Most churches emphasize to their members the necessity of bringing their Bibles to the worship assemblies. They do this because they believe the word is vital. But why? There are five simple reasons.
First, the Bible is vital to our salvation. Every preacher standing in front of a crowd proclaiming what to do to be saved, had better be preaching from the word of God. Romans 1:16-17 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” The word is the only way that you learn about the “unsearchable riches of Christ” which will remit your sins (Ephesians 3:8).
Second, the Bible is vital to our faith. It’s impossible to please God without possessing faith (Hebrews 11:6). What can build faith? “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). If you’re doubting, go back to the book of God. Too many people waste their time trying to answer their faith-based questions by reading online from the opinions of men. The God-inspired scriptures will build faith and equip you for your walk with Christ (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Third, the Bible is vital to our increase. Acts 6:7 says, “Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Christians are collectively known as the church, which is also known as the body (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4). Just like a body needs to grow, the church needs to increase. It increases when the word, the Bible, is preached. No congregation will grow unless it is deeply embedded in scripture as opposed to stories, jokes, and anecdotes.
Fourth, the Bible is vital to our growth. Paul set in place this concept when he wrote, “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). The way that we grow “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” is with the Bible (2 Peter 3:18). Sure, there’s lots of good ideas in the millions of religiously-based books on the market, but nothing will help you grow like delving into the Bible. The language may feel archaic, but you’ll find it surprisingly timely if you give it a chance.
Fifth, the Bible is vital to our steadfastness. Colossians 1:23 says, “… if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 2:7 adds, “… rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” While other Christians can help you stay devoted to Christ, it’s your relationship to God that will assure your future. That relationship is expanded through the scriptures.
Stick with the word of God. It will see you through from the beginning to the end of your spiritual journey. If you want to be a spiritually healthy person, then use the scriptures to build yourself up on your “most holy faith” (Jude 20).
Adapted from Harold Hancock
