Is the Bible Important?

In reading probably my favorite book, Desiring God by John Piper, I continue to have my preconceived ideas shattered and taken up a notch. This chapter I am now addressing is entitled "Scripture." I thought it was great, so I HAD to post this out of the overflow of my heart.

In answering the question, "Is the Bible important?," we must first declare that the Bible is God's Word. I believe we all know that to be true, so let's move on. The Bible is important because . . .

• It is our "Life"

Deut. 32:46-47: ". . .For it is no empty word to you, but your very life." This Word of God is a matter of life and death. Our physical life depends on it, because we were created by His Word. (Ps. 33:6; Heb 11:3) and he "upholds the universe by His power (Heb 1:3). Our spiritual life begins with the Word of God (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23). We also are sustained by His Word. (Matt 4:4; Deut 8:3) Our physical and spiritual man was birthed and is sustained by God's Word! How can we say it is not important to our lives? It is the sole sustenance of our lives (as Christians). 

• Through it we receive faith

The reason the Word of God creates and sustains life is because of faith (John 20:31): ". . .that by believing you may have life." This faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ (Rom 10:17). Since the Word is key to faith, and faith is key to joy (Rom 15:13), The Word of God is key to joy.

• Through it we receive the Spirit

We are commanded to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). How does the Spirit come? (Gal 3:2). . . "by hearing with faith." Hearing what? The WORD OF GOD! How are we filled with the Spirit? ". . .by setting our minds on the things of the Spirit" (Rom 8:5). What are the things of the Spirit? (1 Cor 2:14) Paul refers to the natural mind rejecting the Spirit. The spirit here is referring to his teaching of the Word of God. When we are filled with the spirit, what is the by-product? JOY (Gal 5:22).

• It produces Joy

David, a firm believer in Spiritual joy, said this: (Ps 19:8; Ps 119:16; Ps 119:97; Ps 119:111) Jeremiah also: (Jer 15:16). How are we to receive spiritual, lasting joy in our lives? By throwing the kindling of the Word of God on our fire. To not meditate on the Word "day and night," in pursuit of our own joy, is a sin; because in refusing to do so we are disobeying the revealed will of God (Ps 1:1-2; John 15:11). Think of the courage of Martin Luther, willing to give His life to preserve the integrity of the Word of God.

Since, then, Your Majesty and Your Lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against my conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me.

According to his biographer, he wrote these words in his year of greatest depression and physical suffering. . .

And though this world with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear for God has willed His truth to triumph through us. The price of darkness grim, we tremble not for him - his rage we can endure, for lo! His doom is sure: One little word shall fell him.

Luther knew what true joy in the Word meant, and had a secure worldview grounded in God's person revealed in His Word. No man can stand and say these things in the midst of those hardships without having some external fuel and driving power. Praise God for His Word! Let us not waste it in our time of sophistication and self-sufficiency. Let us take up His Word and pursue Him daily, (Ps 119:97) so that we allow God to nourish and strengthen our inner man, leading to significant happiness in Him. To live life without daily obtaining food for our inner man is to live the Christian life half-heartedly. Meditation on the Word is the key to life itself, and the production of faith through which we receive the Spirit, which finally produces pure significant joy that puts all other pleasures to shame. So, therefore, our cry for help, joy, peace, comfort, significance, protection, etc is easily remedied with the meditation on His Word. Let's avail ourselves of this blessing!


Blogging for His glory, Adam Setser