, and religious confusion, the Bible remains a lamp to the believer’s feet and a light to their path. (Psalm 119:105, UASV) Modern discoveries, scientific advances, and societal changes do not render God’s Word obsolete. On the contrary, the Bible addresses timeless principles of righteousness, justice, love, and mercy, which apply to every generation. It guides believers in making decisions that honor God and benefit others.

Hus’ era might seem far removed from ours, yet the fundamental conflict remains unchanged: Will believers submit to God’s revealed will, or will they yield to human authorities who contradict Scripture? The answer for anyone who values truth must be clear. As long as we believe that “Every word of God proves true,” and that He is a “shield to those who take refuge in him,” (Proverbs 30:5, UASV) we must stand by that truth as Hus did. Genuine faith means that Scripture is not a relic of the past, but the living and active Word that discerns “the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, UASV)

Will True Believers Always “Obey God as Ruler Rather Than Men”?

Yes. Faithful believers, from the apostles to Hus and beyond, have shown that no matter what pressures arise, those who trust God’s Word will not compromise. They understand that human life is transitory, but God’s Word endures. They know that giving in to human demands contrary to Scripture only leads away from truth and life. Jesus made it clear that his disciples must follow him, even if it costs them everything. (Luke 14:26-27, UASV) Obedience to God over men is not negotiable. It is a fundamental principle of true faith.

It is no coincidence that the biggest spiritual revivals and reforms throughout history began when individuals returned to the Scriptures. This happened in the days of King Josiah, who rediscovered the neglected book of the Law. It happened in the early Christian era when believers refused to accept human traditions. It happened again at various points in church history, such as during the Reformation. The Word of God acts as a compass, always pointing back to divine truth. Hus played a pivotal role in reminding believers of that compass, teaching them that God’s Word cannot be overshadowed by human decrees.

In Conclusion, What Does Hus’ Example Teach Modern Believers?

Hus teaches that no matter how powerful the institutions or how influential the religious leaders, the believer’s first allegiance is to God’s Word. If tradition or human authority tries to impose teachings or practices not found in Scripture, believers must resist. Like Hus, they should welcome correction if shown their error from the Bible. But if no scriptural proof is offered, compromise is impossible. The words of Acts 5:29 stand eternally relevant: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” The believer’s conscience, trained by Scripture, will not yield to demands that contradict the divine counsel.

As believers today handle the precious treasure of the Bible, may they remember the sacrifices of those who came before. Men like Hus paid with their lives to reaffirm the authority of the Word of God. This should inspire modern Christians to treat Scripture with the utmost reverence, study it diligently, and apply it faithfully. By doing so, they show that their worship is genuine and that their faith is anchored not in human tradition, but in divine truth. This unwavering commitment to the Scriptures keeps believers aligned with God’s will and prepared to face any challenge with courage, conviction, and the sure knowledge that they are obeying God’s revealed Word.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).