Why You Should Read the Bible in 2021, 4 Reasons from Scripture Itself, Part 1

The Bible is the key to the Christian life. In the Bible, we discover who God is and His holy character. In the Bible, we find out our beginning and purpose. In it, we learn what’s wrong with the world and what God has done to reconcile all things to Himself. In Scripture, we find the way of salvation and the strength for living. It is in Holy Scripture that we are commanded to pray, to worship, to gather, to believe, and to fast. It is God’s Word to us. These are good reasons and they are based on Scripture but does the Bible itself give us reasons to invest precious time in reading and rereading it? Actually, it does. Briefly, allow me to share some of the reasons the Scripture indicates that it is good to give great amounts of time to its study.

The first, reason that we should read and heed the Bible is that in its pages we may learn the way of salvation from our sins and reconciliation to God Himself. The Lord’s Apostle, Paul, told the young pastor Timothy,  “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15, ESV) Though it contains much history, the Bible is not a book about the history of the world. The Bible is the history of God’s work to save a people for His name. Read it to learn how He can save you from everlasting punishment. Through the Bible, we learn of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden and his consequent condemnation by God. In it, we learn that God Himself purposed within Himself to pay for sin and to purchase our salvation through His own Son Jesus the Christ. 

Another reason those who believe in Jesus should regularly read the Bible is God has chosen to use Holy Scripture as a major means for our spiritual growth. Again, let’s consider Paul’s words to Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV) Paul instructed young Timothy not to neglect the Scriptures in his life because through them God prepares His people for life and service. God gave Joshua a similar message in the Old Testament in Joshua chapter 1. The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit. And it is through the Word of God that the Spirit sanctifies believers. Jesus mentioned this in His prayer in John 17: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17 ESV)

So we see two very important reasons that you should make reading the Bible part of your day. Watch for the continuation of this study in the next Coggins Courier! May the Lord bless you in and by His Holy Word. 

I love you all in Christ, 

Pastor Scott