" The scriptures are the best-attested record of the ancient world that we have. Normal standards of historical evidence authenticate them as reliable, historically and scientifically, so far as we can determine in every way. But that will not bring you salvation. When you come to the scriptures and say, “Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord. My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word!”3 then the hand of God reaches out and touches the soul and brings you into that great purpose and reality that is God’s redemptive act in human history. And any questions that arise about the nature of scripture or the people of God can be honestly dealt with. "

― Dallas Willard , The Allure of Gentleness: Defending the Faith in the Manner of Jesus