You may believe that but you cannot possibly know that. It is virtually impossible for you or anyone else to go back nearly 2000+ years and check out the literally thousands of narratives that are in the Bible.
Instead, my view is to take what the Bible teaches that may be applicable today even thought there are some "variations", as theologians call them. The JW's do this, btw, that sometimes includes ignoring some Biblical teachings as just being "ritualistic".
IOW, pretty much like all denominations, the JW's pick & choose.
Well yes, I believe that the Bible is harmonious and accurate, and I believe it is based on how one understands it.
For example, say 1000 people read the Bible through, and had 1000 different interpretations. Let's say 750 thought that the Bible is full of contradictions, and somewhat confusing. Another 200 felt uncertain as to whether they could trust it, and 49 felt it was indeed trustworthy, but they found that there were, just a few conflicts with their view and a few texts, but they are willing to work with it. Then there is this 1 that believes the Bible is completely trustworthy, and they find that when they make adjustments to how they understand it - in other words, when they found conflicts with their view, and the text, they tried adjusting their view, till finally. Snap!
They saw that their views and scripture were no longer conflicting, but a picture came together, when taking all the texts from Genesis right through to Revelation.
@metis at times, one or two pieces may look like they fit perfectly, but on closer inspection it may have to be removed and switched with another, but it's not major, and all the pieces are there.
Do you think that one person will feel that they have to go back in time to when the first scroll was penned?
There is no need to imo, for the following reasons.
1. The texts were written; meticulously copied; painfully preserved, for a reason. Let's make an assumption, that this is the case, because God wanted people to come to know him, and his will and purpose for the earth, and mankind. After all, the Bible is about God, from the first page to the last, and it covers what people call, "the grand plan of salvation" - from man's beginning to future never ending life. So it's not a big assumption.
I think an interesting person would go about testing the assumption. What does the evidence show?
2. From what we know, or accept, the Bible was written over a period of about 1600 years, by about 40 different writers, of various backgrounds, many living years apart.
Yet, as the gif above illustrates, it appears to have one harmonious theme, which runs like a seamless thread right through it, from beginning to end.
I don't know about you, but I have never opened a puzzle box and found pieces that did not fit to create a picture, so I know that the manufacturer designed the picture, and cut out the pieces in such a way as to fit perfectly together.
The books of the Bible seem to be written in such a way - one fits the other. I could give many examples, but perhaps I will do that when I show why the Bible does not fit myth or fable.
Nevertheless , if 25 people from around the globe, who never met, each found an artifact that seems to be a piece belonging to something larger, were to sell their artifact to a central world museum, and when these pieces were put together, they fit perfectly to form some relic, I would think that someone was responsible for the relic - not the 25 men.
In the same way... I think you see the picture - one unified message, 40 different writers - hence one author. In my view, that would be God.
3. The Bible, I have found, spells out for us what to do, if we want to know the truth, and be saved.
I already mentioned the other evidence that convinces me, so there is no need to repeat. However, in the mind of interest persons, who examined the evidence, there is no doubt in their mind... there is no doubt in my mind, that the Bible is true - As Jesus said - God's word. John 17:17
When I read the Bible daily, and study and meditate on what I read, it's like a dim room that gets lighter and lighter till you can see all the objects in the room clearly.
Like this...
The reason for that is not due to any special wisdom or ability.
When I see scriptures fulfilled right before my eyes, in realtime, it sends my mind instantly, back into the past to the first
so-called mythological book in the Bible... For God knows that in the very day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and bad.. . .(Genesis 3:5)
Then my mind fasts forward...
"There is no law but 'Do what thou will'"
"There is no such thing as good and evil - right or wrong."
"Truth is relative. You decide your own truth."
When I see the world conditions deteriorating at an incredibly rapid rate - legalization of gay marriage; practically accepting bestiality, and bordering on condoning pedophilia; raping of babies like there is no tomorrow, and the plague of pornography - sex worship -- spreading like wildfire, what reasons do I have for doubting the Bible, which clearly shows why these things are so, and warned of their coming. The prophecies are plenty, and I am seeing their fulfillment.
Not only does the Bible tell us about these things, it gives practical direction on how to live, and avoid bad things, which serves as a protection.
Some may think we haven't done our homework, but we have.
I value truth, and I have no agenda, as some have suggested... and they can feel free to suggest it.
I go with what the evidence tells us is the truth.
I believe the main thing is to recognition it - Matthew 24:45
I think JWs do a good job of picking and choosing - picking out the good, from the bad. That's why they stay away from those religious buildings where people go and warm benches, and go away just as confused as they went in.