What Makes the Bible So Special?

Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”

The Bible is the most amazing book ever written. It is God’s message to us. Technically speaking, the Bible is not a single book; it’s a compilation of sixty-six individual books. Those books were written over a span of 1,500 years. Among the Bible’s forty-some authors were kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, and statesmen. Each was inspired by God’s Holy Spirit to record what was revealed to him in his own words.

The apostle Peter wrote, “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:20–21 NLT).

The apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT). A better translation of “inspired by God” would be “breathed by God.”

In the pages of Scripture, we find the greatest stories ever told. I don’t mean the once-upon-a-time variety. I’m not talking about fairy tales, fables, or myths. The stories in Scripture are documented historical events. However, the Bible is not merely a historical book, although it is that. The Bible is not just history; it is His story—that is, the story of God’s interaction with His human creation.

In that sense, the Bible is your story, too. Because as you look at many of the Bible’s stories, you will find yourself in them. You will see people encounter situations that echo your own experiences. You will see them respond in ways that seem familiar, for better or worse. You will see them suffer consequences similar to ones you’ve suffered. You will see God act in ways that give you hope for your own life. You will find promises you can cling to. You will find forgiveness that heals. You will find wisdom that resonates. You will find paths that take you where you’re meant to be.

I’m only scratching the surface here when it comes to explaining what makes the Bible so special. But I’ll leave you with two truths to explore further. First, you read the Bible to know God, the Creator of the universe, who desires to have a personal and eternal relationship with you. Second, you read the Bible to discover His plan for your life.

What other book can make such claims?

Reflection question: How can you make the Bible a more integral part of your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

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