Jesus says, "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

Matthew 16:18, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18 reassures us that the Church’s foundation is secure. It isn't dependent on having a "perfect" Bible text. Despite variations in manuscripts and translations, the core truths and transformative power of Scripture remain intact. God's Word, in its essence and message, is indestructible and continues to guide, inspire, and sustain the Church. This resilience is a testament to the divine preservation of His truth, even amidst human limitations

The promise in Matthew 16:18, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it," is a powerful assurance from Jesus Christ himself. This promise is not contingent on a perfect Bible. Here's why:   

Divine Protection: The promise is ultimately about the divine protection and preservation of the Church. It's a spiritual promise, not a textual one.

Imperfect Vessels: The Church is made up of imperfect people. Despite the imperfections of its members and the imperfections inherent in any human translation of the Bible, the Church remains under God's divine protection.

The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the ultimate guide and interpreter of Scripture. He guides believers into all truth, even when there may be textual uncertainties.

Core Message: While there may be minor variations in manuscripts, the core message of salvation through Jesus Christ remains clear and unchanged.

Living Word: Jesus Christ himself is the living Word. The Bible is a written record of His revelation, but it's not a substitute for the living Christ.

While the Bible is an invaluable tool for understanding God's Word, it's not the sole foundation of the Church. The Church is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and His promise to protect His Church stands firm, regardless of the imperfections of human translations.

Jesus assures that His church will prevail, regardless of the challenges or imperfections it faces. This assurance of resilience doesn’t hinge on a flawless Bible or human perfection. The core message is that the power and sovereignty of God will sustain the church, preserving its mission and truth despite any human limitations in scripture’s interpretation, translation, or textual history.

Though the Bible has been passed down with variations across manuscripts, scholars generally agree that the essential truths and teachings have been reliably preserved. These texts, guided by the Holy Spirit and centuries of careful study, continue to convey the heart of God’s message. The church’s strength lies not in the perfection of any one text, but in the promise that God's truth endures and His purposes will not be thwarted.