10 Things Your Bible Wants You to Know About It

Hello, it’s me, your Bible. I’m glad you’ve taken some time out of your day to hear what I have to say, because I think many people don’t really understand me. But because you are curious enough to listen, here are 10 things I want you to know about me.

1. I am a book, and books are meant to be read.

I know I look very neat and tidy on the shelf, but I was not made to be a shelf ornament. I am supposed to be read! The only way I fulfill my purpose is if you read me. That’s what books are for!

2. I am a book, and should be read as a book.

Why am I the only book that you open to read just one or two verses? I don’t see you taking your other books and only reading one sentence. I am a book, and I have a context and a flow just like all the other books. In order to understand the sentence you are reading, you need to read it in context! In other words, treat me like your other books.

3. Although I am a book, I’m not just a book.

Yes, it’s true. I follow the norms of language and literature. But don’t forget that I am also the Word of God. I’m not just a human invention. Rather, God carried along the various authors as they composed the words found in me (2 Pet 1:20-21). In this way, although I’m a book and you should read me as a book, don’t treat me as just another book.

4. I take hard work to understand.

I have been written across the span of about 1500 years. I was written in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), each with its own nuance of culture. Unfortunately, many people read me as if my cultural background doesn’t even matter to my message. But remember that the meaning of my words is found in the intent of the original author to his original audience. Only by knowing the meaning of the author can you effectively apply it to your culture and your life today. So, understand that you will have to work to understand me sometimes.

5. I am worth the hard work.

Although there will be times when you look at one of my sentences and you say, “I have no idea what this means,” it will be worth it when you finally figure it out. Although you may have to spend hours studying something you don’t understand, the reward of knowing exactly what I mean will be exceedingly rewarding. Further, you will then be able to grow in wisdom and knowledge as you apply me accurately to your own life. This will be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life.

6. I contain everything that is necessary for you to live.

I alone contain all things that will make you profitable and godly (2 Tim 3:16). Through me you have access to all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3). God has designed me in such a way that I am sufficient to provide answers to all of the necessary questions about life.

7. Although I contain instruction on living a godly life, I can’t do the work for you.

I have seen far too many people read my words and then continue to live however they want. Truly obeying what I say takes discipline and sacrifice. God has given His Spirit to help you, and ultimately, you must be willing to die to self in order to live out the things which are found in me. I can’t do the work for you.

8. I provide access to God’s will for your life.

Pretty cool, right? Although many people struggle with what they should do with their lives, I provide a clear testimony for what God has done in the world; and what he expects you to do in light of that. In fact, since you have access to me, I think you are foolish if you do not understand the will of the Lord (Eph 5:17).

9. Jesus said I am the means by which you will be sanctified.

I am the means by which God sanctifies believers (John 17:17). As such, I have a very important role in your life. I have a purifying influence in your life as you understand my meaning, and you realize how your life must change to match with what God wants for you. The Holy Spirit uses my message to convict your heart and drive you closer to God.

10. In order to truly understand me, you must forsake any sin in your life and approach in humility.

One of the greatest barriers to understanding me is unrepentant sin. People often claim they want to understand me because they want to know God, yet they are not willing to turn aside from certain sins. James 1:21 teaches that in approaching me, you must put aside your sin and approach me in humility.

There. I have briefly given you ten things I wish more people knew about me. Please remember, I am meant to be read. It is an absolute privilege to have me around for reading whenever you want. So, don’t forget to read me often!