What is your favourite book? You know, that one that every few years you just need to pick up and read it again? My first thoughts go to the legendary Lord of the Rings trilogy. I’ve read it more times than I can count.
Interestingly enough, I don’t often refer to the bible as a book? It isn’t the one that comes to mind even despite being in it on a regular basis. In my opinion, it is because it is larger than life. It is of a different category than any other book. And that is not necessarily wrong.
The bible authors claim to have been writing what God wanted them to write or it was a collection of messages that holy men claimed were from God. Paul said to his young protege, Timothy, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful…” (2 Timothy 3:16)
This term “God-breathed” or “inspired” is the process whereby the Holy Spirit superintended the author to ensure they conveyed exactly what God wanted yet without losing their authorial identity. For this very reason we say the bible is authoritative and trustworthy.
Because of this divine inspiration the bible is deemed to be God’s revelation of himself and not merely 40 different authors’ opinion of him. The testament to this is in the unity the book has as a whole in the picture of God despite the diversity of authors and their span over time.
When you get into the bible you come face to face with God. The book drove Martin Luther to say, “Sola Scriptura,” and Martin Luther King Jr. to have a dream. My challenge for you is to pick up a hard copy or use the bible app on your phone and check it out. I think it will quickly become your favourite too.
