What makes the Bible so special?
We are told in 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed (inspired by God) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. It is inspired not only in the message it brings, but also in its very formation. It took some 1200 years for it to come into being with more than 36 writers from many different cultures. And yet there is an amazing motif that runs throughout the Word, and that is that we have been highly created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), deeply fallen, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23), and marvelously redeemed, as we are transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory. (II Corinthians 3:18).
You find that marvelous theme repeated all throughout the Bible. The Bible is the oldest book in common and continuous use, and the oldest book in print. The first book printed by Gutenberg, inventor of movable type, was the Bible, completed in 1456. It’s old, but it is loaded with new power. Paul wrote, I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). It has the power to change our lives.
Someone said we should read the Bible as a “personal letter from God.” It can be very personal and penetrating. In Hebrews 4:12 we are told, the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doubled-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit…it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. In James1:23 we are told it is like looking into a mirror where we see our true image. Some may say: Oh! I’m ashamed to look into that mirror for I’m afraid of what I will see. I’ll see one who is guilty, one who is unworthy of being loved.
Oh, but look again, and what you will see is, yes, one who is “guilty” but also one who is forgiven and given a new beginning in Christ.
A few things need to happen for that Word to become “God’s Word for our lives.” First, we need to read it. For many centuries, only priests were able to personally read the Bible, not the masses. Today, there are more Bibles in print than ever before. Now billions have access to the Word of God in all kinds of translations. But a Bible on the shelf or on the coffee table will not change a life. We need to read it. It is amazing what can happen in a life of one who will just read it.
But we want to be able to believe it. Paul said, This Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. Do we really believe that God will do what He said He will do in His Word? And do we want to receive it into our heart and mind so that it becomes a part of our lives, giving us a biblical worldview. Then we want to be able to live it. James said we want to be doers of the Word, and not just hears only. Unless it becomes a part of our daily lives, it is all in vain.
Yes, this Book is very special and it is God’s gift to each of us.
- Rev. David Thomas
