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The Bible
If you had to sit down and consider how deep of a knowledge you have of God's word, what would your answer be? To further the matter, how much effort do you put into improving this knowledge? God has provided mankind with a crucial tool to survival in this life and the one to come. Although the general population affirm this principle, many do not do so in action. In a poll of over one thousand Americans done by the Gallup News Service they found that sixty five percent of the participants agreed that the Bible "answers all or most of the basic questions of life". Half of those who agreed were said to read their bible consistently (at least once per week), while over one quarter rarely or never read. After reading this article, my hope is that the reader will find themselves in a better situation.
Just How Important is the Bible?
The Bible is much more than a book filled with stories or daily anecdotes. Unfortunately this is how a great deal of people treat this amazing book. Although the sixty five percent who responded to the poll answered correctly in a way, it is unlikely that most of them understood that the Bible answers far more than just the "basic" questions of life. In fact, it provides much more than just the basic answers, it provides all the necessary answers. Peter iterates this point in 2 Peter 1:2-3. Grace and peace is multiplied (provided abundantly) in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. How so? It has "granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness". God has not shorted man from anything to grant success, but has provided all the necessities. Jesus confirmed this idea in John 6 verse 63 through very plain language to characterize the words He spoke. He describes them as the words of "life". How? When one relishes and frequently applies oneself to them, they essentially put themselves in a closer proximity to God (and thus salvation). Through studying the bible, the saved will bring themselves closer to God in character, thereby lessening the chance of being deceived and falling away. The unsaved will learn what is required in order to accept the blessing and entering into a relationship with Christ.
The Bible Saves
Although the Bible has many uses, the primary purpose is for the condition of the soul. Numerous passages describe this ever-important aspect of the gospel:
Romans 1:16 - Declares the gospel to be the power of God for (or to) salvation.
Ephesians 1:13 - The Ephesians were said to have listened to and believed in the gospel as the source of their salvation.
1 Peter 1:23 - Talks about being born again, not through something perishable, but through the imperishable word which was preached to them - vs. 25).
James 1:21-25 - Clearly depicts the soul as being saved only through the receiving of the implanted word. Notice that the word is implanted (discussed later).
Surely the example of a Christian goes a long way in peaking the interest of those who observe behavior and question its origin. However, without the instilling of the gospel, no soul will ever see salvation. This should be a constant reminder that many in this world need these words to escape spiritual death. What a tragedy to have at ones disposal the blessing of "life" that Jesus mentions, but not to use it in helping others to understand because we would not put in the time to understand more ourselves.
The Bible Challenges
Fortunately, after salvation has been established, much more is available through reading the word. If God had provided a book to mankind that was always simple and straightforward, or consisted only in purely unequivocal commandments, would man have been more willing to comply with God's ultimatum? The fact is, God made the bible with some sense of mystery for the benefit of man (1 Corinthians 2:7 - "wisdom of God in a mystery"). Consider what it proves when one reads the word. It proves a willingness to put others before oneself (God). It proves a high regard for the spiritual and a respect for its value in comparison with the physical. It proves devotion and commitment to the content contained within (belief). It proves our Love for God. How does reading a book prove any of these things? Because the bible is a challenge! Those who never rise to the occasion will not please God. Those who bore of the complexity will not please God. Those who give up when overwhelmed will not please God. Those who believe they are beyond the challenge (know-it-all) will not please God. There is much to say about those who take God's challenge and continually seek to improve themselves by study and meditation.
The Bible Enlightens
Chaos would ensue this world without a clear reason for existence. When one believes death is the end-all, the value of life diminishes into exile. God has not left man without hope, but instead has given a look into His great plan established since the earth began. In 1 Corinthians 2 Paul begins to speak to the Corinthians about the things of the spirit of God, and makes contrasts and comparisons to give the audience a better understanding. In verse 12 he comes to the point: one purpose of the word (the message of the cross 1:18) is that "we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God". It is fascinating that God provided not only the sacrifice of His Son to bring forgiveness of sins, but then gave man a look into the "deep things of God" (vs. 11) that we might know Him and His reasons for this gift (and many others). Would it not be considered a lack of enthusiasm for His care in giving these things if one does not try to understand them thoroughly? To have a look into the masterful mind that created and provided all things, what a blessing!
The Bible is a Blessing
What a time to live in where the scriptures have been revealed in such a glorious fashion! Christians have something today that even the Israelites could not boast (even though they had personal contact with God, even through prophetic means). One might also ask, why does Peter add this snippet into the end of verse 12 in 1 Peter chapter 1: "things which angels desire to look into"? This statement comes in reference to the gospel. And yet angels are held in such high regard in the eyes of man, but when it comes to the word man has the advantage!
