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 3:16-17)

The Influence Of The Bible

Lowell Thomas said, “The Bible is of vital importance in teaching freedom; dictators fear the Bible, and for good reason – it inspired the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence.” John Adams, a member of the original committee that drew up our Declaration of Independence, wrote these words in a letter to Thomas Jefferson in 1813: “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.” A little-known fact to most Americans today is that the Continental Congress voted to spend $300,000 on September 11, 1777, to buy Bibles distributed throughout the thirteen original colonies.

Moses wrote the first five books of the Old Testament between 1450-1400 B.C. The final piece of the divine canon, known as Revelation, was written by the apostle John while banished to the isle of Patmos in the late 80s or early 90s A.D. From Genesis to Revelation, spanning nearly 1500 years, forty different writers who lived in different parts of the world with a varied list of occupations in three different languages wrote what is called the “Bible.” The Bible contains writings on law (civil, criminal, ethical, religious, and sanitary), poetry, history, narrative, biography, prophecy, and apocalyptic.

There is unity in doctrine or unity of purpose in the Bible. What is included and excluded establishes the grand scheme of redemption designed by the Holy Spirit. God’s eternal purpose to redeem man in Christ is the theme, which includes the Biblical doctrines of God, man, morality, sin, salvation, and immortality. Jesus said the word of God was truth, confirming many Old Testament stories as true (Moses, Noah, Jonah, Naaman, and others). His followers wrote the New Testament based on divine truth.

An unknown author writes, “This old Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its histories are true, its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the sailor’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.”

“Here paradise is restored, heaven is opened, and the gates of hell are disclosed. Christ is its subject, our good, its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be open at the judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.”

The Bible is the complete revelation of God to man. There is no need for other books, and any book that seeks to compare itself or conflict with the Bible does so at its own peril and demise. God has revealed Himself through one book. His word is truth because it is the inerrant word of the Divine, showing the creation what he must do to be saved. The Bible cannot be ignored. It contains everything that will point the soul in the path of righteousness. The Bible is also a book that chastises the soul when man decides to serve his selfish needs. There is no book as wonderful as the Bible. Take time to read, meditate, and commune with its message. You will never be the same.