The Bible is the Word of God. The Bible teaches us how we should act in every situation of our lives. Therefore, the psalmist said:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
The word Bible means “books.” The Bible contains many books. How many are there? 66 books.
Have you noticed that the books we read at school or in our homes have divisions? They have titles, chapters…
And what is the major division of the Bible? The Bible has two major divisions, but it is one single word: the Word of God. It has the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament has 39 books and the New Testament has 27 books, totaling 66 books. Testament means COVENANT, AGREEMENT. The Old Testament speaks of God’s covenant with the people of Israel and reveals God’s plan of salvation for mankind. The New Testament is God’s covenant with all men through the Blood of the Lord Jesus.
What is the great difference between the Bible and other books?
The great difference is that despite being almost two thousand years since it was finished being written (around 95 AD), its Author remains alive and speaks to us through His Word!
And who is the Author and writer of the Bible?
God is the Author of the Bible, but He used several servants to write the books of the Bible. Thus, both the Old Testament and the New Testament were written by approximately 40 different writers at different times. However, these men were chosen and inspired by the Holy Spirit of God.
“All Scripture is divinely inspired.”
2 Timothy 3:16a
Example: The letter to the Romans was written by Paul, but Paul wrote it inspired by God.
What is the main purpose of the Bible?
It is the salvation of man through the Lord Jesus (Savior). That is why the Lord Jesus is present throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
“He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.”
Revelation 19:13
Why is it very difficult to understand the Bible by our reason (or culture)?
Because the Bible contains a mystery: God’s salvation for mankind, revealed in Jesus. Therefore, we can only understand the Bible if God reveals this mystery to us through His Holy Spirit.
But what does it mean to reveal?
It is to show what is kept hidden. The Bible without revelation is just a common, historical book (the treasure remains hidden), but when God reveals His secrets to us through His Holy Spirit, the Word of God is alive and powerful to work wonders in our lives.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.”
Hebrews 4:12a
The Bible is the best-selling and most-read book in the world. Generally, every home has at least one Bible. But God wants to teach us that it is not enough to have one or more Bibles in our homes. The most important thing is to keep the Bible in our hearts. Only then will we make choices according to God’s will. That is why the psalmist said:
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11
The Bible is a book that teaches us how to act, how to conduct ourselves in every moment of our lives; therefore, the Bible is compared to a LAMP, the LIGHT that illuminates man’s dark path. Let’s read the Bible every day.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105