SCRIPTURE

All SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16

The word ‘Scripture’ means “writing.” The Scriptures refer to the collection of sacred books, given by inspiration of God, which make up the Bible, consisting of  the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament is a record of God’s dealings with the Hebrew people; revealing His Will to them and through them to the human race. The New Testament is largely the fulfilment and enlargement of the Old. It presents the record of the promises and covenants between God and man, revealing the privileges, blessings, and demands of the gospel through Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. Scriptures are also called: the Oracles of God (Rom.3:2), Word of Christ (Col.3:16); Word of Life (Phil.2.16); and Word of Truth (2Tim.2:15).

The Bible does not just contain the Word of God; it is the Word of God. It is God’s inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things. It presents the Mind of God, the state of man, the Way of salvation, the Doom of sinners, and the Hope of believers. It is God’s Will and Testament to people in all ages, revealing His plan for humanity here and now and in the life to come. It is the record of God’s dealings with man – past, present, and future. It contains God’s message of eternal salvation to all who believe in Christ and of eternal damnation to all who rebel against the gospel, which is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes (Rom.1:16). It is the source of present help for spirit, soul, and body (Jh.15:7).

This Book of books is a masterpiece of literary composition, and the most remarkable book ever written. It is a divine library of sixty-six books, some of substantial size, and others no larger than a tract – thirty-nine in the Old and twenty-seven in the New Testament. These books include forms of literature as varied as: allegories, biographies, drama, history, hymns, laws, letters, parables, poetry, proverbial sayings, prophecy, riddles, worship, and other forms of expression; and embrace all manner of literary styles. It cannot be excelled from any standpoint. Its doctrines are holy; its precepts pure; its commands binding; its histories true; and its counsel immutable. We should read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be blessed. The Bible should fill our minds, rule our hearts, and guide our feet in righteousness and true holiness.

The Bible contains comfort to cheer us, food to nourish us, fire to refine us, gold to enrich us, and light to direct us. It is the Christian’s charter, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the traveller’s map. Christ is its grand Subject; our good its design, and the Glory God its end. In it, Heaven is unveiled, and the gates of hell disclosed. We should read it devotionally, frequently, meditatively, prayerfully, and searchingly. We should study it constantly, diligently, and perseveringly. We should meditate in it thoroughly until it becomes part of our being and generates faith to move mountains. Remember: all Scripture is given by God’s Inspiration, and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction, and perfection (2Tim.3:16). The Bible is given to us in this life, will be opened at the judgement, and will endure forever!