THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD

The Bible is the Word of God! There are people who turn their nose up at it, saying it is not, because it was written by men. If you write down what someone told you or dictated, can you really claim that whatever you wrote was your idea? For example, when I was growing up, family members who had no formal education and therefore could not read or write would ask others to write letters on their behalf to their family or friends. These scribes wrote what was dictated. In the end, they didn’t sign only their name, but also signed the name of the person who dictated the letter. 

In the same way, God claims ownership of the Bible by clearly stating: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16). So, yes, men wrote it, but they were inspired by God to write it down. They didn’t all sit side by side to write and compare notes; each wrote their portion at very different times as they were led, but amazingly, they complement each other perfectly! The reason? They were each inspired by God to write for Him! 

Having established that the Bible is the Word of God, how are we supposed to use it? In order to get the most out of it, we need to read it prayerfully and consistently, meditating on it and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts. Then we need to obey what we learn to the letter! In addition, we need to share what we learn with others. That’s what God commanded Joshua when He appointed him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. Studying the Word of God is not a suggestion but a command: “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do” (Joshua 1: 8). 

We are commanded to obey everything, not only the portions we like; everything includes everything. We can’t obey commands that we don’t have, and that is why we have to study it diligently and know it well. Prior to God giving the law, people sinned, “But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break” (Romans 5:13). Now that we have God’s command in writing, breaking it means sinning; that’s why we need to know it and obey it accordingly. 

Let’s understand that obeying God brings blessings, as Joshua learned: “Only then will you prosper and succeed.” Disobedience will naturally bring the opposite of the blessings God promised Joshua (see Deuteronomy 28). At the end of Moses’ life, God gave the Israelites a challenge, to choose between life and death, between blessings and curses. He encouraged them to choose life and not death. Their choice of life would be evidenced by their “Loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life” (Deuteronomy 30:20). 

Dear reader, the Bible is the Word of God! Please read it, take it seriously, and obey it; with obedience will come life and blessings. Start by repenting of your sins and asking God for forgiveness through Jesus Christ. That’s how you become a child of God, and the Holy Spirit will guide and direct you as you read, study, meditate on, and obey it.