Why We Study The Bible
6/16/2018

Henry Ward Beecher said, "The BIBLE is God's chart for you to steer by, to keep you from the bottom of the sea, and to show you where the harbor is, and how to reach it without running on rocks and bars."   Here in a few words Mr. Beecher pointed to an excellent reason to study the Bible.

 

The Bible is truly the most important and remarkable book in this world because in it we have the "Oracles of God" (I Peter 4:1).  These Oracles reveal to us that our heavenly Father wants to have a personal relationship with every man, woman, boy, and girl and how to have and live in that relationship with Him.   Jesus told Paul that by preaching the gospel, he would "open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me'" (Acts 26:18).

 

The wise person seeks answers regarding one's existence, the meaning and purpose of life, and what will happen after death.  What is the origin of life - are we here by evolution or creation?  Obviously, we cannot know the meaning and purpose of life until we discover our origin.  The Bible begins with God creating the heavens and the earth and then states, "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:27).  We are made in the image and likeness of God and we possess a spirit that will continue into eternity (Ecclesiastes 12:7).  Isaiah informs us that God created us for His glory (Isaiah 43:7).  Someday, the eternal God will call all people before the judgment to be judged (2 Corinthians 5:10).  At this judgment the righteous will inherit the kingdom prepared for them by God and the wicked will go into eternal fire (Matthew 25:31-46).  Only the Bible has the answers to these all-important questions about life and we need to stop wondering and start reading and studying the Bible to find the answers.

 

The problem of sin and overcoming it is presented in the Bible.  Evil exists because man freely chose evil actions and this produced sin, which is the violation of God's will (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:2-6).  Scripture explains that Satan tempts us to violate God's commandments and that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23; 6:23).  An understanding of the problem of sin is necessary to understand the scheme of redemption presented in Scripture and the need to be saved through Jesus Christ who died for our sins (Romans 5:12-17). 

 

The Bible was written for our transformation and not just for information.  The term "transformation" means "change or renewal from a life that no longer conforms to the ways of the world to one that pleases God."  Paul said, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2).  This is an inward spiritual transformation that results in a changed life (Galatians 2:20). Read carefully Paul's statement regarding the inspired word of God: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Paul clearly shows that the Bible provides us with the nourishment we need for this transformation to take place (Cf. 2 Peter 1:2-8; I Corinthians 10:13).  Therefore, we should seek such knowledge in order to reach our potential in this life.

 

The Bible provides us with hope for our inheritance with the saints in Heaven, the eternal city of God. In Paul's exhortation to the Ephesian elders he said, "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" (Acts 20:32).  Paul commended them to God and His word when facing temptation, trials and difficulties of life, and any false teaching.  This was to be accomplished by "the word of His grace," the word of God, which will provide us with God's protective care until He gives us the inheritance.  We can depend on God to provide us with this inheritance because He has established His infallible purpose in Jesus Christ. "Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us" (Hebrews 6:17-18).  When life turns dark and foreboding turn to God's word and your dread will turn to joy (Philippians 4:4).

 

TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS WITH YOU

 

Take the name of Jesus with you,

Child of sorrow and of woe;

It will joy and comfort give you,

Take it then where'er you go.

 

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n.

 

Take the name of Jesus ever,

As a shield from every snare.

If temptations round you gather,

Breathe that holy name in prayer.

 

Oh, the precious name of Jesus,

How it thrills our souls with joy;

All the favor of the Father

In this name we may enjoy.

 

At the name of Jesus bowing,

Falling prostrate at His feet,

Claim His vict'ry over evil

And the enemy defeat.






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