What is the Bible?

• The word Bible comes from the Greek word biblos meaning “book”.

• Holy is a word meaning “set apart” or “separate”, with the idea of being set apart or dedicated by or for God.

• The name Holy Bible was given to this book because it was seen to be God’s inspired word, quite separate from all other books ever written.

The Divine Origin of the Bible

• The Bible is a revelation from God, communicated through prophets, apostles, and His Son.

  • Hebrews 1:1–2 – God spoke through the prophets and ultimately through His Son.

  • Deuteronomy 18:18 – God would put His words into the mouth of His prophet.

  • 2 Samuel 23:1–3 – David testified that the Spirit of the LORD spoke through him.

  • Nehemiah 9:30 – God testified through His Spirit in the prophets.

  • Mark 12:36 – David spoke by the Holy Spirit.

  • 2 Peter 1:21 – Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

  • Ezekiel 1:3; Micah 1:1; Zephaniah 1:1; Jeremiah 1:1–9 – Examples of God’s word coming to the prophets.

The Bible Is Inspired by God

• The Scriptures were given by divine inspiration and not by human initiative.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. The word “inspiration” mean “God breathed” or given by his spirit. It refers to God moving men to write Scripture by his spirit.

  • 2 Peter 1:21 – Prophecy did not originate from human will but from men moved by the Holy Spirit.

  • Acts 2:2-4 – The apostles were filled with the holy spirit and spoke as the spirit gave them utterance.

  • Hebrews 1:1–2 – God spoke through chosen messengers.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:13 – The apostles spoke words taught by the Holy Spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:37 – Apostolic writings are the commandments of the Lord.

The Bible Is God's Authoritative Word of Truth

• The Bible is an infallible and authoritative expression of God's will and purpose.

  • John 17:17 – "Thy word is truth."

  • John 10:35 – "The scripture cannot be broken."

  • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture is profitable for doctrine, correction, and instruction.

  • Hebrews 1:1–2 – God's authoritative voice is revealed through Scripture.

• God's word is the standard of truth.

  • John 17:17 – "Thy word is truth."

  • John 10:35 – Scripture cannot be broken.

The Bible Is the Only Source of Knowledge About God's Purpose

• The Scriptures are the only available source of reliable knowledge concerning God and His purpose.

  • 2 Timothy 3:15 – The holy Scriptures make people wise unto salvation.

  • Romans 15:4 – Things written beforehand were written for our learning and hope.

  • Psalm 119:130 – God's words give light and understanding.

  • Psalm 119:105 – God's word is a lamp and a light.

  • Hebrews 1:1 – God has revealed Himself through His spoken word.

The Bible Is Without Error in Its Original Inspiration

• The Scriptures were wholly given by God and are therefore trustworthy and reliable. There is no part of the Bible that is not the inspired Word of God.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.

  • 2 Peter 1:21 – Scripture originated through divine guidance.

  • Hebrews 1:1 – God is the source of the message.

  • Nehemiah 9:30 – God testified by His Spirit in the prophets.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:37 – Apostolic writings carry divine authority.

  • John 10:35 – Scripture cannot be broken.

The Bible Gives Hope and Understanding to Salvation

• The Scriptures teach the way of salvation through Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Timothy 3:15 – Scripture makes one wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

  • Hebrews 1:2 – God has spoken through His Son in these last days.

• God's word enlightens, guides, and comforts those who read it.

  • Psalm 119:130 – The entrance of God's words gives light and understanding.

  • Psalm 119:105 – God's word is a lamp to the feet and a light to the path.

  • Romans 15:4 – Through Scripture we receive patience, comfort, and hope.

• Scripture equips believers for righteous living and service.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, thoroughly furnishing the servant of God for every good work.

The Bible Is One Unified Message

• Although written by over 40 different writers, in three continents, over a period of more than 1,600 years, the Bible presents a single consistent divine message.

  • Hebrews 1:1–2 – God spoke at various times and in different ways.

  • 2 Peter 1:21 – The same Spirit guided all the writers.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is inspired by God.

  • 2 Samuel 23:2 – The Spirit of the LORD spoke through David.

The Bible Is Divided into Two Testaments

• The Bible consists of:

  • The Old Testament, written by Moses and the prophets.

  • The New Testament, written by the apostles.

  • Hebrews 1:1–2 – Reflects the distinction between God's earlier revelation through the prophets and His later revelation through His Son.