The Bible is a library of 66 books with the first being Genesis and the last, Revelations. It was written by 40 different inspired authors who lived in 10 different countries spanning some 6000 miles and in 3 different languages (Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek). It identifies the creator, human origins and purpose, and covers all aspects of living as a created being. In all the writings, the Bible does not contain a single contradiction or doctrinal error when properly and honestly studied. It is also socially timeless in that nothing new is happening today that didn’t happen in times past that the Bible doesn’t address. The wisdom it portrays is beyond epic and speaks to a level of truth that we can scarcely comprehend. We know it is true because of its content, its actual and canonical history having more manuscripts than any other historical text, and self-confirmation (Joh. 1:1; 2Pe. 1:16; Luk. 1:1-4).
The Bible is a book about the creator/creature relationship and the requirements for respecting that relationship. Some see the Bible as a “nice guide for life” but refuse to understand the gravity of the creator/creature relationship. God did not leave it to us to decide how that relationship is to manifest itself. He was very specific. Some things are immutable and not subject to “interpretation”. Do not murder, do not lie, do not steal, yet man throughout his existence has struggled with these basic tenets. There are many uncontrollable, sinful human traits that without God, will consume us and make us unworthy of His patience. The one that we all struggle with most is the sin of pride (and selfishness), whether we’re consciously aware of it or not. Taking ourselves out of the picture is far more difficult than is normally perceived.
Be very careful about talking to or listening to anyone who offers spiritual advice, has some “special relationship with God”, or supposedly knows scripture. It is natural for us to confuse confidence with ethics (motive) and integrity (truthfulness). Just because someone can sound convincing, quote a passage of scripture, or is in a position of authority at some place of worship somewhere does not make them trustworthy, even if they seem so by association such as a relative or friend you’ve trusted. There is a motive behind every expression of thought that can be either for good or evil. The Scriptures should be examined clear of any personal presuppositions, misconceptions and emotional influences and studied regularly and consistently to achieve best results. The constant searching of the Scriptures is the best way to keep the mind and heart from error. A person who does not study daily, though emotionally invested, may expect to “be carried about with every wind of doctrine,” (Eph. 4:14) and to have no settled thoughts or have an incorrect understanding about the nature of God. Such a person is sadly lost.
The preaching and teaching of ministers you may listen to should be examined against the Scriptures. Their words are of no value unless they accord with the Bible both in content and context. The Bereans and Thessalonians were such a people (Acts 17:10-12).
Those who say they believe in God and the Holy scriptures are bound to observe its teachings. Those who do not believe are bound by its consequences.
The only thing between you and God is your sin (Rom. 3:23). Sin has a price that must be paid because it has disrupted the perfect relationship between you and God. Jesus paid the price for your sin and upon specific actions of commitment, restores the bond between you and God (Joh. 14:6).
Now here’s some info on the Bible, how it is structured and where you should start reading. The scriptures are the inspired word of God (2Tim 3:16-17) and we are expected to be unified in our understanding of it (1Co. 1:10, Eph. 4:4; 14:33) for He is not an author of confusion (1Co. 14:33).
The Bible has two significant sections; the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word ‘testament’ literally means ‘covenant’ or ‘promise’. The Old Testament has 39 books, beginning with Genesis and ending with Malachi. The Old Testament is divided in the following way:
a. Books of Law (of Moses and Natural Law) – 5 of them, Genesis through Deuteronomy
b. Books of History – 12 of them, Joshua through Esther
c. Books of Poetry – 5 of them, Job through Song of Solomon
d. Books of Prophecy – 17 of them, Isaiah through Malachi
The New Testament has 27 books beginning with Matthew through Revelations. It is divided in the
following way:
a. Life of Christ – 4 of them, Matthew through John
b. Book of Conversions – 1 of them, Acts
c. Epistles or (letters) – 21 of them, Romans through Jude
d. Book of Prophecy – 1 of them, Revelations
The goal of achieving salvation and the glory of heaven after this life is in the study and following of Jesus, as the Christ or Messiah. The Life of Christ section above leads one to understand Christ, producing faith in our hearts that He is the Son of God. The Book of Conversions teaches us how to get into Christ or accept Him as our savior. The Epistles or Letters teaches us how to live like Christ in terms of our behavior and in worship. Revelations is a Book of Prophecy and teaches us about judgement day and encourages Christians with a glimpse of what it will be like to be with Christ throughout eternity.
We are not under both Testaments. Two laws with different requirements cannot be binding upon the same people at the same time. The Old Testament law was given to the Jews (Law of Moses) and did not apply to anyone else. It was intended to be temporary and to teach about sin and our shortcomings as God’s created children (Gal. 3:24). There was no hope under the Law of Moses for anyone and especially non-Jewish people. Even for Jewish people, it was impossible for them to live up to it (Gal. 3:10-11). This was part of the plan. Jesus was the only one who did. He lived the Law of Moses perfectly! The Old Testament law of animal sacrifice for sin was inferior to the New Testament law of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for grace (Gal. 3:25-26). The Old Testament was for our learning (Rom. 15:4; 1Co. 10:6, 11-12; Gal. 3).
The New Testament is for both Jew and non-Jew alike (everyone) as Christ died once and for all.
