Why Read the Bible?

Why read the Bible? Primarily, because it’s TRUE! Fully and completely true because it’s God’s Word to the world and to us personally. It’s also how we know God and His redemptive purpose throughout history and forever. And it teaches us how to live.

At times, it’s confusing. Other times it’s surprising.

It’s convicting. At times, I want to put it down so I do not have to live up to what I read. But when I choose to read, allow it convict me and change me, I am always joy-filled (and so are those around me!), even when it’s hard and I blow it again in an hour!

We study the Bible because Jesus showed us the priority of knowing His Truth is eternal. It doesn’t change with the cultural changes in our world. In talking about end times, and the second coming of Christ, Jesus words are recorded in two Gospels, Mark 12:31 & Luke 21:33: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Even in the Old Testament we see the eternality of God’s Word. In Isaiah 40:8, in comforting the people of Israel, and reminding them of God’s greatness, tells them, “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.”

As we read the Bible, we can hear directly from God. In 1 Samuel 3:7-10, Eli tells Samuel how to hear God, “Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. Once again, for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; you called me.”Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy. He told Samuel, “Go and lie down. If he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.The Lord came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel! ”Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.‘”

So, the above verses I often read, focus on, and pray, even before I begin reading Scripture.

We read the Bible so it corrects our disobedience. I often start my quiet time with Psalm 19. And I pray this, ” Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults. Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed from blatant rebellion. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:12-14)

We read scripture to learn how to be effective image bearers for God as we live out His truth in obedience when He has convicted us of specific sin. Psalm 119:9-11 tells us, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word. I have sought you with all my heart; don’t let me wander from your commands.   I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. “

SO…I pray this: “Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction.” (Psalm 119:18) It is so helpful to keep me from just reading words as I consider this God’s specific Word for me today, right now.

Yes, my favorite place to read the Bible is the beach! But since my home is landlocked, at least from the coastal waters, I must do this continually, daily, seeking to grow deeper in His Truth.

P.S. Here’s a great post by Kelly Minter I read after I wrote this! I’ve also written often on the importance of reading Scripture. Scan the “what I’m reading” and “spiritual growth” categories for more.

Banner photo by Rachel Strong on Unsplash