INTRODUCTION

II Peter 1:16-21
God’s Word teaches that the Holy Bible, consisting of 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament, is the inspired Word of God. We take the Bible as final authority in all matters concerning Christian conduct and work (II Timothy 3:16-17; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19).

SUB TOPICS:

1. FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE

   The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God, and it is the only source of knowledge of the Almighty God to all mankind. It is the contact point between finite man and the infinite God, and its purpose is to give mankind a revelation of God (II Timothy 3:15-17).
   
   The Bible is variously referred to as the Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2; II Timothy 3:15), the Oracles of God (Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12), the Book of the Lord (Isaiah 34:16), the Book of the Law (Joshua 1:8), the Word of God (Mark 7:13), the Word of Christ (Colossians 3:16), and the Word of Life (Philippians 2:16).
   
   It is divided into two major parts — the Old and New Testaments — containing 66 books in total (39 OT and 27 NT). The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic, and the New Testament in Greek.
   
   Over 40 inspired authors, spanning more than 1,800 years, were used by God to write the Bible (II Peter 1:20). Despite differences in generations, culture, education, and background, the Scriptures maintain supernatural unity, versatility, prophetic accuracy, influence on nations, remarkable preservation, and unmatched perfection (Psalm 19:7; James 1:25).
   
   The pre-eminence of the Bible makes it indispensable to all today (Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:89). No man’s education is complete without knowledge of the Bible; no Christian can live victoriously without it; and no minister is qualified without diligent study of the Scriptures (II Timothy 2:15).
   
   The central theme of the Bible is CHRIST and HIS WORK OF REDEMPTION (John 20:31; Luke 24:25-27; Revelation 1:1). To understand and rightly interpret the Bible, one must first be converted to Christ, for the natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God (I Corinthians 2:14).

2. THE MINISTRY OF THE BIBLE

   The Bible reveals God to man, shows him his need of God, and directs him to salvation through Christ. It teaches the believer how to walk with God and prepares him for heaven. It brings conviction to sinners (Acts 8:35; 20:20-21) and ministers richly to the saints in many ways:

   • Cleanses and perfects him (Psalm 119:9,11; Ephesians 5:26; John 15:3).
   • Acts as a mirror revealing the inner condition (James 1:23; Hebrews 4:12).
   • Gives light and guidance (Psalm 119:105,130).
   • Feeds the soul (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4).
   • Heals spirit, soul, and body (Proverbs 4:20-22; Psalm 107:20).
   • Serves as a spiritual weapon (Ephesians 6:17).
   • Refreshes and enriches the believer (Isaiah 55:10; Psalm 19:7-10).
   • Creates life and faith (I Peter 1:23; Romans 10:17).
3. PROFITING FROM THE BIBLE

   To maximally profit from the Bible, certain hindrances must be removed — such as hardness of heart (Matthew 13:3-6,18-21), double-mindedness (James 1:8), pride (Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Proverbs 18:12), carnality (I Corinthians 3:1-5), and unbelief (Matthew 13:58).
   
   We must also apply diligent effort to search the Scriptures and grow in the knowledge of Christ (Colossians 2:3; John 5:39). Essential attitudes include:

   • Earnest love for the truth (Psalm 119:47,72).
   • Supreme love for God (Matthew 22:37).
   • Deep desire to know God (Psalm 42:1-2).
   • Willingness to study diligently (Matthew 13:44-46).
   • Dependence on divine teaching (Psalm 119:18,102).
   • Commitment to obedience (James 1:22-25).
   • Fixed purpose to pursue the whole truth (Psalm 57:7).
   • Persistent prayer (Psalm 119:10).

   Every believer can enjoy the treasures of the Bible by studying it with seriousness, readiness of mind, and the intention to believe and obey (Acts 17:10-12).