Vol. 11 No. 2 – October, 2013

Are You Acquainted With the Bible?

Mark White

The Bible is still the world’s best-selling book. As popular as it is, however, few people really know much about it. Some people treat the Bible as a relic, a religious object. It is carried by brides in weddings, and serves as a centerpiece on the coffee tables of many homes. It is used as a flower press, or a place for safekeeping treasured documents and memorabilia. But because the Bible is the Word of God, it is not just a book. It is the book. It is more than paper and leather and printer’s ink. The word of God is living, active, and powerful (Hebrews 4:12).

The oldest parts of the Bible were written more than 1,500 years before the birth of Jesus. Even the most recent sections of Scripture were written approximately 1,900 years ago, in the first century, A.D. Today, the Scriptures are translated into over 2,000 languages and dialects.

The Bible is not just another religious book. Myriads of religious books have been produced over the centuries, many of which have been written about the Bible. But the Bible is not the same as these. It is not even in the same class as the Koran, the Book of Mormon, or the Book of Common Prayer. While millions of people have placed their faith in the teachings of these and similar volumes, none of them are the word of God. They are the products of human wisdom and ingenuity. They fall far short of the Bible’s inspired status, as a product which comes directly from the breath of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Bible’s chief purpose is to tell man of God’s saving grace. Through the Scriptures, we come to know that we are sinners. We learn that we are deserving of eternal death, but that God has provided for our salvation through His Son, Jesus of Nazareth. In fact, if it were not for the Bible, no one living today could know of these marvelous truths. Through consideration of God’s dealings with people over many years of history, the Bible tells the story of the Messiah and of those who became His people.

Why not read the Book? If you need guidance (Acts 8:31) we will be happy to assist you!