The Bible is really a library of books in one cover. The books are not arranged in chronological order, nor are those by any one human author grouped together, but there is an order which we'll discover as we study. To understand the Bible we must see each book in relation to the others, but this will take some time. Let's begin by simply looking at the two main divisions of the Bible: the Old and New Testaments.
The Old Testament is a collectionof 39 books all written before the time of Christ. Moses, the writer/editor of the first five books, lived about 1500 B.C. and Malachi, the last writer, lived about 400 B.C. The New Testament has 27 books written between 40 and l00 A.D.
The Old Testament shows us God's ways with humans from the beginning of the world until the coming of the Christ and is particularly concerned with the history of the Israelites.
The New Testament tells the story of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ and the history of the early churches.
References: (a) 1 Peter 1:11 (b) Jeremiah 36:1,2 (c) 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (d) Psalm 19:7-11 (e) John l0:35 (f) Isaiah 66:2 (g) Psalm l19:97-104 (h) Revelation 1:3
From reading the above Bible verses, we discover that the Bible was written by those who were directed by the Holy Spirit within them (a). Sometimes they actually heard from the mouth of God the words they were to record (b). That's why the Bible is said to be 'inspired of God' or 'God-breathed' (c). The very words (in the original writings) were God-given words.
The Word of God is perfect, true and enduring (d). Its authority is supreme whatever opinions we may hold (e). Only in it can we find the truth about God and His Son. We should therefore pay great attention to the contents of the Bible if we desire wisdom, understanding and happiness and if we wish to avoid evil (f), (g). There's blessing for those who read and obey the Word of God (d), (h), but to understand it we must have a humble heart.
1. (a) How many books are there in the Old Testament? (b) How many books are there in the New Testament? (c) List the books written by Moses. (d) List the books written by Paul.
2. Give: (a) three differences (b) three similarities - between the Old and the New Testaments.
3. In what way is the Bible different from any other book?
4. Write down 4 words found in Psalm 19 which describe the Word of God.
5. What warning does God give to those who try to add to or take away from the Word of God? (See Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Rev.22:18,19).
6. Why is knowledge of the Bible important for the Christian?
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