Nowadays we are hearing a lot about “this matters,” or “that matters,” or “other matters.” What about “The Bible matters?” The Bible is the only holy and inspired word of God the Almighty to mankind. It tells us all we need to know about the past, present, and future. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
The Bible is a good book and a “God book.” Sixty-six books make up the Bible, which is divided into two major sections consisting of the Old Testament (OT) with thirty-nine books and the New Testament (NT) with twenty-seven books. God chose some forty human authors to write the Bible.
The OT starts with the creation of the universe. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1). The NT begins with the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Gospels record the conception, birth, human ancestry, life, earthly ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is also presented as the Son of God and the Son of man.
Here Is part of “A panoramic view of the Bible” as it appears in the 1967 edition of The New Scofield Reference Bible. “The Bible is a book of books. Sixty-six books make up the one Book. Considered with reference to the unity of the one book the separate books may be regarded as chapters. But that is but one side of the truth, for each of the sixty-six books is complete in itself, and has its own theme and analysis. In the present edition of the Bible these are fully shown in the introductions and divisions. It is therefore of the utmost moment that the books be studied in the light of their distinctive themes. Genesis, for instance, is the book of beginnings—the seed plot of the whole Bible. Matthew is the book of the king, etc.”
Personally, for me, I can’t live without the inspired holy Scriptures. They are “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). As a lamp to my feet, I can see around me. As a light to my path, I can look ahead with utmost confidence in God. Furthermore, God’s “word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89). How else would I know how to live the Christian life in a manner that pleases God? The Bible is God’s chosen way of communicating with His children. God speaks to us through His word and we speak with God through prayer.
As the prophet Jeremiah communes with God, He admits, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy, and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16). In saying to God your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, would indicate that Jeremiah cherished the inspired Scriptures. Christians should also cherish the Scriptures.
In Jeremiah’s day, there were false and deceitful prophets of whom God had declared His displeasure. So in order to inspire and encourage Jeremiah, God said to him, “Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29). God likens His own word to fire and hammer.
What ought to really matter to us as believers in Jesus Christ, is how much attention we give to the Scriptures. “So shall my word be that goes out of my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11). God stands behind His word. In context, God brings into focus the rain and the snow that comes down from heaven on the earth and do not return there but water the earth. (Isaiah 55:10). Herein lies the effectiveness of the Bible. God declares It shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Some years ago a man checked into a hotel with the intent to commit suicide. However, while he was contemplating his actions, he reached for a Bible that was on the night table. Curiously, he opened it and began reading. Whatever he read in that Bible caused him to change his mind about taking his own life. The undeniable power of God’s word.
When trials oppress and troubles cause distress, turn to the holy Scriptures where you will find comfort and answers to life’s most vexing problems. The Bible is totally reliable because it has all the answers you may be looking for. Remember, God is the divine author and He has pledge His word. It shall not return to Him empty.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).
Or sin will keep me from the Word of God.
May your Word inspire me to live for you,
And that in all things you will be glorified.
— Geoff Daniels 10/2020
The Bible matters. The central theme of the Bible is the Lord Jesus Christ; His Person as “God manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16), His sacrificial death on the Cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to heaven, and the promise of His second advent, “I will come again” (John 14:3).