The Importance of Scripture
—Three Reasons Why the Bible Matters

The Bible is important. It matters that we believe it. This lesson will show three reasons why the scriptures are so basic to faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible is the throbbing heart of that faith. Tear out that heart, and our belief system is dead.

1 The Bible is our Model or Standard

All disciples of Christ should share a belief system deeply rooted in the Bible. In matters of religion, we should have a belief system identical to what was in the minds of the Bible writers. Our faith should be their faith.

The Prophets of Old

Peter writes, ¶"The prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would be yours, searched and inquired carefully. They desired to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating. (The Spirit foretold the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.) It was revealed to the prophets that they were not serving themselves but you."

¶"For what they desired to know has now been announced to you, through those who preached the good message to you. They told you these things by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven —things the angels long to look into." (1 Peter 1:10-12).

You can see that the prophets of old, in their writings, were inspired by the Spirit of Christ.

The Apostles of Christ

Centuries later, the apostles of Christ, also inspired by his Spirit, used and explained those writings as they preached the gospel. Now, centuries later, we have the writings of both the ancient prophets and the apostles of Christ. Thus we can have one and the same faith as they had. Thanks be to God!

If we did not have those scriptures, we could not know what those apostles taught. The Holy Spirit would have to do his work of revelation over and over again, just as he did in the days of the prophets and the apostles. Paul concludes, "So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

Where do we find “the word of God” in the 21st century? We find it in the scriptures that have been preserved for 2000 years gone by. Furthermore, the scriptures, that were given by inspiration of God, can make us complete (2Timothy 3:15-17).

The importance of the scriptures cannot be overstated. They give us the ancient standard. If we model our faith on think⁠-⁠so and new claims, our faith will not be the faith that Christ gave the world. On the other hand, if our faith is what the writings of the prophets and the apostles teach, we will have a God⁠-⁠breathed and truly Christian faith for our salvation.

2 The Bible is the Story of our Hero

The Scriptures are important because they tell us all we need to know about Jesus. He is our hero and human model. He means more to us than any person. He gave his life for us (1Timothy 2:3-6).

Although we have never seen him, we love him, and long for the day when we will see him face to face (1Peter 1:7-9, Revelation 22:4, 1John 3:2).

Without the Scriptures, we would know almost nothing about Jesus. It is the Bible that gives us detailed information about who Jesus is; why he was born; why he died; how he rose again; and where he went. He is the Bible's greatest hero, the Mighty man who conquers evil, and comes to our rescue.

The Book in our possession (the Bible) tells us the true story of Jesus and provides us a large and clear window into his mind (1Corinthians 2:16).

3 The Bible Tells Us How to be Saved

Since the Bible reveals the mind of Christ, we can "be not unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). To be that wise, we must use the Scriptures to enlighten us.

Sinners seeking salvation through the grace of Christ, ask the question, “What must we do?” (Acts 2:37). The Bible answers that question thoroughly. For example, the words of Paul in Romans, and his agreement with Jesus in the gospels, show what people should do to receive grace.

Here's What to Do...

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Webservant Ron Graham

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