Words about the Word - Russell Scott - Albany Church of Christ
The Book of Books
Most people own a Bible and have a copy of it in their homes. This sacred Book is often referred to as the “Holy Bible.” The word “Holy” means “different or sacred.” The word “Bible” means “book” (from the Greek word “biblia”). The Bible is not just any book, it is “The Book.” The Bible is holy, sacred or different from all other books because it is of divine origin. Actually, the Bible is not one book – it is a library of books. It consists of Two Volumes – The Old and New Testaments (Covenants), composed of sixty-six books (39 Old Testament books, and 27 New Testament books). And even though Christians are living under the New Testament Covenant, we need both Testaments to understand the other.
This “Book of Books” is different from all other books because it is not of human origin, it is of divine origin – It is the Word of God. Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God …” (2 Timothy 3:16). The phrase “inspired by God” is translated from the Greek word Theopneustos, which literally means “God-breathed.” Peter wrote, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:20, 21).
Paul wrote, “And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God’s message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Some people today refuse to recognize the Bible as God’s inspired Word. To them, the Bible is no more inspired than the works of William Shakespeare. Others may accept the Bible as God’s Word but choose which parts they will believe. If a teaching of Scripture does not correspond to their preconceived notions about what the Bible ought to teach, then they reject that doctrine or teaching. When they come to a passage they do not like, they simply ignore it or discard it. We may be inclined to think at this point, “I thank God that I am not like other people! I accept the Bible as God’s Word, and I accept all of its plain teachings.” Perhaps we shouldn’t be so smug. Accepting the Word of God accomplishes nothing if we do not obey it! James wrote, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).
Jesus said, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46); “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). The only Bible one has is what he lives. Truth is not merely to be eaten – it is to be digested and lived. We must not only believe that the Bible is God’s Word; we must try to do our best to obey His commands. We must constantly repent when we fall short of it. The Bible stands alone. It is unlike the books of man in that it is inerrant, verbally and wholly inspired of God, and eternal. While other books of men rise and fall with respect to public acceptance and popularity, the Bible has throughout the years sustained a “best seller” status. Other works are undergoing constant revision, yet God’s book is every bit as relevant today as it was when first etched out by the inspired penmen. Through the ages, many and various attitudes have been held by men toward this Book of Books. Some have rejected, some have waged war against it, some have been apathetic toward it, and some others have loved, cherished, and respected it. King Jehoiakim cut and burned his Bible because he didn’t care to hear or do what it demanded of him (Jeremiah 36:23).
Unlike this wicked King, David loved God’s word to the point of making it his constant meditation (Psalms 119:97). What is your attitude toward this “Book of Books” – the Bible?
