Scripture studies likely to be trustworthy (8)
I believe the answer is:
reliable
'be trustworthy' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)
'scripture studies likely' is the wordplay.
'scripture studies' becomes 're' (Religious Education).
'likely' becomes 'liable' (similar in meaning).
're'+'liable'='RELIABLE'
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for reliable that I've seen before include "Faithful" , "Trusty" , "Dependable, can be trusted" , "Can be depended upon, trustworthy" , "Unfailing" .)