Why the Bible?

The most important book in all the world is the book called the Bible. It contains 66 books that were written over a period of about 1,600 years by approximately 36 authors who were inspired by God. In our King James Bibles there are 39 books in what is called the Old Testament and 27 books is what is called the New Testament. The "Old Testament" is more accurately referred to as the Hebrew scriptures and the "New Testament" as the Greek scriptures.

Those who would be helped by the Bible must accept the fact that it is not a book of myths passed from generation to generation, but is in fact, the inspired word of God. Some refuse to take the Bible seriously because they feel it is just a collection of ideas gathered from many sources and compiled by men using their own human thoughts and memories. The Bible says "O taste and see...", *2 if you do not read and study for yourself you will never enjoy the benefits of this book. "For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." *3 This book claims for itself what no other book claims:

• "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Timothy 3:16&17)"
  
  
• "For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2Peter 1:21)"
  
  
• "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalms 119:105)"
  
  
• "The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. (Palms 119:130)"

It is important to realize that no matter how much man "progresses", God's word, the Bible, will not pass away and it's truth will always be relevant. Again, look at what it has to say about itself:

• "As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalms 18:30)"
  
  
• "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Mathew 24:35)"

Many people today feel that man has advanced to the point the Bible is no longer relevant. The fact is, mankind continues to have the same hopes, fears and desires that he has always had. The Bible is the book that tells us what it takes to make us satisfied and how to accomplish this goal. Every one, wants to feel a purpose for living, to be loved, and to be relieved of fear. The Bible tells us; in order to satisfy all of these needs we must have a right relationship with God. This is referred to as being "reconciled to God". *1 If you have a desire for these characteristics in your life, read the Bible.

Some refuse to accept the Bible as the inspired word of God because of the disorder they see in man-made religion. Did you know not one of the churches started by men and to which men can join you are found in the Bible? Did you know the truth is, the Bible only speaks of one Church? Did you know the Church which the Bible speaks of has all the members placed in it by the head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ. *4 Confusion in the religious world is a tool of the devil to cause you to lose confidence in the Bible and the good news of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ himself prayed, "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me". *5

Many people feel the Bible produces hypocrites, but this is not the case. It is true that many religious people are hypocrites, but this is not the Bible's fault. In fact some of the most severe statements are addressed to hypocrites. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone." *6 Also there are many exhortations such as this "Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,". *7 Don't let the devil blind you from this treasure by the hypocrisy of others.

There are those who believe the Bible is a tool to force people to give money and time to support an institution that takes advantage of them. In other words to bring people into bondage. The opposite is the truth. The Bible says, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." *8 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." *9 The fact is the Bible tells us what God has done so we can have a relationship with him rather than tell us how we must live, do and not do, in order to have this relationship. Further, it tells us that until we let him change us from the inside out we can't please him anyway. So, don't look at the Bible as a book that will put you into bondage; but rather a book that will liberate you.

In conclusion, don't read books about the Bible, read the Bible. If you are not familiar with the Bible, start in the book of John. I would suggest you use the New King James Bible which is written in modern English. It will tell you the way to have a relationship with God is, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him". *10 Once you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior further reading will enable you to trust the Bible as, "a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.", *11 as the psalmist David said.

*1 Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18&20 *2 Psalms 34:8 *3 Hebrews 11:6 *4 1 Corinthians 12:13, Acts 2:47 *5 John 17:21&23 *6 Mathew 23:13-36 *7 1 Timothy 1:5 *8 Luke 19:10 *9 Mathew 11:28 *10 John 3:36 *11 Psalms 119:105

(Click on footnote number to return to text.)

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