“The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword. It pierces as far as the division of soul and spirit, joint and marrow and it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
The Bible is a unique book. It was written over a period of 1500 years, on three continents, by more than forty authors. It was written in three languages; Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek and is divided into two major sections; the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Bible incorporates different literary genres, including: Historical Narrative, Poetry, Prophecy, Propositional Statements and Apocalyptic Literature. The Bible was the first book translated from one language to another. In 250 BC the Old Testament was translated from the original Hebrew and Aramaic into Greek, which was the common language of the day. The Bible was the first book printed with the invention of the printing press. Since that time, more Bible’s have been printed than any other book ever written. The Bible has been translated into more languages than any other book in history. These historical facts support the Bible’s claim to be the Word of God. This claim however would be mute, if the Bible was not an accurate source of truth. Many people don’t read the Bible because they falsely accept the myth that it is not historically reliable. Jesus prayed in John 17, “Father sanctify them in truth, Thy Word is truth.” The Bible is both historically reliable and, according to Jesus, it is the truth. So, what is your response to these facts?
Both James and Paul give us some inspired instruction, “Be diligent to present yourselves approved to God as workmen who do not need to be ashamed because you handle accurately the Word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) “And prove yourselves doers of the Word and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (James 1:22)