A Vessel Unto Honour

Our world today likes to paint the picture that the bible is just another archaic and fanciful book of history written to control the lives of the naïve. It is said that those who choose to believe in it’s “outdated information” are delusional, at best. They claim that we have evolved and advanced so far that the bible has no relevance. We beg to differ, and here is why:

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there anything whereof it may be said, see, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.”

Ecclesiastes 1:9+10

It has been said that history is actually a running biography. Without people it’s just circumstance upon circumstance. To have a history you need people to inhabit both time and space.

My first point is that the bible is God’s auto biography as written and compiled by people God lifted up for this specific purpose.

My second point is that the bible is a biography of the people in history who have been called and chosen by God. Thus it is a historical account of God’s election and purpose for mankind, given to us so that we can know God’s heart and mind.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

2 Timothy 3:16+17

As an Autobiography:

It gives us a glimpse into God’s nature and plan for mankind. Because God is the same yesterday, today and forever, we can trust what it reveals to us about God.

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

Revelation 4:8

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8

As a Biography:

It gives us insight into the nature, thoughts, and feelings of man over the course of time. The bible is the only recorded history of a people that not only sheds light on their great works and deeds, but it also shows the weak side of its prominent leaders.

The bible is filled with stories that are filled with not only what happened but the thoughts and intentions of each individual’s life as they unfold. We are given a running account of God’s response to each circumstance, and a demonstration of His power to remedy each outcome.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

In light of all this, when we apply it to our modern world, we can use it to determine our present status in relationship to God’s purpose. Although we have made great strides and advanced technologically and have depth of understanding like never before, the same sins that drew the old testament people down are the same sins that drag us down. Lusting after your neighbor’s wife is just as much a problem today as it was for the men in Abraham’s time.

Most importantly, it is the living word of God. God’s word is alive. It is true and unchanging because it is the very Spirit of God. God’s word produces an effect that is consistent… for good if you follow it, for bad if you reject it. God uses His word to teach how to be saved.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

Romans 10:17