The credibility of the Bible can also be seen in that it stands up to forms of higher criticism. Since the Eighteenth Century, higher criticism (attacks on credibility) of the Bible has gained momentum with such theories as the Documentary Hypothesis. The theory presents the idea that Moses wrote very little or any of Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy). Rather, at least four different writers from four different time periods penned the first five books of the Bible. Each document was labeled: (J) the Jehovist Document; (E) the Elohist Document; (D) the Deuteronomist Document; and (P) the Priestly Document.
Some may ask the question, “Why does it matter who wrote the first five books of the Old Testament?” The answer, again, lies in the credibility of the Bible. If one is going to discredit a particular writing he will start with the authorship. If he can prove the authorship not to be credible, then any conclusions he makes afterward will hold some credence. If Moses is not the author of the Pentateuch, then the information concerning the authorship of these books is not true. If Moses’ authorship is in question, then the credibility of the information contained in the first five books of the Old Testament is unreliable. If the information in these five books is unreliable, then, God’s account of the creation of the universe and everything in it is unreliable. God’s plan of redemption for man is unreliable. God’s giving of the Law is unreliable. God’s deliverance and providential care is unreliable. God’s prophecies are unreliable.
But, the truth is, Moses did write the first five books of the Old Testament. The books themselves serve as evidence that Moses is the inspired penman. The first five books of the Old Testament are filled with such statements as, “And the Lord spake unto Moses,” and “Write these words.” One’s trust in God’s Word is built upon knowing God inspired men to write what He wanted man to know about who He is, His plan, His Law, and His instructions for His people (Ex. 17:14; Lev. 4:1-2; Num. 33:2; Deut. 31:9).
The New Testament also serves as evidence of Moses being the one God selected to write the first five books of the Old Testament. Jesus, Himself indicated that Moses was the writer of the Pentateuch, “And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them” (Matthew 8:4). In John’s account of the Gospel, he writes the Words of Jesus, “Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision….” (John 7:22). The Law of circumcision was introduced in God’s covenant with Abraham (Acts 7:8). Abraham’s life was recorded in the book of Genesis. The only way Moses could have given this commandment of God was through his writing Genesis. The credibility of the Bible withstands even the highest forms of criticisms.