I believe the Bible is God’s word to man. In it, he reveals everything we need to know about himself, about creation, about his purposes and our plight. In it we learn how to live. We learn what he expects from us. We learn his commandments.

I believe what the scriptures say. I believe that it is inspired, God breathed. The men that God appointed to record his Word, wrote under his superintendence through the power of the Holy Spirit.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16, 17 KJV

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:20, 21 KJV

My very life exists and depends on the Word of God. If I did not have the Word, I would feel like Simon Peter when he tells Christ:

“…Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68 ESV

Even  Jesus Christ, who was God incarnate, when tempted by the devil, responded by quoting a scripture from the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 8:3. He responded:

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:3 ESV

According to Jesus, we ought to live by, thrive by the Bible because it comes from the mouth of God. It makes us wise. It makes the heart glad. It gives us clarity. It deters us from wrong paths, and all of it is right and true. It preserves us.  Some describe it as a mirror. I have also recently heard it described as our critic. It is the power of God

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:7-14 KJV

The Bible contains 66 books, 39 are in the Old Testament, and 27 in the New Testament. It is usually referred to as the Holy Bible. It is the most widely sold book. In fact, according to Guinness World Records, the Bible is the best-selling book of all time.

I believe it, because even in my house, and maybe even in your house, there are more than two copies of the Bible. We have probably about eight to ten, in various versions. However, having copies of the Bible is not good enough until we allow its content to transform our lives.

“Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 KJV

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,  that you may be prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 KJV

I admit all scriptures may not be clear to me at the time of reading particular texts, but I have found that when I pray and ask God to make it clear to me, he through the Holy Spirit will illuminate it to me, maybe not at the time of reading but at some time in the future, he will make it plain.

This is why it is helpful to pray before we read. The psalmist prayed:

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Psalm 119:18 ESV

I believe the Bible is the Word of God. I believe that it is inerrant and infallible; otherwise, one error would make the whole unworthy of my confidence. Unfortunately it seems that as E.J. Young says in his book, Thy Word is Truth – “…modern man no longer is ready to listen to the voice of the one living and eternal God, but prefers rather the changing sands of human opinion for the foundation upon which to build his religious life.”

We all know that time changes opinions. What once was thought to be wrong, what once may have brought shame now is viewed as right, and causes pride. This is why we need a standard. Standards don’t change. God’s word, the Bible sets the standard.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8