More copies of the Bible were printed last year than in any previous year. Although it is the most outstanding piece of literature ever produced, many, "enlightened" Americans seem to know little or nothing about it. Barna Research says, "Almost every household in America (92%) owns at least one copy of the Christian Bible. This includes most homes in which the adults are not practicing Christians as well as the homes of hundreds of thousands of atheists.” While many have Bibles in their homes, they do not have it in their hearts. Our text says, “All scripture”, not just bits and pieces, is given by “inspiration of God”. The literal Greek is “God breathed.” Almighty God gave us His Guidebook for living. Here are four reasons it is the greatest book in the world.

CLARIFICATION “for doctrine”

The word of God is eternal just as God is eternal. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away.” (Mat 24:35) God gave us His word so we would know how we ought to live. Of all the methods of communication, He chose to write His revelation in 66 books over approximately 1500 years. The Bible was written by at least 40 different authors, yet has a unity of doctrine and truth, from Genesis to Revelation. Indeed the Bible is a miracle book. However, in order to understand the doctrine (teaching or precepts) it takes more than simply reading, it takes study and meditation. A good formula is: “What does it say?”, “What does it mean?”, and “How does it work?” Take time to really study the Bible. It is God’s word that will last not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

Reproof is conviction by proving or testing something. The Bible encourages us to prove its truths by applying its truths. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12) It is a standard given by God to which we are to comply. The Psalm writer said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” (Psa 119:11) Let God’s Spirit show you through His word how He wants you to live. We are not given the option of ignorance or the luxury of picking and choosing what we want to believe. God will hold us accountable to all His word. The Bible is our standard. It can show you the answer to every question you face in life today. It is the living word, so it never grows old or out of date.

Many years ago, I worked for a small radio station in Hopewell, Virginia. The Station Manager had a jar in which we had to put a nickel for every word we mispronounced on the air. He was always listening and not much escaped his attention. At the end of each month, the announcer with the fewest mistakes received the contents of the jar as a bonus. You thought twice before you pronounced a word. This correction was very helpful in later years. Human nature doesn’t like correction. Sometimes it’s painful. It hurts our pride. Our hearts are deceitful our flesh is weak and our attitudes are rebellious. Yet, such correction is essential. “How shall a young man cleanse his way, by giving heed to They word.” (Psa 119:9) How willing are you to submit to God’s correction? It may be hard, but it’s worth it. “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)

The word perfect means to be complete or mature. Maturity requires knowledge of God’s word, a discernment how it works in your life and application by actually doing what the Bible says. William Barclay said, “Here is the essential conclusion. Man must study the scriptures to make himself useful to God and useful to his fellow men.” God has provided all we need. It is our responsibility to heed what He says in order to bring glory to Him. You see, God wants you to apply His word so you can show the world it works. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The Bible is our standard, safeguard and source for spiritual strength.

A Fort Worth Radio Station (KYNG-FM) stuffed $5 bills in the pages of numerous books in the Public Library, a little over $100 dollars in all. The idea was to promote reading. They started the advertising campaign and everybody thought it was a good idea until pandemonium broke out. Over 800 people stampeded the library, looking for the money. The result was chaos. If people were interested in such a small reward for looking through books, how much more should they want to look through God’s word? “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom 11:33) God bless.