The Bible
(from Greek βιβλία — biblia, meaning "the books")
is the sacred collection of 66 books
recognized by Christians as
the inspired and authoritative Word of God.
¶ Understanding the Bible
The Bible is widely regarded as a supernaturally designed, integrated message system. It was written by approximately 40 different authors from vastly different backgrounds over a period of roughly 1,500 years, yet it maintains remarkable unity with one central theme: God’s plan of redemption.
Key observations often highlighted by Bible students include:
- The Bible demonstrates clear design elements that point to a single, ultimate Author.
- It is self-authenticating and consistent when studied carefully.
- It provides answers to life’s biggest questions: where we came from, why we are here, where we are going, and how to get there.
- It contains fulfilled prophecy and internal structures that support its divine origin.
Inspired — God-breathed (theopneustos) — 2 Timothy 3:16
Inerrant — Without error in the original writings — Proverbs 30:5; John 17:17
Infallible — Trustworthy and unable to lead astray in faith and practice — Psalm 19:7-8
Authoritative — The final standard for belief and conduct — Isaiah 8:20
Sufficient — Fully able to equip believers for every good work — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Eternal — Endures forever — Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — 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 Peter 1:20-21 — Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
- John 5:39 — You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
- Psalm 119:105 — Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
- Isaiah 55:10-11 — So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
A careful approach to Scripture includes these widely recommended principles:
- Use literal, grammatical, and historical interpretation.
- Distinguish between Israel and the Church.
- Recognize different dispensations (stewardships or economies) in God’s dealings with humanity.
- Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.
- Pay close attention to context and the original languages where possible.
- Expect the Bible to be internally consistent.
Helpful approaches to studying the Bible include:
- Approach the text with reverence and a willingness to be taught.
- Study verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter.
- Use a broad overview framework as a starting point.
- Compare Scripture with Scripture across the whole Bible.
- Recognize that every detail in the text is purposeful.