The Bible is by far the world’s best-selling book with billions of copies in circulation. And yet, because it can be intimidating at times, many of those copies never get opened. Here are 10 reasons why you should open the Bible.
- The Bible is much more than a historical book.
- The Bible is much more than information.
- The Bible is one story.
- The Bible was written in a way that we can understand.
- The Bible tells us all that we need to know about God.
- The Bible is able to bring us to faith in Jesus.
- The Bible is able to nourish and sustain our souls.
- The Bible is meant to be read with a humble heart.
- The Bible is meant to be an honored guest in our lives.
- The Bible gives guidance for our lives.
1. The Bible is much more than a historical book.
Yes, the Bible was written a long time ago, but the Bible is the Word of God: “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). That means it is the way that God speaks to us today. So, when you open the Bible, come expecting to hear from God.
2. The Bible is much more than information.
Reading the Bible brings transformation. So, when you open the Bible, you’re not simply trying to gather knowledge. Your aim should be to meet with God: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16). There really is power in opening the Word of God.
3. The Bible is one story.
It begins in a garden, ends in a city, and all the way through, it points to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Bible’s treasure, and when you find Him, you’re at the beginning of discovering all that God has in store for you. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3).
4. The Bible was written in a way that we can understand.
Some things are hard to grasp, but the most important things in the Bible are clear. That’s why God says parents are to teach it to their children: “You shall teach [these words] diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lied down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:7).
5. The Bible tells us all that we need to know about God.
What would we know about God if we didn’t have the Bible? From creation we can know that God is great and glorious, but we could never know that He is love, or that Jesus died for our sins and rose again. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever” (Deuteronomy 29:29). And the revealed things are in the Bible.
6. The Bible is able to bring us to faith in Jesus.
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). The Bible was written: “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Everyone who opens the Bible and responds in faith, is given the gift of eternal life.
7. The Bible is able to nourish and sustain our souls.
God not only gives new life, He sustains the new life that He gives. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). As bread sustains the body, so the Word of God sustains the believer in faith, hope, and love.
8. The Bible is meant to be read with a humble heart.
We don’t want to critique the Bible. We want the Bible to critique us. We want God to search us and challenge us as we place ourselves under the authority of His Word. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Read the Bible humbly, and your life will be molded in a way that brings blessing to you and glory to God.
9. The Bible is meant to be an honored guest in our lives.
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Welcome the Word of God and give it your utmost attention as you would an honored guest in your home. As you do this, you will grow in holiness, prayer, wisdom, discernment, and joy.
10. The Bible gives guidance for our lives.
Are you confused? Do you need direction? God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119: 105). What better guide for life could you have than God Himself? He made you. He knows you. He loves you. Open the Bible… and follow Him.
