THE WORD
The Bible is still the largest selling book in the world and is now translated into over 1200 different languages. Five hundred years ago it was only translated into 33 different languages.
The Word is always incredibly up to date and relevant. It never loses its power because Jesus is always the same, and we find the co-relation of this fact in:-
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).
John 1:1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.
So we see because Jesus has never and will never change, so the Word of God has the same longevity.
The Word is translated from the Greek word logos but from our studies in the Word we will find that the Word has a personality
No matter how we describe or call The Word, every appellative contains some aspect of excellence of His person and nature or work, and so the epithet is very properly applied to Him Who is the fountain of wisdom and the source of all revelation.
The Bible is not just one book but in fact a library of books. This library consists of 66 books separated into two (2) distinct sections, namely:-
The Old Testament
The New Testament
The Old Testament contains 39 books and the New Testament contains 27 books. One simple method of remembering this is:-
3 x 9 = 27
THE BIBLE IS AN INSPIRED WORD
It is quite clear that the Bible was written by men who were inspired of God. This means that the results are those which have resulted from the Divine Influence being exerted upon the mind and spirit of the man.
2 Timothy 3:16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),
2 Peter 1:21 For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so–it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit.
1Thessalonians 2:13 And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it].
Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness; for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!
Approximately 40 men were inspired to write the Bible and it is clear that there is no contradiction throughout. There are other books that some people claim to be part of the Bible but they do not have the required qualifications to be included.
I would like to give some interesting facts about the Bible.
A It was written over a period of 1600 years.
B It was written over 40 generations
C It was written by over 40 authors from every walk of life including kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen and scholars.
Moses, a political leader trained in Egypt
Peter, a fisherman
Amos, a herdsman
Joshua, a military general
Nehemiah, a cup bearer
Daniel, a Prime Minister
Luke, a doctor
Solomon, a King
Matthew, a tax collector
Paul, a rabbi
D The Bible was written in many different places.
Moses, in the wilderness
Jeremiah, in a dungeon
Daniel, on a hillside and in a palace
Paul, inside a prison
Luke, whilst travelling
John, on the Isle of Patmos
Others whilst on military duty.
E It was written on three different continents.
Asia
Africa
Europe
F It was written in three different languages.
Hebrew the language of the Old Testament
Aramaic the common language in the Near East
Greek The New Testament language
THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS
The word Testament means will or treaty or Covenant.
The OLD TESTAMENT was given to the Jews (who were also called Hebrews or Israelites) for the purpose of recording God’s instructions to them and to teach them. This part of the Bible covers the history and terms of God’s relationship with man from the creation to the coming of the Saviour.
The NEW TESTAMENT covers the history and terms of the new covenant of those who accept Christ as Saviour. The New Testament explains the relationship and fulfilment of many Old Testaments prophesies.
Words can give no adequate estimation of the place the Word of God holds in Redemption and the life of God’s people. God’s people are destroyed; their lives are powerless for the lack of the knowledge of His Word.
GOD WORKS THROUGH THE WORD
Satan has always been bitterly opposed and subtly fought against God’s Word because God works through His Word. When God desired to create a universe He brought it into being by the power of His spoken Word.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.
It is by the Word of God that we are born again and it is then by the Word of God that we are sustained and maintained in our spiritual lives.
James 1:18 And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself].
James 1:21 So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome THE WORD WHICH IMPLANTED AND ROOTED [IN YOUR HEARTS] CONTAINS THE POWER TO SAVE YOUR SOULS.
1Peter 1:23 You have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal origin (seed, sperm), but from one that is immortal by the ever living and lasting Word of God.
Luke 8:11 Now the meaning of the parable is this: THE SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD.
By our first birth we become sons of men
By our second birth we become the children of God
By adoption we become the Sons of God
Although the world we live in seems to be fairly secure in its substance, the Word of God will outlast it.
Matthew 24:35 Sky and earth will pass away, BUT MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY.
WHO SHOULD READ THE WORD?
As new Christians we should read the Word, for if we have been born by the Word then we should be nourished by the Word, and just as we take food for our natural body on a regular consistent and proper basis, so we should feed our spiritual being in the same way.
1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation,
Matthew 4:4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES FORTH FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.
As mature Christians we should read the Word of God but with a different emphasis to new Christians, for as we grow we need different food for our natural body, therefore we also need to eat suitable spiritual food.
Hebrews 5:13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]!
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
Isaiah 28:9 To whom will He teach knowledge? [Ask the drunkards.] And whom will He make to understand the message? Those who are babies, just weaned from the milk and taken from the breasts? [Is that what He thinks we are?]
Why is it that people don’t enjoy reading the Word?
There are several reasons, all of which stem to our relationship with the Lord. Those who do not want to do God’s will find that the Word of God challenges them and makes them feel uncomfortable. Secondly there are those the devil has made complacent. Then there are those who because they don’t seem to understand the Word of God and don’t realise that the Holy Spirit wants to help us, they neglect to read. And then there are others who are not able to get their priorities right and they get so caught up in their work etc that they don’t have time for the Word of God, and so they all begin to die spiritually.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural, non-spiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
Notice how similar this verse is to Hebrews 5v15.
Luke 24:25 And [Jesus] said to them, O foolish ones [sluggish in mind, dull of perception] and slow of heart to believe (adhere to and trust in and rely on) everything that the prophets have spoken!
SATAN’S BATTLE AGAINST THE WORD OF GOD
Every period of spiritual declension has been marked by a low conception of God’s Word. When Satan found that the torturing and martyrdom of the Christians and the destruction and burning of Bibles did not stop the church from growing, he turned to a more successful method. That method has been to subtly attack the Word of God so that it is made powerless and ineffectual in the life of men.
For a thousand years the Bible was locked up in monasteries and written in a language, Latin, that only the clergy could understand and so the common people did not have access to the Bible. This is why the Middle Ages was such a dark period in history.
It was during this time that Satan caused men to build creeds and doctrines about the lives and teachings of the leading men of the reformation, thus hindering themselves from growth and development. It is from this source that the true presentation of the truth of God’s Word has been hindered and has caused a furious battle to be waged over the Deity of Christ and the authority of Scripture. Many churches now preach, in the place of the Word of God, other themes which they consider more practical and in harmony with modern civilisation, when in fact the Bible has never been irrelevant in any generation or civilisation when it is revealed by the Holy Spirit.
If we are to live a holy life, it is imperative we read the Word.
John 8:32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.
Hebrews 4:12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analysing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
Notice this is not mind reading but heart reading, for only God can do this whereas mental telepathy etc etc is from the pit of hell.
1Samuel 16:7 For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, BUT THE LORD LOOKS ON THE HEART.
There are several effects from reading the Word, but it is not enough just to provide people WITH the Word, we have to be able to supply them FROM the Word.
That is why it is important for us to study and learn the Word so that when it is required we can draw on that reservoir of knowledge that has been stored, by the Holy Spirit, in our hearts.
Let us look at the effects.
LIFE
HEALTH
GUIDANCE
PRESERVATION
EQUIPS US
LIFE
Deuteronomy 8:3 And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you recognize and personally know that man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.
Proverbs 4:20 My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.
Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the centre of your heart.
Proverbs 4:22 For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
HEALTH
Psalm 107:20 He sends forth His word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction.
Psalm 119:25 My earthly life cleaves to the dust; revive and stimulate me according to Your word!
Luke 7:7 Neither did I consider myself worthy to come to You. But [just] speak a word, and my servant boy will be healed.
Proverbs 4:20 My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.
Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the centre of your heart.
Proverbs 4:22 For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
GUIDANCE
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall come and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law and instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Act 18:28 For with great power he refuted the Jews in public [discussions], showing and proving by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah).
PRESERVATIVE
Psalm 119:11 Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Psalm 91:4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.
EQUIPS US
Mark 4:24 And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you–and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.
Daniel 11:32 And such as violate the covenant he shall pervert and seduce with flatteries, but the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God].
2 Corinthians 4:7 However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
Now we know that it is by the Word that we come to know God and that it is only through Him that we are able to be strong, and as a consequence carry out the exploits.
We must however be careful in this that we do not just give MENTAL ASSENT to the Word of God, for in so doing we can miss the Truth and the benefits.
FAITH is action upon the Word. Believing is fearlessly acting upon the Word. MENTAL ASSENT is agreement to the fact that the Bible is true, but it is void of action.
Many people who are living in the realm of mental assent to the Word of God today are living barren and fruitless spiritual lives. They have all their lives been seeking power with God in their lives and in their prayers, but they have never learned to live BY THE WORD. They live in weakness and failure and want because they have no conception of the real meaning of believing God’s Word, of really acting upon the Word.
The cause of MENTAL ASSENT has often been familiarity with the Word, for many have been brought up with the Bible in the home and have been familiar with its teachings, and believe that the Word of God is true. However our attitude all these years has been MENTAL ASSENT for though we professed to believe it was God’s Word, we failed to act upon it.
Titus 1:9 He must hold fast to the sure and trustworthy Word of God as he was taught it, so that he may be able both to give stimulating instruction and encouragement in sound (wholesome) doctrine and to refute and convict those who contradict and oppose it [showing the wayward their error].
Titus 1:10 For there are many disorderly and unruly men who are idle (vain, empty) and misleading talkers and self-deceivers and deceivers of others. [This is true] especially of those of the circumcision party [who have come over from Judaism].
We said that we believed it was God’s Word, but our actions were contrary. We didn’t study it, only sometimes read it and seldom spoke about it.
James 2:17 So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).
In other words, it is only mental assent to the Word of God when in fact, He Who possesses all authority in heaven and in earth, makes good every word of His promises, His Word, and is able to do , and will do whatever his Word declares.
Some people are convicted of sin very readily whilst others seem to be oblivious to it. Why is that?
Well those who read the Word will be more conscious of God, and of sin, whilst those who do not read the Word live in ignorance.
Psalm 40:11b Withhold not Your tender mercy from me, O Lord; let Your loving-kindness and Your truth continually preserve me!
John 17:17 Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] BY THE TRUTH; YOUR WORD IS TRUTH.
John 8:32 And you will know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH will set you free.
SIN WILL KEEP YOU FROM READING THE BIBLE
READING THE BIBLE WILL KEEP YOU FROM SIN
Psalm 119:9 How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD [conforming his life to it].
MEMORISING THE WORD
It is a good habit to develop to try to memorise the Word of God, because in so doing we will then have much to meditate upon during the times of isolation and also we will be better equipped to speak to other people when we know it.
If we attempt to memorise it God will help our recall when it is most needed.
John 14:26b But the Comforter (Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.
WHEN WE PRAY WE ARE TALKING TO GOD
WHEN WE READ GOD IS TALKING TO US
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON’T READ THE WORD?
The neglect of the Word has far reaching effects, for we have already seen that it is meant to be our spiritual food, without which we will suffer spiritual weakness and then we will quickly and readily be overtaken by the enemy.
Can you recall what other effects the Word has on your life?
But JOHN gives us some important advice.
1John 2:14 I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, AND THE WORD OF GOD IS [ALWAYS] ABIDING IN YOU (IN YOUR HEARTS), and you have been victorious over the wicked one.
From verse 12 John says he is writing to three categories of people:
1 Children or young Christians
They know God as a father, and experience forgiveness.
1 John 2:12 I am writing to you, little children, because for His name’s sake your sins are forgiven [pardoned through His name and on account of confessing His name].
2 Fathers
Even those of mature age and long experience still need further education. These know Him “from the beginning” and have the Experience of Fellowship
1John 2:13a I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be aware of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning.
3 Young men
Also spiritual adults. These are those who are effecting the conformity or sanctification in their lives. Because you are strong and why are they strong?
1John 2:13b I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be aware of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have been victorious over the wicked [one]. I write to you, boys (lads), because you have come to know (recognize and be aware) of the Father.
1John 2:14b I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always] abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the wicked one.
They have the Experience of Fight.
THE CONTEST BECOMES THE CONQUEST
So whatever bracket we fall into, the Word is relevant for:
FORGIVENESS FELLOWSHIP FIGHT
Jesus was strong to overcome the wicked one during His temptation in the desert when He stated:-
Luke 4:4 And Jesus replied to him, It is written, Man shall not live and be sustained by (on) bread alone but by every word and expression of God.
And then we see the result of Jesus’ dependency on the reliability of God’s Word.
Luke 4:14 Then Jesus went back full of and under the power of the [Holy] Spirit into Galilee, and the fame of Him spread through the whole region round about.
Jesus had His part to play. Verse 1 and 14 says “Jesus returned”. There has to be an obedient response on our part.
Consequently there are some things we need to apply so that the soil of our life is ready for the Word of God to take root.
James 1:21 So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.
An important reason is given – to save your souls – but to do so it has to be implanted and rooted.
In Galatians 5 we see the fruit of the Spirit listed, but for this to happen, doctrine, or the instruction of God, by His Spirit through His Word, must be transferred into our hearts and then pass into our conduct so as to transform us, for us to be fruitful.
James gives us the method by which this is achieved.
James 1:22 But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].
The Apostle Luke in recording Jesus’ words pronounces a beautiful benediction on those who accept James’ recommendations.
Luke 11:28 But He said, Blessed (happy and to be envied) rather are those WHO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND OBEY AND PRACTICE IT!
If we only want to hear the Word and not do it, we are deceiving ourselves. Just filling our heard with good notions is not appropriate when the heart is void of good resolutions and affections, and as a consequence, we will be fruitless of the good works of obedience.
THERE MUST BE AN INWARD PRACTICE BY MEDITATION
THERE MUST BE AN OUTWARD PRACTICE BY APPLICATION
HOW MUCH OF THE WORD SHOULD WE ABSORB?
Colossians 3:16 Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
ETERNAL THINGS ARE RICH THINGS
The only way that the Word can live in us in this fashion is if we also study it, as well as read it.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, CORRECTLY ANALYSING AND ACCURATELY DIVIDING [RIGHTLY HANDLING AND SKILFULLY TEACHING] THE WORD OF TRUTH.
Acts 17:11 Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
There is a good reason for our studying the Word above just our own edification and preparation, for PETER makes it plain that there will be times when we need answers.
1Peter 3:15b But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defence to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.
Many people who ask these questions of you will have preconceived ideas and this is why the Bible says to do it respectfully, for we do not have to justify God’s Word but we have to share it intelligently and then let the Holy Spirit take over.
Jeremiah 23:29 Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?
Look at the analogy
FIRE hardens clay, melts wax, consumes dross, purifies gold.
HAMMER an unhumbled (proud) heart is like rock, so if it cannot be affected by fire then it has to be broken by the hammer.
BUT WE MUST HAVE PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
GOD’S WORD IS ENDURING
1Peter 1:25 But the Word of the Lord (divine instruction, the Gospel) ENDURES FOREVER. And this Word is the good news which was preached to you.
GOD’S WORD IS ENDEARING
1Samuel 3:1 Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. The word of the Lord was rare and precious in those days; there was no frequent or widely spread vision.
GOD’S WORD IS ENLARGING
Romans 10:17 So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
READ IT TO BE WISE
2 Timothy 3:14 But as for you, continue to hold to the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced, knowing from whom you learned [them],
2 Timothy 3:15 And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are ABLE TO INSTRUCT YOU AND GIVE YOU THE UNDERSTANDING FOR SALVATION WHICH COMES THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].
STUDY IT TO BE EQUIPPED
2 Timothy 3:17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
PRACTISE IT TO BE HOLY
Psalm 119:106 I have sworn [an oath] and have confirmed it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them].
We must always give God’s Word its proper place, always regarding it with the trust and confidence that God intends for He said in Psalm 138v2 that He has magnified His word above all His name, and further substantiates this in
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfilment.
No word of God must be incredible to us as long as no work of God is impossible to Him.
THE BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY OF THE WORD
Since the New Testament relates directly to us in this day and age, it is probably better to learn from this section first.
The New Testament has distinct divisions, with either one or several books contained therein as follows:-
Section 1 Gospels Matthew Mark Luke John
Section 2 History
Acts
Section 3 Epistles 14 Romans 1 & 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1 & 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews
Section 4 General Epistles James 1 & 2nd Peter 1,2,3John Jude
Section 5 Prophecy Revelation
Each book presents a particular emphasis and by learning the general theme of the book, it will assist you in finding the guidance and direction you need.
THE GOSPELS
MATTHEW Presents Jesus as the King. Relates Old Testament prophesies to the fulfilment by Jesus
MARK Presents Jesus as the servant of God. Written to the Romans and describes the dynamic action of Christ.
LUKE Presents Jesus as the Son of man. Written by a physician and he describes Christ’s perfect manhood. (See Luke 1:1-4)
JOHN Presents Jesus as the Son of God. Provides the evidence and shows how we can have eternal life. (See John 20:30-31)
The preceding four gospels are Synoptic Gospels, that is, they give a synopsis of Jesus’ life and are similar in the events they relate.
ACTS Describes the Acts of the Apostles and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit after Christ’s ascension (See Acts 1:8). Also describes the exciting missionary journeys of Paul and others.
PAULINE EPISTLES
The next 14 books consist of letters to churches and were widely circulated.
ROMANS Clear explanation of salvation and justification by faith. ROMANS is called The Cathedral of Christian Doctrine. (See ROMANS 5:1)
1 & 2 CORINTHIANS Written to prescribe conduct in the church and the handling of problems.
GALATIANS Justification by Faith. Similar to the theme in ROMANS. (See GALATIANS 2:16)
EPHESIANS Contains the truth relating to a fulfilled Christian life.
PHILIPPIANS
COLOSSIANS
1 & 2 THESSALONIANS Relates to what will happen prior to the return of Christ, also His return to heaven. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
1 & 2 TIMOTHY These are personal letters written to assist those involved in
TITUS Pastoral activities. The second book of TIMOTHY was one of
PHILEMON encouragement and a call to faithfulness.
HEBREWS Describes how the new covenant of grace is superior to the period of law. Explains the relationship of symbolic rites and sacrifices to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
GENERAL EPISTLES
These books are identified by the person who wrote them, not to whom they were written
JAMES Teaches that faith in God will produce good works. However good works do not save us. (See JAMES 1:22 and 2:20)
1 & 2 PETER Letters of encouragement to Christians with reminders of Christ’s return. Warnings against false teachers.
1,2,3 JOHN The theme of these letters is love and Truth
JUDE Warnings against false teachings and impending judgement upon the world.
REVELATION The contents of this book unveils the future, describes the moral and spiritual conflict of the ages.
Sometimes called The Apocalypse and is the only book in the Bible that contains a special promise to obedient readers. (See Revelation 1:3) but also warns not to tamper with its contents (See Revelation 22:18-19). Relates closely to the book of DANIEL.
oOo
Ross Smith 