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Lesson One Chapter 1: The Bible The
New Testament |
Secondly, let us
consider the question: HOW DID THE BIBLE COME ABOUT? The Bible was written
by about 40 different authors during a period of 1,600 years. These facts
themselves are not too important. The important fact to remember is this:
The Bible was not written like other books are. It was written by men who
were controlled, directed and inspired by the Spirit of God. The Bible itself
says, "All Scripture is God-breathed"
(II Timothy 3:16). The Bible was essentially written by God Himself, using
those human authors as His instruments. That is why it is called "the
Word of God." Another point to remember Not only a part of the Bible is the Word of God, but THE ENTIRE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD. Let us turn to the Bible again—in II Peter 1:21: "Prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God AS THEY WERE CARRIED ALONG BY THE HOLY SPIRIT." One thing that you must never forget is that ONLY the Bible is the revealed Word of God to man. Only in it can you find His will concerning your life. No other books can replace the Bible. In it is recorded human history from God's viewpoint. It relates the beginning of this world; even future events are clearly foretold. Its books of prophecy tell us how our present world will end. It also unfolds before us the eternal world and everlasting life. And only in the Bible can you find the highest ethical, moral and social standards. Next, let us think about the CENTRAL THEME of the Bible. Like any other book the Bible also has its main character—JESUS CHRIST. He is the subject, central figure, focal point and main theme of the Bible. The Old Testament prophesied His coming into the world as a man; the New Testament is the direct record of His earthly teachings. Take Jesus Christ away from the Bible and all that is left are pages of useless paper. All prophecies, historic events, praises, human sufferings, victories over sin and miracles that are recorded in the Bible are directly related to Jesus Christ. |
Lastly, let us
think about the PURPOSE of the Bible. The purpose of the Bible is to reveal
to man GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. The way to Jesus, how
to follow Him and what life is like when you follow Him, are simply but
sufficiently recorded in the Bible so that man may find his way to God and
thus be saved. If you are looking for something else in the Bible, such
as how to be rich or famous, or how to gain power—you will be disappointed.
The Bible deals with mankind's most basic needs, which are spiritual, rather
than these secondary things of life. At this point, you must quietly and conscientiously think about this: WHAT WILL MY ATTITUDE BE TOWARD THE BIBLE? You must let your life be directed and guided by God's Word. It must be allowed to exercise power over all of your decisions on all important matters pertaining to your life. The Bible must be the standard and judge of your actions and thoughts. The solutions to all disputes, comfort in all suffering, clearing of all doubts, the base of all thoughts, strength to bear all misfortunes and misunderstandings by people and in life—these you must find in the Bible and nowhere else. To do so you must make that once-and-for-all, important and crucial decision: to believe without a shadow of doubt that with all your heart that the Bible is the living Word of the living God. This is the right beginning of the fruitful spiritual life which you just began in Jesus Christ. Because the Bible is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16, 17). |