“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Recently, I have been thinking about scripture.
Many people don’t understand how magnificent it is. Some think it is an ancient document that is irrelevant to our modern world. Others believe it to be writings of men who were bent on controlling the masses. There are countless other opinions held by those who don’t want to believe or follow its teachings.
In fact, I used to be one of them.
Until my mid-twenties, I landed firmly in the camp of thinking that Jesus was a pretty cool guy, but I was not interested in the Bible. Then things happened that got me questioning my long-held beliefs.
I read a book that detailed the many prophesies in the Bible that had come to pass generations later. After that I learned about the different writers who recorded the many terrible things that the Israelites had done in disobedience to the Lord despite Him having warned them time and again.
God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ was recorded all the way back in Genesis. Until I read this book, I hadn’t realized that all Old Testament scripture pointed forward to the Messiah or Emmanuel, who would literally be “God with us,” coming to take away our sins (everything we do that breaks God’s heart).
The entire Bible is one long story, despite being written over thousands of years by many different authors. The likelihood of this was astounding to me.
The Bible proclaims that, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
It also says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
Scripture is our guide for a holy life. Studies have indicated that reading scripture four or more times a week significantly decreases addictive behavior, feelings of loneliness and depression, and increases the desire to reach out and help other people. However, if we don’t believe in scripture’s value or the importance of reading it, none of this holds any meaning to us.
I initially came to believe that scripture is true because the facts that were presented to me seemed the most logical truth despite how unbelievable so many think they are.
As a result, it has become my life, my breath and very being. Over these many years I have studied the Bible and when read regularly, seen its power to transform lives through the working of the Holy Spirit. I’ve come to realize that praying through scripture is the most profound and beautiful experience, which has led to healing and transformation in my relationships and mind.
Talking about scripture within a believing community has led to spiritual growth and the ability to love others in hard places, to love myself when I didn’t feel lovable, and to be open about my brokenness.
Many, many others have found similar value in the Bible’s pages as they seek to know the Lord and learn his will. My hope for each of you is that you would strive to read God’s Word as a daily practice and experience its transformational power in your own life.