Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. -Psalm 119:105

Since childhood, I have been taught that the Bible is the word of God. Later I was taught that Jesus is the living word of God and the Bible is the written word of God. From a theological point of view, some might say the Bible contains the word of God.

In whatever terms we describe it, the Bible holds a special place in our faith journey, and numerous factors propel us to delve into its pages with a heart open to receiving God’s wisdom and guidance. Here are 7 reasons we study the Bible as the word of God:

• We believe that the Bible is divinely inspired. The Bible is considered the inspired Word of God, and it contains God’s revelation to humanity. When we study the Bible, we are opening ourselves up to God’s communication with us. It is through the Scriptures that we learn about God’s character, God’s plan for salvation, and God’s unwavering love for us. By studying the Bible, we are drawn closer to our Creator and gain insight into God’s divine purpose for our lives.

• The Bible encourages our spiritual growth. Our study of the Bible provides spiritual nourishment. Just as physical food sustains our bodies, the Word of God sustains our souls. Regular study of the Bible deepens our faith, helps us mature in our understanding of God’s will, and equips us to face life’s challenges with a Christ-centered perspective. It provides the spiritual nutrients needed to strengthen our relationship with God.

• The Bible provides moral and ethical guidance. The Bible provides us with a solid foundation for moral and ethical decision-making. It offers us timeless principles that guide us in living righteous and upright lives. As we study the Word of God, we discover how to align our values and actions with God’s will, contributing to a just and compassionate society.
  
  
• Study of the Bible builds community and fellowship. Studying the Bible is not just an individual endeavor; it’s a communal one as well. Gathering with fellow believers to study the Scriptures fosters a sense of unity and provides opportunities for discussion, mutual encouragement, and accountability. It allows us to learn from one another and grow together in our faith, strengthening our bonds as a church family.
  
  
• The Bible is a catalyst for life transformation. In church we call this process of having our lives transformed to be more like Jesus, discipleship. The Bible is a primary tool of the Spirit to transform our lives. As we meditate on its teachings, the Holy Spirit works in us, bringing about positive changes in our attitudes, behaviors, and character. Studying the Word helps us become more Christlike, equipping us to love others unconditionally, forgive as we have been forgiven, and serve selflessly in the name of our Lord.
  
  
• Many passages in the Bible offer hope and comfort. Life can be challenging, and we all face times of hardship, doubt, and uncertainty. In such moments, the Bible offers us hope and comfort. The promises contained within its pages remind us of God’s steadfast love and God’s unwavering presence in our lives. It assures us that, no matter what we face, God is with us, guiding us through the storms and comforting us in times of sorrow.
  
  
• The Bible, especially the gospels, shapes in us a Jesus worldview. As Christians, we interpret the stories of the Bible through the lenses of Jesus. When we study the life and teachings of Jesus, our worldview shifts from a secular or ego-centric worldview toward a Jesus worldview or kingdom worldview, wherein we begin to interpret life from the perspective of God’s redemptive initiatives in the world.

So, the Bible is not just a book of words but a divine revelation, a source of spiritual growth, a guide for living, a means of building community, and a catalyst for personal transformation. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is a living, breathing testament to the love and grace of our Creator.