Question: What is the Bible?

Answer: Simply put the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible is the canon of the Christian church, i.e., the highest and final authority for the church. God of the universe revealed Himself and His plans, desires and works to us in a very special way through the Bible or the Scripture.

The Bible is composed of 66 books - 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 Books of the New Testament. In terms of the overall flow and content of the Bible, I refer you to the Bible & 7 C's posted on our website. The Bible is written by and under the inspiration of God such that all of the Scripture is written, organized and preserved by God such that it is without error. The Bible is also written in numerous different genres in three (3) primary languages (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek) and by at least 40 different God-inspired authors, who lived on different lands and continents stretching over a span 1,500 years, yet with consistencies in their theme and content that are beyond human endeavor and coordination.

The universe declares the glory of God, says the Bible (Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God") , i.e., the nature created by God not only evidences but declares the very existence of the Creator. Therefore, any denial of the existence of God is without excuse. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20 We call this God's general revelation to mankind. 

The Bible, the Word of God, on the other hand is known as God's special revelation. God revealed in the Bible countless details and descriptions of God, His characteristics and attributes in relatable and redemptive ways. In the process, God reveals His plans, desires and works that will restore sinful man unto a loving relationship with Him. It is important to note that God has not revealed all things in the Bible but more than sufficiently for man to come to know Him. "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but things that are revealed belong us us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29:29

"General revelation," as given in the nature, and "special revelation," as given in the Bible, are quite different in their design and intent. The general revelation is designed and intended to reveal the Creator God and His divine nature but is not designed or sufficient to give sufficient knowledge to sinful man how he may be saved from his sin. The special revelation of the Scripture, however, is designed and intended to give sufficient knowledge to bring sinful man into salvation and restored relationship with God. 

The Scripture, the Christian canon, reveals among other things, God's plan of salvation of His people through the suffering Servant, Jesus Christ. Ref: Isaiah 53 (You should read the entire chapter) The Old Testament contains hundreds of prophecies regarding the coming Messiah. The New Testament contains actual and historical accounts of the arrival of the Messiah Jesus. Literally, the word Messiah (a Hebrew word) mean Christ (a Greek word). It means the "Anointed One" who will absolutely combine the anointed offices of the priest, prophet and king.

The vastness and openness of the question makes in impossible for me to respond in greater length and detail but I hope to be able to address more fully in future posts. 

Let me end with the following: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine {teaching], for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man God may be perfect, thoroughly equipped unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16

May God bless you richly this day!