Why Study The Bible?
God has given us the Bible to communicate His truth and will for our lives. It contains His commandments, stories of His judgement and grace, and His guidance for all of life's circumstances. To ignore it is to turn our backs on Him and reject His primary method of communicating with us.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:8-9, KJV
Why should we study the Bible?
THE BIBLE IS A BLESSING FOR OUR LIVES
We are incredibly fortunate to be given a clear, concise, and unchanging record of God's Word. The Bible documents the laws and commandments our commitment to God requires of us that we may live our lives in accordance with His will.
THE BIBLE IS OUR CHRONICLE OF GOD'S TRUTH
Scripture is a written revelation of God's nature which is constant, unchanging, and everlasting. All things in harmony and accord with God's nature are true. God is the source of all things and as such He is the definition of truth.
THE BIBLE HAS WITHSTOOD THE TEST OF TIME
One of the oldest documented books, the Bible is the best-selling and most read book of all time. Approximately 4 billion copies were sold just in the last 50 years. Portions have been translated into almost 3500 different languages.
THE BIBLE IS INERRANT AND INFALLIBLE
The Bible is both free of mistakes and completely trustworthy. Scripture is given to us directly by God through divine inspiration. It is absolutely true and reliable in all matters which it addresses. It cannot mislead us in any way.
THE BIBLE IS AUTHORITATIVE AND SHOULD NOT BE DISPUTED
The Scriptures are the authoritative Word of God - NOT the word of the authors, the Church, or any other human instrument. There is no equal or greater authority. It is our responsibility to uphold them in our words and actions.
THE BIBLE TEACHES AND GUIDES US
The Bible is God's instruction manual for our lives. It provides guidance on how to address every possible situation or circumstance. It is intended to teach us about and lead us to Jesus Christ. Our obedience brings glory to God.
THE BIBLE PROVIDES ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
God's greatest gift to us is salvation by grace bought for us by the willing sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Although we are all sinners and struggle from time to time, His forgiveness and salvation are always available to those who believe.
THE BIBLE PREPARES US FOR THE END TIMES
Jesus taught that no one could know the date and time of His return. We cannot say with certainty that end is here now or even soon, but the Bible teaches us how to be prepared because that day is coming. We must be ready.
But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. (Luke 11:28, KJV)
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. (Psalm 19:7-9, KJV)
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17, KJV)
Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. (Psalm 119:151, KJV)
For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89, KJV)
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. (Psalm 119:152, KJV)
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. (Isaiah 40:8, KJV)
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (Proverbs 30:5, KJV)
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us,
ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
(1 Thessalonians 2:13, KJV)
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit,
but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:14-15, KJV)
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation,
who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul,
both sure and stedfast,and which entereth into that within the veil. (Hebrews 6:16-19, KJV)
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things,
God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy,
God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
(Revelation 22:18-19, KJV)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
(Psalm 119:105-106, KJV)
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:15-17, KJV)
To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:2-7, KJV)
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. (John 8:47, KJV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16-17, KJV)
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
(John 20:31, KJV)
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein:
for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:3, KJV)
And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:
and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:10-13, KJV)
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17, KJV)
The Bible is the one true source for truth. Through its study we grow closer to God and gain a deeper and more personal understanding of His will in our lives. Along with prayer it is a vital tool in building our relationship with Jesus. It can provide hope and inspiration. It can carry us through darkness, pain, and conflict. It can guide and nurture our faith and belief always.
The Bible can and should be studied to understand:
- The human predicament created through sin.
- The nature of God's love and His requirements of us.
- The prophecy and promise of Jesus Christ.
- The life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
- The path to salvation and obedience to God's will.
THE BIBLE SHOWS US HOW TO FOLLOW JESUS.