Why the Bible?

"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:31)

When we read or study the Bible we need to ask why the passage we are reading was written. Was it written to give some information we are to know and believe, to expose some sin, to instruct us in true obedience to God? This question is also important concerning the whole Bible itself. Why was it written? Sometimes we wonder why we have only a little information about some people or events and why other things are given at length and in great detail. How we would love to read a complete biography about some people like Abraham or David! However, God did not have those things written.

Why the Bible, then? The apostle John tells that the things written in his gospel were written so that the readers might have enough information about the Savior to savingly believe in Him. The revelation of Jesus Christ for the salvation of sinners is the purpose of the Gospel of John. It is also the purpose of the whole Bible. God has revealed what He has in order that we might know Jesus Christ and believe in Him. From Genesis to Revelation the purpose of the Bible is to reveal what God has done for us in Christ so that we might be saved from both the guilt and practice of sin. This is the central theme of the Bible. This is the message that God wants us to know and believe.

If we do not understand the basic purpose and message of the Bible we will miss the meaning of what we read. At the same time reading something we do not understand will frustrate us. Do you want to understand and enjoy the Bible? The first thing to remember is that the book is about the Lord Jesus and what He has done to save sinners and to prepare them for heaven. When you read a book or a passage ask God to show you your need of Christ. Ask God to show you what you are to learn about the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. The answer to these questions may not be easy to see at first, but as you learn to read with this prayer in mind, God will teach you the things He has revealed for your salvation.

Why the Bible? The answer we are giving to this question includes the Old Testament as well as the New. The apostle Paul understood this when he wrote to Timothy: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15) The “holy scriptures” he was talking about were the scriptures of the Old Testament. They were able to “make him wise unto salvation” because they showed him Christ. As Timothy learned these scriptures he was taught to look for God’s Redeemer. He found Him, too. Have you? If not, keep looking so you might believe in Him and be saved. If you have found Him in the Bible, keep looking, because God wants you know and love Him more.

Why the Bible? Christ is there.