Why the Bible? (Part 1)

Why do we need the Bible? Is it that important for a person to know?

The truth is that the Bible is absolutely vital to any person. Why is that? Because the Bible reveals who God is, what God’s plans are, who we are (as people), and what God’s plans for us are.

In other words, the Bible is the foundation for life and eternity.

So what do we need to know about the Bible?

Many passages in the Bible teach us about the Bible. So to begin with we will look at one of those passages – a verse out of II Timothy – II Timothy 3:16 – which reads, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” And we will concentrate on the first two words, “All Scripture.”

It is easy for us to look at words without paying too much attention to their meaning. One such word is the first word of this verse, “all”. You say, “That’s too obvious – of course we know the meaning of “all”!

But let’s consider it. First of all, the Bible is made up of 66 books. Each book has been divided into chapters and verses (the original writers did not put these divisions in; they were done much later to help in finding passages). And each of these verses is made up of words.

Now we are speaking of God’s “inspiration” (which we will talk about in the next post) which is said to be to “all” of the Scripture. In other words, to every single part (every book, every chapter, every verse) and to every single word – and even to the letters written!

This brings us to the second word, the word, “Scripture”. The Greek word that is translated “scripture” is the word “graphe” (pronounced, gra’-fay). You might recognize this word – it is a very common word, or part of a word, such as “geography” or “calligraphy”. It simply means “something written”. In other words, this word refers to what is written. It does not refer to some oral traditions passed down from generation to generation by memory. It does not refer to ideas or concepts. It refers to the written words. In other words (no pun intended!), every word written in the Bible (the Scriptures) is included and is “inspired by God.”

Now God could have used other means to give His words to men, such as by angels, or by dreams or visions, or simply passing information along by oral tradition. And although some of these are included in the Bible, it is only what is actually written that is important and necessary for us to know.

Furthermore, the importance of what is written cannot be diminished. Even today it is what is written that makes any difference. Contracts, wills, property titles, court decisions – all of these rely on what is written. If it is not written down it is almost as though it does not exist!

Similarly God’s Word relies on what is written, not on what is thought or desired. The written word takes precedence over any other form of communication. If there is ever a question concerning a matter, then what is written about that matter is what will settle the matter. This is why the Word of God is so vital for us today – it is written, and that settles it!

To God be the glory!