The Bible is called the Holy Bible because it is seen as the sacred text of Christianity. The word “Bible” comes from the Greek word “biblos” meaning “book.” The word “holy” signifies the reverence Christians have for these scriptures as the word of God. Some key reasons the Bible is considered holy include:
It is Inspired by God
2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Christians believe that while the Bible was written by human authors, the words they wrote were inspired by God. The Holy Spirit guided the writers to record God’s message without error. As a work authored by God, the Bible carries divine authority and is worthy of utmost respect.
It Reveals God’s Character and Plans
The Bible provides a way for people to know who God is and what He desires. Through its pages, readers learn of God’s attributes like love, justice, and sovereignty. The Bible also lays out God’s redemptive plan to save humanity from sin and death. It testifies about Jesus Christ, whom God sent to be the Savior of the world (John 3:16-17). The glimpse the Bible provides into the heart and mindset of God makes it holy.
It Teaches God’s Truth
The Bible serves as the source of truth and moral instruction for Christians. It contains teachings and commandments that God wants His people to live by. 2 Timothy 3:16 says the Bible is profitable for “training in righteousness.” The Psalms often extol the wisdom found in God’s word: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7). Because the Bible comes directly from a holy God, it shares His holy purposes.
It Transforms Lives
For thousands of years, people have experienced radical life change through reading the Bible. God’s word exposes and convicts people of their sin, pointing them to repentance and salvation by grace through faith in Jesus (Romans 10:17). Christians believe the Bible has inherent power because it is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). As people apply Biblical teaching to their lives, they grow to become more like Christ.
It withstood the test of time
The Bible consists of 66 books written by about 40 different authors over 1,500 years on 3 different continents (Asia, Europe and Africa). Despite the diversity of time periods, cultures and authors, the Bible presents a unified message and common themes throughout all its books. This unity amidst diversity and the Bible’s enduring legacy over centuries demonstrate its divine inspiration.
It Accurately Predicts the Future
Scripture contains many prophecies that were later fulfilled in history. For example, the Old Testament contains over 300 prophecies about the coming Messiah; Jesus Christ fulfilled every one concerning His earthly ministry. Archaeological discoveries have also validated historical details recounted in the Bible. The Bible’s profound foresight verifies its holy origin from an all-knowing God.
It withstood numerous attacks
Despite repeated attempts throughout history to burn, ban, destroy or discredit the Bible, it still remains the most widely published, distributed and translated book of all time. Its survival against relentless opposition stands as a testimony to its divine protection and authority. The Bible’s unique resilience in the face of hostility provides evidence of its holy status.
Jesus Christ treated it as holy
Jesus frequently quoted the Old Testament scriptures and treated them as the authority of God. He rebuked those who sought to undermine or misuse Scripture (Matthew 22:29). Since Jesus is the Son of God who embodied truth, His reverence for the Bible affirms its holy standing. Christians consider the Bible as holy because Jesus did.
The Early Church recognized its sacredness
From the time of the apostles onward, the church universally held the Scriptures in highest regard. Early church leaders extensively cited the Bible in their writings; church councils used it to establish doctrine. Thousands of faithful Christians through the centuries have willingly died for upholding the Bible. This martyrdom continues in some places today. The longtime consensus of the church verifies the Bible’s holy status.
It Declares the Glory of God
The overarching purpose of the Bible is to exalt the name of God and make His glory known (1 Chronicles 16:24). Scripture testifies to who God is and the praiseworthy acts He has done, like creating the universe, redeeming sinners, and promising eternal life. Since the chief aim of Scripture is to magnify God’s excellence, it shares in His holiness.
It is Set Apart for God’s Purposes
The Bible differs from all other books because God ordained it to serve His divine goals on earth. Scripture calls humanity to pursue holiness rather than worldly ambitions (2 Timothy 2:19-21). Christians devote themselves to Scripture because it comes from a holy God with a holy calling upon their lives. They set apart the Bible because God has set it apart for sacred use.
Its Content Aligned with God’s Nature
Though written over centuries, the moral vision of the Bible remains lofty and consistent throughout. There are no flaws or moral failings detectable in Scripture when properly interpreted. The Bible’s unwavering alignment with God’s holy character confirms its divine inspiration. That which comes from God will be consonant with His virtues.
It was Canonized as Holy Scripture
The process of canonization was guided by the conviction that the books of the Bible share one divine Author. Church councils applied rigorous criteria to determine which books constituted God’s word. The declaration of the Bible’s canonicity by these councils reflects their discernment of its sacred origin. Its recognition as holy Scripture speaks to the text itself.
It Provides Access to Divine Presence
Through reading the Bible, Christians regularly feel they enter into the presence of a holy, almighty God. Scripture connects believers to divine truth in a powerful way unlike anything else. Psalms 119:18 says, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” The Bible is holy because through it, God reveals Himself to His people.
It Brings Reverence and Worship
As people read and apply the Bible, it produces in them deep awe, respect and love for God. Through encountering Scripture, Christians are moved to praise God for His majesty and goodness (Psalm 119:7). The capacity of the Bible to elicit adoration for God signals its sacred identity and purpose.
It Possesses Divine Authority
When reading the Bible, followers of Christ sense they are receiving direct orders from their Creator. While other books may inspire, Scripture has the power to convict, command and transform lives. Christians heed the Bible because they recognize it as the very voice of God. Its divine authority marks its hallowed status.
It is Called Holy Throughout Scripture
The Bible refers to itself as holy Scripture. Passages like Romans 1:2 and 2 Peter 1:21 indicate the holy source and character of God’s word. Jesus also called the written word of God holy (Matthew 15:3-6). The Bible’s own description of its sacred nature is an authoritative testimony.
Its Origin is Supernatural
The Bible shares a unified revelation even though written across varied times and cultures. Scripture features detailed prophecies fulfilled centuries later and contains wisdom beyond what could be expected from human authors. The miraculous nature of the Bible points to the divine handiwork behind it, marking its holiness.
It Sanctifies Believers
As Christians fill their minds with Biblical truth, it makes them more like Christ. God’s word has a purifying effect on those who receive it (John 17:17). The ongoing work of Scripture to conform believers to godliness demonstrates its holy power and purpose.
It Governs the Church
Across history and denominations, the Bible remains the ultimate authority governing doctrine and church life. Scripture defines holy living for God’s people. The central role given to the Bible in directing the body of Christ reveals its sacred status in the eyes of believers.
It Extols Moral Excellence
While the morality of humanity changes with culture and time, the righteous standards of the Bible endure forever. Scripture gives absolute moral norms stemming from God’s holy nature. The perfection of the Bible’s ethical system reflects its divine inspiration and holiness.
It was Written by Holy Men
Christians recognize the human authors of Scripture, though flawed, were set apart by God to write His holy word (2 Peter 1:21). The prophets and apostles through whom the Bible was penned were specially appointed to their divinely ordained task. Their unique role indicates the sacredness of the text.
It Contains Divine Wisdom
Within the pages of Scripture reside profound truths unattainable through human insight alone. Psalms 119:130 states, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” The wisdom of God conveyed in the Bible marks it as holy and true.
Its Purpose is Holy
The overall goal of the Bible is to draw humanity into relationship with their holy Creator and conform them to His holy purposes. Scripture aims to build up a holy people to worship a holy God and dwell with Him forever. The sacred designs of the Bible make the book itself sacred.
It Reveals the Mind of Christ
Since Christ embodied the wisdom of God (Colossians 2:3), the Scripture that testifies about Him expresses His holy thoughts. As believers grow in their knowledge of the word, they grow to “have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). The presence of Christ’s thinking within Scripture sanctifies it.
It Defeats Spiritual Darkness
The truth of God’s word shines light into the world’s darkness. Scripture exposes and renounces all that is evil while promoting righteousness. The Bible functions as holy armor to guard believers against deceit (Ephesians 6:14-17). Its power to dispel darkness affirms its holy force.
It Dispenses God’s Grace
The message of salvation by grace which the Bible proclaims is itself a gift of grace. Scripture grants divine favor to all who believe its promises. The Bible is God’s instrument for pouring out His mercy upon the world. Channels of holy grace must also be holy.
It is Historically Holy to Christians
For all the reasons given above, Christians across time, geography and denomination have revered the Bible as God’s sacred word. Their widespread holy treatment of Scripture over centuries validates that view. No other book has been esteemed so highly for so long by so many.
In summary, Christians consider the Bible holy because of its divine inspiration, revelatory content about God, and transformative purposes which set it apart from all other books. The Bible’s teachings, wisdom, resilience, prophecies and impact on lives verify its holiness. Scripture itself testifies to its sacred origin and nature. No other book has guided and shaped believers and the church as profoundly as the Holy Bible.