Dalton Key
The Bible is by far the best book in all the world. It merits our reverence, our respect, our love, our belief, our trust, our subjection, and our complete obedience. Without the Bible we would be as helpless, hopeless nomads travelling the road to eternity with no purpose, no map, and no guide. If it were not for God’s book, the Bible, we would know nothing of God’s law, will, love, and eternal purpose; we would be ignorant of Christ’s sacrifice, blood, intercession, and advocacy; we would be without knowledge of our sin, our need for salvation, and our eternal nature and destiny.
The word Bible is not found within the pages of God’s eternal revelation to mankind. God’s book refers to itself as the law (Psa. 119:97; Jas. 1:25), the word (Psa. 119:11), the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15), the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11), scripture (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 3:16; Acts 17:11), doctrine (2 In. 9; 2 Tim. 4:2,3), and truth (In. 8:32; 17:17). It describes itself as a sword (Eph. 6:17), a fire (Jer. 23:29), a hammer (Jer. 23:29), a seed Luke 8:11), a lamp (Ps. 119:105). and a light (Ps. 19: 105 ).
The Bible is not a “dead letter.” According to the Hebrew writer, God’s word is both quick and powerful., (Heb. 4: 12). It was by the word of God that the worlds were framed and the heavens were made (Heb. 11:3; Psa. 33:6). The Bible quickens (Psa. 119:50), begets (Jas. 1:18), cleanses (John 15:3), purifies (1 Pet. 1:22), converts (Psa. 19:7), saves (Acts 11:14; Jas. 1:21), pricks the heart (Acts 2:36-38), cuts (Heb. 4:12), and will judge us in the day of judgment (John 12:48).
The Bible is unlike any man-made book or creed in that it is perfect (Psa. 19:7), verbally inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 1 Cor. 2:10-13), and eternal in nature (Matt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:24-25). While the books of men rise and fall in terms of public acceptance and popularity, the Bible has throughout the years sustained a “best seller” status. Other volumes are constantly undergoing revision, yet the Bible is every bit as relevant-up to date-today as it was in the ancient days of its inspiration.
There are various attitudes in regard to the Bible. Some are apathetic towards it. some reject it, some wage war against it, and some love, cherish, and respect it. Many, like Jehoiakim, would like to burn it, while others, like David, love it to the point of making it their constant meditation (Jer. 36:23; Psa. 119:97). What is your attitude toward the Bible? Is your daily manner of life an apt delineation of that attitude?
