THE BIBLE

THIS BOOK REVEALS THE MIND OF GOD, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.  ITS DOCTRINES ARE HOLY, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. READ IT TO BE WISE, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.  IT IS THE TRAVELLER'S MAP, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here, too, heaven is opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.  CHRIST IS ITS GRAND SUBJECT, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.  IT SHOULD FILL THE MEMORY, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.  IT IS GIVEN YOU in life, will be opened at the judgement, and be remembered forever. It involves highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.  OWNED, IT IS RICHES; studied, it is wisdom; trusted, it is salvation; loved, it is character; and obeyed, it is power.

The Bible Is...

Unique in Continuity

The Bible was written over a 1600 year span, over 60 generations, by more than 40 writers from diverse walks of life: kings, peasants, herdsmen, soldiers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars, professional men, priests, prophets, and others. It was written on three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe, in three languages: Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. Yet it contains one unfolding story: the drama of redemption.

" Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
II Peter1:20-21

Unique in Survival

Through centuries of time, persecution, and criticism, the Bible has not merely survived, but has become one of the best loved books in history, increasing in its circulation until it has become one of the all-time bestsellers. Although the French infidel Voltaire said the Bible would be extinct by 1850, Jesus Christ said,

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Matthew 24:35

Unique in Reliability

No other religious book in the world can claim the Bible's accuracy in prophecy. It is the only volume ever produced by man that predicted without fail the futures of nations, a race of people (Israel), cities, peoples of the earth and the coming of the one who was to be the Messiah. There are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament alone, given from 1600 to 400 years in advance, concerning the Messiah which depict exactly the birth, life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."
Isaiah 46:9-10