Ten Timeless Truths about the Bible
Introduction: - No one can ever deny the transformation the Bible has brought in the lives of human being. It’s unique in every aspect: most read, sold, circulated, translated and even opposed. What makes Bible so unique? What are some of the amazing features of this holy book? Let us consider few very briefly.
1. Not one single book, but a collection of 66 books.
Bible was written by around 40 writers who lived in a span of 1500 years. Some of them were unlearned men like farmers, fishermen yet there is no contradiction, their ignorance on any topic is not reflected in the writings of the Bible.
On the contrary today as we read the Bible we feel it as one book, written by one individual, because the one, who worked behind all these writers through out these years, was God Himself. 2Peter 1:23
2. Inspired word of God.
Not only God controlled the writers as they wrote, every word even each dots in the original manuscripts were inspired by God, came out of God’s heart. Bible reveals God’s thoughts and plans for man. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
3. Inerrant word of God.
Because Bible comes out of God’s mind, there is no mistake, no contradiction found in the scriptures. Because God doesn’t make a mistake! Cf. Proverbs 30:5, 6; John 17:17.
Any apparent contradiction indicates our own limitations to comprehend the things of God and in most cases result of our prejudices, preferences and misinterpretation. The basic principle of Bible interpretation is to see the scripture in its context. Cf. Isaiah 34:16.
4. Infallible word.
Every promise in the Bible is ‘yes’ and ‘yes’. It will come to pass as it has already been proved. So, Bible is trust worthy- reliable. Cf. Psalm 19:7; 1Peter 1:24, 25.
5. Authoritative.
Word of an ordinary man and a government official are different. Man of authority speaks words of authority. God the Almighty, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords has spoken through the pages of the Bible. We can not neglect it. cf. Isaiah 1:2; Amos 3:8; Galatians 1:8; 3:10.
6. Unchanging.
God never changes as man, so is His word, unchanging at any circumstances. He needs no correction or improvement. His knowledge is perfect. Word of God is settled in heaven for ever. Cf. Matthew 24:35; 5:18; Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:89
7. Complete.
Bible reveals that God who spoke to forefathers little by little has chosen to reveal every thing through His son Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1—3. He has revealed everything that God wanted to make known to man.
Things to do with present, future, every issue of man, every question and doubts are adequately addressed in the sacred writings. We don’t need to go elsewhere for divine revelation on any thing pertaining to our life today or tomorrow. Seek the word of God.
There is nothing else to be added, in fact very clearly warned against doing so. Cf. Revelation 22:18, 19
8. Effective.
The above mentioned features make the word of God very effective in the lives of anyone who approaches it humbly and prayerfully. There are millions around the globe who will shout for the glory of God to declare how much blessed they are because of the Bible.
The transformation it brings, hope and peace it produces in our heart are unparallel. We can only say, you may please try and see what the Bible can do for you. Cf. 2Timothy 3:16, 17; Isiah 55:11
Four specific functions of the Bible as Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17:-
a. Teaches doctrine – what’s right, which way we should go.
b. Reminds when we err or go astray – reproof.
c. Takes us back to the right path – correction.
d. Leads us through the right path – instruction.
---to make us perfect.
(There are many Bible references where we see about the usefulness of the word of God. Consider some of those portions. Cf. 1 Peter 2:1, 2; 1John 2:14; Psalm 119:11, 38, 99, 105; Romans 15:4; 1 Thess 4:18; Heb 4:12; Jeremiah 23:29; 1Peter 1:23 etc)
9. Demands diligent study.
Bible is not just a religious instrument to be kept reverently in a sacred place. Of course, nothing bad about showing respect to this holy book, however merely keeping the Bible as show-piece will not bring any benefit.
Cf. Revelation 1:3; 22:7; 1 Thess. 4:3; 2Timothy 2:15; Acts 2:42; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Acts 17:11
Seven Benefits of systematic Bible Study:-
a. We will enjoy and experience the benefits referred above.
b. We will understand the word correctly in its context. Cf. Luke 10:26; 8:18. Most false teaching begins from interpreting the word out of context.
c. It helps to understand the whole revelation of God. God spoke in time past to our forefathers little by little, so need to refer to the other connecting reference found elsewhere in the scripture. Hebrews 1:1, 2; Isaiah 34:16.
d. We will be able to teach the word of correctly. 2Timothy 2:15
e. We will know the Lord Jesus Christ more intimately. Luke 24: 44, 45.
f. We will be successful and fruitful in our efforts. Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:3
g. Our time spent with the word of God is an investment for eternity. Luke 10:42; John 6:27
10. Measuring standard.
James likens the scripture to a mirror. James 1:23, 24. That means the word of God reveals our true state. Not only the condition of present life even the future is determined by our response to the word of God.
We can verify our present and future life by examining with the standard set in the word of God Cf. John 8:47; 14:21, 23, 24. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Conclusion: - There are numerous books available. Reading is definitely a very good habit. But the most important book that every individual must read is the word of God. It pleased God to make it available in our own language. It’s not costly either. Let us read this precious book and find out the treasures filled in it. Then we shall be wise, spiritual and blessed indeed.
“Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be right.”
