I use "Route 66" from Faith Alive Christian Resources for part of my confirmation classes. In the very first lesson they answer this question very well as they start off with these four truths:
The Bible:
1. is from God.
2. is trustworthy.
3. accomplishes God's purposes.
4. is complete.
The scripture that they use to back this up is:
1. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." In Romans 1:16-17, "16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."(referencing Habakkuk 2:4) 2 Peter 1:16-21 is another good reference for this, "16We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
2. With the Bible being the word of God, we can now look at verses that show that trustworthy, flawless. We find this in 2 Samuel 22:31, "31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." and in also in Proverbs 30:5, " 5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
3. Hebrews 4:12-13, "12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Isaiah 55:8-11, "8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
4. Finally the Bible is complete as referenced in Revelation 22:18-19, "18I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."
I find that by simply changing the way in which I explain it, it works well with most ages of kids.
Because of Him,
Terry
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
