The Importance of Bible Study

God has revealed Himself to man in several ways. For example, God has revealed Himself in nature (Psa. 19:1; Rom. 1:20). The providence of God provides evidence for His existence (Acts 14:17). And God has revealed Himself through Jesus of Nazareth (John 1:18). The focus of this article centers on the fact that God has revealed Himself through His word, the Bible.’

The Law of Cause and Effect says that every effect must have an adequate cause. Apply this law to the Bible. The Bible is here. Where did it come from? What does it say to you and me? Can we learn anything about the Bible from an examination of its contents? This is the purpose of Bible study. Consider the following questions about the Bible. What kind of book is the Bible? Why should I pay attention to it? Is it worthy of my time and attention?

If God gave the Bible, we would expect Him to say so. In fact, He has done just that. There are hundreds of claims that the scriptures are ultimately from Jehovah. See if you can find some of these in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. For example, throughout the book of Leviticus the statement is made: “And Jehovah called … ” or “Jehovah spoke unto…” Nearly every chapter begins with an affirmation that this book came from God.
If God is the source of the Bible, since He is perfect (Matt. 5:48), then we would expect His book to be perfect. This is the case. The Bible is a book of unity in its theme, plan, doctrine, and historical details. It is a book of 66 books, penned over a span of some 1600 years, by 40 different writers. Its marvelous unity in every respect speaks to the inspiration of God:

If God is holy, and He is (Isa. 6:3), we would expect the Bible to have an exalted moral tone. That is the case. What works of men can compare to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 22:34-40? The teachings of the Bible lift and enable man to greater heights of service, not only to his maker, but also to his fellow man. Do the works of men do this?

The importance of Bible study can be seen from any number of passages throughout the Bible. F or example, Isaiah 43:7 says that God created man for His glory. That is, man is the special object of God’s creative power to the end that man might serve and glorify God. This takes man away from his own selfish actions and attitude and points him heavenward. Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 that we will one day stand before God in judgment. The Bible is the only book that prepares us for that ultimate meeting with God. Are we beginning to see the need to pay attention to God’s word? Jesus claimed in John 14:6 to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is no going without Jesus. There is no knowing without Jesus. There is no living without Jesus. Matthew 7:15 warns us against false teachers who would strive to lead us away from God and His truth. If truth makes us free, then error will lead us to condemnation. John 15:2 tells us that we must bear fruit for the Lord. That is, our lives must demonstrate the identifying marks of Christianity. How many passages can you find that will help you draw closer to the Lord?

The words of the Psalmist still ring true. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105). May we all be diligent in our efforts to study and know and do what God commands in His word. May our attitude always be: “Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold” (Psa. 119: 127).