Many now view the Bible as a story book filled with myths. Others see it as a good book whose time has come and gone. Advancing Christ’s kingdom requires restoring a proper view of the Bible.
Faith is produced by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). The Lord said, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). Christ’s true disciples will abide in his word, realizing the truth can set one free (John 8:31-32). Those who would be set apart for God’s service must yield to the word (John 17:17).
Understanding the Bible requires a right division. Paul instructed his son in the faith to be persistently zealous so he could rightly divide the word and be approved of God (2 Timothy 2:15). God now speaks through his Son (Hebrews 1:1). The stories of God’s dealings with the children of Israel are recorded to warn us (1 Corinthians 10:11). Now, all people can be reconciled to God through the cross of Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16).
The Bible is the source of life, described by Jesus as the seed of the kingdom (Luke 8:11). We ought to long for it like babies longing for milk (1 Peter 2:2). God’s word is means used by the Father to set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
God’s word will be the standard in judgment. Jesus declared, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). Paul said we will be judged by the gospel, which James describes as the law of liberty (Romans 2:16; James 2:12).
Our view of the Bible clearly will determine where we spend eternity.
Gary C. Hampton