We’re glad you asked about the Bible, because the Bible is, without any doubt, the
most important book in the world. The Bible is actually a collection of many ‘books,’
divided into two testaments (the Old and the New). It was written by several different
people between 1400 B.C. and A.D. 100, and reflects various styles of literature (history,
poetry, wisdom sayings, doctrinal explanations, etc.). The personalities and experiences
of the people who penned the books of the Bible are clearly evident on its pages. Yet
these books are unique among all the writings of human history because their authors
wrote by divine Inspiration.
God the Holy Spirit inspired the Bible by guiding and directing the hearts and minds
of the writers in such a way that the thoughts they expressed and the words they used
were also the thoughts and words of God Himself. On many occasions while on earth,
Jesus made clear that the books of the Old Testament were the Inspired and authoritative
Word of God. He also said to His chosen apostles, among whom were the future writers
of the New Testament, “…the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send In My name … will
teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (Joh
14:26) In reference primarily to the books of the Old Testament, St. Paul wrote, “All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2Ti 3:16); and in reference to his own
work as an apostle he wrote, ‘These things we also speak, not in words which man’s
wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches.” (1Co 2:13) Because the Bible
has a divine origin and not only a human origin, it is completely without error in all
respects.
It is not enough to know that the Bible is a special book. It is also necessary to know
and believe its gracious, God-given message. The Old Testament recounts the history of
the ancient Israelites, and the New Testament speaks concerning the history of Christ and
the early Christians; but the essential message of all parts of the Bible is the same.
Through the warnings of God’s Law – which convict us of our sin – and through the
promises of God’s Gospel – which comfort us – the consistent, living testimony of all
Scripture is that Jesus Christ is mankind’s true Lord and Savior.
By His death and resurrection Jesus won for us the forgiveness of sins and the gift of
eternal life. Christ and the salvation He brings are at the heart and center of the Old
Testament’s prophecies, and they are at the heart and center of the New Testament’s
message. Jesus once said to some of His religious opponents, “You search the Scriptures,
for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” (John
5:39) Near the end of his Gospel the apostle John declared, “…these (things) are written
that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may
have life in His name.” (Joh 20:31)
We’re glad you asked about the Bible. It is the inspired Word of God, and through its
faith-creating message God reveals to the world, and to you, His infinite love and mercy
in Christ.
(All Scripture references are from the New King James Version)