What is the Bible?

The Bible, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, stands as the written Word of God, divinely inspired and delivered through holy men who were moved by the Holy Spirit. This concept is encapsulated in the church’s fundamental beliefs: "The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, the trustworthy record of God's acts in history." This assertion is foundational to understanding the Bible's role and authority in Christian faith and practice.

The Bible is unique not merely because of its profound influence on political, cultural, and social realms but because it reveals God, specifically through His Son, Jesus Christ. This divine revelation is twofold: general and special. General revelation refers to the knowledge of God visible in creation and human conscience. Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." Similarly, Romans 1:20 states, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." These verses highlight that nature itself testifies to the existence and character of God.
Special revelation, however, addresses the limitations of general revelation due to the distortion caused by sin. Special revelation is God’s more explicit self-disclosure through the Scriptures and ultimately through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2 affirms this: "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son." The Bible contains both propositional truth and personal revelation, essential for knowing God and understanding His will. Jesus emphasized this in John 17:3, saying, "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

The Bible’s primary focus is on God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament anticipates the coming Messiah, while the New Testament reveals Jesus as the Savior. Luke 24:27 illustrates this continuity, where Jesus, "beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Every book and story within the Bible points to Christ’s redemptive work, culminating in His death on the cross—a supreme revelation of God’s love and human sinfulness. As John 1:14 states, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
The inspiration of the Scriptures is a critical aspect of their authority. The apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:16, declares, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." The term "inspiration" here translates to "God-breathed," indicating that the truths contained in the Bible are communicated by God through human authors. Peter supports this in 2 Peter 1:21: "For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

The Bible’s authority also stems from its consistent message across various authors and centuries, affirming its divine origin. David, for instance, recognized the Spirit’s role in his writings: "The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue" (2 Samuel 23:2). Similarly, New Testament writers acknowledged the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Jesus affirmed the Old Testament’s inspiration (Mark 12:36) and promised the Holy Spirit would guide His apostles (John 14:26).
Moreover, the Bible’s historical narratives provide reliable accounts of God’s interactions with humanity. These stories serve not just as records but as lessons for faith and conduct. Paul, in Romans 15:4, notes, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." The accounts of biblical figures such as Abraham, Moses, David, and the apostles, with their virtues and flaws, offer profound insights into God’s grace and human nature.

Jesus Christ’s endorsement of the Scriptures stresses their authority. He frequently referenced the Scriptures as the basis for His teachings and actions. When tempted by Satan, Jesus responded with "It is written" (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10), emphasizing the Scriptures’ authority. He also affirmed their enduring truth, stating, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away" (Matthew 24:35).
The Bible, as the divinely inspired Word of God, serves as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. It reveals God’s character, His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ, and provides guidance for living a life aligned with His will. Its authority is derived from its divine inspiration, consistent message, and Jesus Christ’s affirmation. As such, it stands as an infallible guide and a trustworthy record of God’s acts in history, offering hope and direction to all who seek to understand and follow its teachings.