The Bible — God's Holy Word
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesRespect for the Bible is one of the greatest needs of this world. The Bible is the word of God. It is His will for mankind. It is the guide and rule that leads us to salvation and the heavenly home. The Psalmist said, “thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105 KJV).
The apostle Paul confirmed that “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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV). Peter said, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).
In the parable of the Sower (Luke 8 KJV), Jesus said the seed is the word of God. To become a Christian, the seed must be sown in the heart (mind) by the preaching of the gospel (the Word). If the gospel is not preached, faith in God and Christ will cease to exist. If we stop preaching the Word, the church will die in one or two generations.
The Bible is God’s pattern for the Christian home. Anyone can get married and establish a home, but it takes knowledge of the word of God to establish and maintain a Christian home. Jesus gives us instruction, like “….for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh….Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:5-6 KJV). People who are married or want to get married, need to know what God expects in marriage. Without the Bible, we could not know His will.
The Bible gives the characteristics of Christian living. How does one know “how” to live the Christian life? The gospel of Christ tells people how to live and be pleasing to God. To live righteously, we must follow the God-given instructions of the gospels, Acts, Romans and the other great books of the New Testament.
The Bible is also the standard by which all men will be judged at the second coming of Christ (Matthew 25:31-46 KJV). Jesus said, “He that rejected me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48 KJV). Revelation 20 KJV speaks of the books being opened for judgment in the day of judgment.
It is abundantly clear that we must know and obey God’s Holy Word, the Bible. It has the power to save (James 1:21 KJV) and the power to condemn (John 12:48 KJV).
Are you living your life by the word of God? Let it be a lamp unto your feet and light unto your path (Psalm 119:105 KJV).
—Charles Collett via the Montana Street bulletin