“All Scripture is God-breathed.” —2 TIMOTHY 3:16

Our English word, ‘Bible’ comes from the plural word ‘Biblos’, which means ‘library.’ It’s not just a good book, but a library made up of sixty-six books, written by more than forty authors over a period of at least 1,500 years. It was written in three languages; Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, and on three continents; Asia, Europe and Africa.

God worked through men from every walk of life: kings, military leaders, peasants, philosophers, prophets, scholars, fishermen, shepherds, a tax collector, poets and musicians. The Bible was written in many varying circumstances; Moses in the wilderness, Jeremiah and Paul in prison, David on the hillside, Solomon in his palace, Ezekiel in exile, John exiled to the Island of Patmos, Mark in Jerusalem, Paul on the road and Peter facing persecution.

The Bible contains history, poetry, songs, autobiography, biography, doctrine, prophecies, parables, the laws and allegory. It has stories of war and love, politics, murder, betrayal, adultery, suicide and faith. It deals with dozens of controversial issues such as who is God? What is the meaning of life and death? It covers marriage, divorce, sexuality, parenting, truth, lies, wealth, poverty, sin and judgment.

Yet despite the incredible diversity of the Bible, it presents one single unfolding story that retains complete unity and harmony throughout the entire text of both the Old and New Testaments. It is the story of how the world began, how it will end and all we need to know about the in between - which is us; the human race and its self destructive lust for the things of this world. At the heart of this book is the greatest message ever heard by the human race. God tells us how He intervened on earth and became a man in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, in order to restore fallen humanity into a relationship with Him that is living, eternal and here and now.

The reason we believe the Bible is not because of what it says, but because of who is saying it. All Scripture is God breathed; that is actually the Spirit of God breathing His truth into the writers. God gave us the written Word, so that we may know the Living Word who is Jesus Christ, and through Him, be reconciled to God.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, The Bible reveals the most compelling story of your love for humankind. It teaches us about ourselves, why we need a Saviour and how You have provided one. Thank You, Lord, for your written Word. I cherish it.”

TO REFLECT UPON: How do I view the Bible? Is it another great text on how to live or is it more… God’s Living Word speaking to me?