The Bible: God’s Unchanging Word and Guide for Life

The Bible, also known as Scripture, the Word of God, or the Holy Bible, is God’s written revelation to humanity—His manual for life. It reveals His character, love, and the principles of His Kingdom, offering clear guidance on how we are to live. Its central message is salvation through Jesus Christ.

The Nature and Structure of the Bible

The Bible consists of the Old (OT) and New Testaments (NT)—divine covenants between God and humanity. The Old Testament lays foundational laws and promises, while the New Testament fulfills them through grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Written by over 40 authors across 1,500 years, it maintains a unified theme: God’s redemptive love.

It was compiled around 400 AD, originally in Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT), later translated into Latin and English by pioneers like John Wycliffe. Today, portions exist in nearly 3,000 languages, fulfilling Christ’s command to preach the Gospel worldwide (Mt 24:14).

The Bible is inspired (2 Tim 3:16), meaning God guided human authors through the Holy Spirit. Though written from personal and cultural perspectives, every word reflects divine intent. It is also infallible—incapable of error in its purpose—and inerrant, without factual or doctrinal mistakes (Ps 119:89; Jn 17:17).

Does Scripture [God’s Word] guide my life?

The Apocrypha

The Apocrypha refers to a collection of ancient writings found in some versions of the Bible, particularly the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. These books are not considered canonical by Protestant denominations, as they were written during the intertestamental period and are not part of the Hebrew Bible. While they contain historical and devotional value, they are not regarded as divinely inspired Scripture.

Life's Guide Book

The Bible should serve as our ultimate guide, taking precedence over human authority, personal opinions, and church traditions. Its truths, when brought to life in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, possess the power to transform us. This transformation moves us away from worldliness and toward genuine spirituality, as reflected in John 14:26 and 16:13, where Jesus promises the Spirit will teach and guide us into all truth.

As Jesus teaches in John 8:31-32, true discipleship involves following His teaching. He assures us that by doing so, we will come to know the truth, and this truth will set us free. Verse 36 further emphasises that this freedom is complete: "free indeed." Jesus Himself is described as "the truth" in John 14:6, and His life and message are encapsulated in the Bible.

Building on this foundation, it is crucial to approach scripture with humility and openness. When God specifies a certain practice, anything different or added is incorrect. Therefore, we should avoid interpreting the Bible to suit our own desires, as self-serving distortions are warned against throughout scripture. For example, Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32 instruct us not to add to or subtract from God’s commands, and Revelation 22:18-19 gives a serious warning against altering the biblical message.

As we engage with God’s Word, it is wise to pray, as the Psalmist does in Psalm 119:18: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your Word.” With this prayerful attitude, and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13), we position ourselves to fully experience the transformative and liberating power of Scripture.

The Trustworthiness and Fulfillment of Scripture

The Bible’s credibility is supported by fulfilled prophecy and historical accuracy. It describes crucifixion centuries before it was practiced (Ps 22:12–18). Other prophecies—Jesus’ virgin birth (Isa 7:14), birthplace in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2), and pierced side (Zech 12:10)—were all fulfilled in the Gospels (Mt 1:18,25; Jn 19:34).

Modern events also align with biblical predictions. “In the last days, people will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim 3:1–5). The rise of moral decline, deception, and a cashless society with digital ID echo end-time warnings (Rev 13:16,17).

Though some claim contradictions, Scripture displays remarkable unity. True believers agree on core doctrines. Archaeological and scientific discoveries continue to affirm its reliability. No other book has endured such scrutiny and emerged with greater authority.

We will be judged on the basis of what He has said to us – John 12:48

Life Transformation Through God’s Word

The Bible “has the power to make us wise for salvation” (2 Tim 3:15). Millions testify to lives transformed by its message: “All have sinned… but God demonstrates His love in that Christ died for us” (Rom 3:23; 5:8). Those born again live by Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

It is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105), guiding us to fear God, keep His commands, and live uprightly. Though foolish to the perishing, to those being saved, it is the power of God (1 Cor 2:14). “The word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 Jn 2:14).

Like seed sown on good soil, the Word bears fruit when received with faith (Lk 8:15). It judges thoughts and motives (Heb 4:12), transforms minds (Rom 12:2), and equips believers for every good work (2 Tim 3:17).

It's truths are life changing and powerful if applied

Interpreting Scripture: Commands, Prohibitions, and Christian Freedom

When reading Scripture, it is essential to discern between clear divine commands, explicit prohibitions, and areas of Christian freedom. The Bible provides both positive instructions ("do this") and negative warnings ("avoid this"), both of which are crucial for spiritual growth and obedience.

Some of the clear, positive instructions that apply to all believers are: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart" (Mt 22:37); "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mt 22:39); "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19); "Be filled with the Spirit" (Eph 5:18). Conversely the Bible also gives clear warnings about behaviours and attitudes to avoid , such as: "Do not murder" (Ex 20:13); "Do not commit adultery" (Ex 20:14); "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals'" (1 Cor 15:33).

The guiding principles found throughout Scripture should shape how we live our lives. Jesus emphasized this balanced approach when He said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Mt 5:17). He then expanded on the commandments, showing that they apply not just to actions but to thoughts and intentions as well.

In areas where interpretation or application may vary, Scripture grants us Christian freedom. The apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 14, where he discusses disputable matters like dietary choices and observance of special days. He concludes: "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister" (Rom 14:13).

This freedom means we have the liberty to make our own choices in matters not explicitly commanded or prohibited, without requiring others to adopt our perspective. However, this freedom should always be exercised with love and consideration for others, as Paul teaches: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love" (Galatians 5:13).

In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity

Reflection and Application:

Regularly read and study Scripture to grow in wisdom and discernment.
Apply biblical principles to daily decisions, relationships, and priorities.
Memorize key verses to strengthen faith and resist temptation.
Share the life-changing message of the Gospel with others.

Bible Abbreviations

This is the order the 66 books appear in the Bible. The full name is given followed by the abbreviation generally used in brackets.

The 39 Old Testament (OT) books: Genesis (Gen), Exodus (Ex), Leviticus (Lev), Numbers (Num), Deuteronomy (Deut), Joshua (Josh), Judges (Jdg), Ruth (Ruth), 1&2 Samuel (1&2 Sam), 1&2 Kings (1&2 King), 1&2 Chronicles (1&2 Chr), Ezra (Ezra), Nehemiah (Neh), Esther (Est), Job (Job), Psalms (Ps), Proverbs (Prov), Ecclesiastes (Eccl), Song of Songs (SoS), Isaiah (Isa), Jeremiah (Jer), Lamentations (Lam), Ezekiel (Ezek), Daniel (Dan), Hosea (Hos), Joel (Joel), Amos (Amos), Obadiah (Obad), Jonah (Jnh), Micah (Mic), Nahum (Nah), Habakkuk (Hab), Zephaniah (Zep), Haggai (Hag), Zechariah (Zech), Malachi (Mal).

The 27 New Testament (NT) books: Matthew (Mt), Mark (Mk), Luke (Lk), John (Jn), Acts (Act), Romans (Rom), 1&2 Corinthians (1&2 Cor), Galatians (Gal), Ephesians (Eph), Philippians (Phil), Colossians (Col), 1&2 Thessalonians (1&2 Thes), 1&2 Timothy (1&2 Tim), Titus (Tit), Philemon (Phm), Hebrews (Heb), James (Jas), 1&2 Peter (1&2 Pet), 1,2&3 John (1,2&3 Jn), Jude (Jud), Revelation (Rev).