The Role of the Bible

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The Bible: The book that testifies about the Savior

The Bible plays a central role in testifying about the Savior and imparting the wisdom that leads humanity to salvation. As a prophetic book containing God’s plan of redemption, it enables humanity to understand and participate in the history of salvation. The Bible has often been described metaphorically as a “spiritual telescope,” revealing Christ, and a “guidebook,” leading humanity to the kingdom of heaven.

The Prophetic Book

The Bible also functions as both a spiritual telescope and a microscope, unveiling the existence of the invisible God. A defining characteristic of the Bible is its prophetic nature. God’s word, once spoken, is always fulfilled without fail.[1] While human beings cannot know what tomorrow will bring,[2][3] the Bible contains prophecies that foretold events decades, centuries, or even millennia in advance. These have been fulfilled precisely as recorded,[4][5][6] providing clear evidence of the existence of God, who declares the future and brings it to pass.

The Bible outlines the plan of salvation devised by the omniscient and omnipotent God,[7] who sees the end from the beginning. It is not merely a historical record but a revelation of what God will accomplish in the future. Numerous biblical prophecies have been fulfilled in history.
For instance, approximately 170 years in advance, the Bible predicted that Cyrus II of Persia would conquer Babylon (Neo-Babylonian Empire) and free the Israelites from captivity.[8][9] Likewise, it foretold the sufferings of Jesus—including His scourging, piercing by nails and a spear, and afflictions—approximately 700 years before His coming,[10][11][12] as well as the events following His death.[13][14]

Because of the precision and clarity of such prophecies, the Apostle Peter referred to Scripture as the “word of the prophets made more certain:


And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:19–21


Although many predictions seemed difficult to believe at the time of their recording, they have been fulfilled without exception. For this reason, believers are urged to pay close attention to prophecy, holding to the conviction that every word of the Bible will be accomplished.[15] Understanding these prophecies is regarded as essential for participating in God’s work of redemption and ultimately receiving salvation.

Testimony About the Savior

The Pilgrims of Emmaus on the Road, James Tissot (1836–1902): The resurrected Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and made Himself known to them through the Scriptures.

The primary role of the Bible is to testify about the Savior. According to the Gospel of John, Jesus declared that the Scriptures testify about Him as the Savior.


“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.”

John 5:39


Since Jesus affirmed that the Scriptures testify about the Savior, searching the Bible is regarded as the surest way to recognize Him. The Savior and the Bible are therefore inseparably connected. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and explained what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.[16] In the same way, members of the early Church testified through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.[17][18] This reflects the belief that only through the Bible can the Savior be rightly recognized.

Providing Wisdom and Instruction

The Bible serves to impart the knowledge and instruction necessary for salvation. According to Christian teaching, God gave the Bible for the redemption of humanity. Within it is contained the teachings that, when fully understood and obeyed, provide the wisdom that leads to eternal life. This wisdom includes knowledge of the Savior and the truth of salvation. In addition, the Bible offers guidance on proper conduct and character, leading believers to be renewed in the likeness of God. Throughout its pages, God’s love is expressed in His desire to perfect His people so that they may reign eternally in the kingdom of heaven.[19]


And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:15–17


See also

References

  1. ↑ "Deuteronomy 18:21–22".
  2. ↑ "Proverbs 27:1".
  3. ↑ "Luke 12:20".
  4. ↑ "Daniel 8:1, 20-22".
  5. ↑ "Deuteronomy 18:17–18".
  6. ↑ "Acts 3:20–24".
  7. ↑ "Isaiah 46:10".
  8. ↑ "Isaiah 45:1–13".
  9. ↑ "Ezra 1:1–3".
  10. ↑ "Isaiah 53:1–5".
  11. ↑ "Matthew 27:26–30, 35".
  12. ↑ "John 19:34".
  13. ↑ "Isaiah 53:9".
  14. ↑ "Matthew 27:38, 57-60".
  15. ↑ "1 Thessalonians 5:20".
  16. ↑ "Luke 24:27".
  17. ↑ "Acts 17:2–3".
  18. ↑ "Acts 8:30, 35".
  19. ↑ "Revelation 22:5".
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