Would you agree or disagree with the following statement? “The Bible answers all or most of the basic questions of life.” Well, according to a Gallup Poll, 65% of Americans agree with the statement. However, according to that same poll, only 37% of those polled read the Bible at least once a week. (Twenty-one percent read it once a week and 16% read it daily.)
What we do more accurately reveals what we believe than what we say. I can tell you I believe the Bible is vitally important, but what I do will reveal what I really believe about the Bible.
The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself and His ways to mankind – the very words of God “breathed” through divinely inspired humans (2 Timothy 3:16). Think about that truth for just a second. The one true God, the Creator of everything that exists, makes Himself known to us lowly humans. Wow!
Here are just a few of the characteristics the Bible gives us about itself:
- Sustaining (Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4)
- Flawless (Ps 18:30)
- Unfailing (1 Kings 8:56)
- Right and true (Ps 33:4; John 17:17)
- Eternal (Ps 119:89; Is 40:8)
- Message of life (John 5:24; Rom 10:17)
- It also preserves, strengthens, and guides. (Ps 119:25, 28, 105).
God intercepts our lives through the Bible. We encounter His presence in His Word. Through it we are encouraged, comforted, strengthened, and refreshed. But more importantly, the Bible reveals how we can have a saving relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ and then helps us live lives that please Him.
God’s ultimate purpose for each of us who have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus is for us to be transformed into the likeness of Christ (Rom 8:29). God uses the Bible to shape, refine, and mold our character, thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. God uses the Bible to carry out His purpose in our lives.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
The Bible is not static or time-bound. God’s Word is applicable to our lives now and tomorrow. It breaks through our pretenses, prejudices, and pride and exposes what’s underneath. Painful? Sometimes. Beneficial? Always.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
God applies His Word to our lives personally and specifically. He rebukes us when we sin. He teaches us what we lack. He trains and equips us to do the work He has planned for us to do. All for His glory.
But we must immerse ourselves in His Word, submitting to and cooperating with God’s transforming power. Read it. Study it. Meditate on its truths.
What do you believe about the Bible? How often do you read it?
More resources & reading:
Why should we read/study the Bible? Got Questions.org
How to Read the Bible for all It’s Worth by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart
Free Bible reading plans for download at kathyhoward.org
Great post Kathy! I love the reminder, “Painful? Sometimes. Beneficial? Always!” There is no substitute for time in the Word and nothing more beneficial!
Kathy~ Great post. I am really enjoying all the encouraging posts you ladies have been posting. You truely make me want to get in there and DIG. You all are a Blessing!
Blessings~
Marita
Marita! Thanks! That’s our prayer is to encourage our Christian sisters out there. Keep reading!
What a great post! I am often reading spiritual books or doing a bible study, but I do not make time to just sit down and read my bible.
Oh Missy, I think we have all fallen into that habit at some point. We devour the latest book by Beth Moore or David Platt (or Gary Thomas in my case!) with a fervor we never seem to find for reading the Scripture itself.
I love what you shared here, Kathy. So true that our actions show our true beliefs!