The Bible is often referred to as the “Good Book” or the “Holy Bible,” but it could also rightly be called the “Great Book.” The Bible is great in many ways – in its origins, its contents, its impact, and its message. Let’s explore what makes the Bible so great.
The Great Origins of the Bible
The Bible is unique among religious books in how it came into being. It was written over a period of around 1,500 years by more than 40 authors from diverse backgrounds, and yet it tells one unified story centered on God’s plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ. The Bible has 66 books – 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
The Old Testament was mostly written in Hebrew, the language of ancient Israel. It contains books of law, history, poetry, and prophecy. The New Testament was written in Greek and includes the four Gospels telling Jesus’ life story, the book of Acts chronicling the early church, letters from church leaders, and the apocalyptic book of Revelation.
Despite having many authors across many centuries, the Bible has a unified message because there was one divine Author guiding the whole process. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture while allowing each author’s unique perspective and style to come through. No other book has such an astounding backstory of divine orchestration.
The Great Contents of the Bible
The Bible contains a wealth of different literary genres – history, poetry, prophecy, letters, and apocalyptic literature. It includes down-to-earth stories of human struggles as well as lofty poetry praising God’s character. There are detailed genealogies as well as soaring descriptions of God’s majesty.
At 1,189 chapters, the Bible is by far the world’s best-selling book of all time, having been translated into over 500 languages. It contains everything we need to know about God, humanity, salvation, and how to live. Here are some of the major themes covered in the Bible’s great contents:
– God’s attributes, promises, and plan for the world
– Humanity’s fall into sin but offer of redemption
– God’s work through the nation of Israel
– The coming of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
– The way of salvation through faith in Christ
– How to live a godly life through the Spirit
– God’s future restoration of all things in eternity
The Bible tells one epic story from creation to new creation. Every book contributes to the richness of the Bible’s teachings. That is why 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” No other book so thoroughly equips people for a life pleasing to God.
The Great Impact of the Bible
The Bible has profoundly impacted cultures, literature, art, music, ethics, philosophy, government, and every other sphere. The teachings of Scripture launched Christianity, which has over 2 billion followers globally. God’s Word brings countless people to faith in Christ, transforms lives, and spurs Christians toward godly living.
Many classic works of art and literature draw themes and imagery from the Bible. Scripture has inspired great authors like John Milton, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and William Shakespeare. Historic Christian revivals and movements for justice have been fueled by the message of the Bible. Scripture guided social reformers like William Wilberforce in ending slavery in Britain and Martin Luther King Jr. in advancing civil rights in America.
The Bible’s principles have positively shaped the morality and ethics of Western civilization. Concepts like the inherent value of human life, dignity of work, human rights, and care for the poor find their roots in biblical teachings. Scripture laid the philosophical foundation for representative government, the scientific method, and academic freedom. In so many ways, the Bible has been a force for good in society.
The Great Message of the Bible
At its heart, the Bible is God’s revelation to humanity about how to be saved from sin and live a restored relationship with Him. It communicates great truths that are profound yet simple enough for anyone to understand. Let’s briefly trace the great message that runs through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation:
In the beginning, God created humanity in His image to know and honor Him (Genesis 1-2). But Adam and Eve rebelled against God, bringing sin into the world, so people became alienated from God and subject to death (Genesis 3). God began working out a plan to redeem and restore humanity. He called Abraham to father a chosen nation, Israel, through whom the Savior would come (Genesis 12).
The Old Testament shows how God revealed His laws to Israel to show how to live, but the people could never perfectly keep the law (Exodus-Deuteronomy). The institution of the sacrificial system pointed forward to the coming Messiah who would bear the sins of the world (Leviticus). The prophets foretold how God would send a Savior to redeem and restore His people (Isaiah 53, 61).
Then at just the right time, Jesus Christ was born as the perfect God-man to save sinners (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Though rejected by man, Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for sins, then He rose again defeating death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). When people repent and believe in Christ, they are forgiven, saved from death, and given eternal life through faith alone by God’s grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). All who trust in Christ are adopted into God’s family and empowered by the Spirit to obey and honor Him with their lives.
The Bible teaches that Jesus will bodily return to rule over a restored creation. Believers will reign with Him, and God’s kingdom will bring new heavens and new earth where there is no more sin, suffering, sickness, or death (Revelation 21-22). What a glorious message of redemption, restoration, and hope!
In summary, the great message of the Bible reveals how sinful people can be reconciled to holy God through Jesus’ saving life, death, and resurrection. This beautiful gospel message runs from Genesis to Revelation, making the Bible a uniquely glorious book.
Applying the Bible’s Great Message
The most important response to the Bible is to accept its universal invitation to salvation. Every person needs forgiveness and new life found only in Jesus Christ. When we turn from our sins and trust in Jesus as Savior, we begin an eternal relationship with God.
The Bible teaches that good works can never earn salvation, but they will certainly follow as evidence of true faith. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Submitting to Scripture transforms us increasingly into the image of Christ as the Holy Spirit works within us.
That is why a right relationship with God through His Word is so crucial. The Bible shows us how to live in a way that honors God and blesses people. Joshua 1:8 says if we meditate on Scripture, we will be prosperous and successful. Psalm 119:9-11 explains that if we treasure God’s Word in our hearts, we are protected from sin. Immersing ourselves regularly in the Bible is vital for spiritual health and growth.
The Bible truly is the greatest book ever written, revealing the greatest truths that can transform our lives. That is why Job said God’s words are more precious than gold (Job 23:12). The Bible points us to eternal riches found in relationship with God through Jesus Christ. There is no higher calling than conforming ourselves to the word and will of God revealed in Scripture – the great Bible.