EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY
 Background
to
the Bible
Even with so many different writers and subjects,
all parts of the Bible agree with one another. Though the writers were
divided by class, period, country and disposition, there is wonderful
harmony in all they wrote. There is no contradiction or disagreement.
Whence came this wonderful unity? From God! They all wrote by divine
inspiration. They were God's agents, proclaiming His message to
humanity.
INSPIRATION
All Scripture is inspired by God. Often it says in
the Bible "Thus saith the Lord . . ." or "The word of the
Lord came unto me saying . . ." God spoke to men who then recorded
His words, not their own.
Some examples of inspiration:
"Now these are the last words of David.
Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high.
The anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: The
Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue."
Samuel 23:1-2
"The word that came to Jeremiah from the
Lord, saying, Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying: 'Write
in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.'"
Jeremiah 30:1-2
- God is the Author of the Bible:
". . . and that from childhood you have
known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for
salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All
Scripture is given by inspiration of God [lit.,
"is God-breathed"], 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 3:15-17
- God's Word never fails, nor should it be
added to:
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the
word of our God stands forever."
Isaiah 40:8
"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield
to those who put their trust in Him. Do
not add to His words, lest He reprove you
and you be found a liar."
Proverbs 30:5-6
- The Bible is the source of truth:
"The law of the
Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the
Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are
right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring
forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous
altogether." Psalm 19:7-9
THE IMPORTANCE OF READING THE BIBLE
- God's Word will make us wise:
". . . and that from childhood you have
known the Holy Scriptures, which
are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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
3:15-17
- God's Word gives us hope:
"For whatever things were written before
were written for our learning, that we through
the patience and comfort of the Scriptures
might have
hope." Romans
15:4
- God's Word provides salvation to those who
believe:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ, for it is
the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
for the Jew first and also for
the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith
to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'"
Romans 1:16-17
- God's Word prepares us to defend the faith:
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts,
and always be ready
to give a defense
to everyone who asks you a reason
for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear . . ." 1
Peter 3:15
- God's Word provides direction for daily
living:
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from
your mouth, but you
shall meditate in it day and night,
that you may observe to do
according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your
way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Joshua 1:8
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