THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE
God's living word give us one message, one story and one theme, the story of man. All of us share human life together. The Bible is the hand book of instruction from God to mankind telling us all we need to know. The Bible is not man's opinions.
Why is the Bible put together as it is? What is its purpose? “The Bible contains precepts and commands which are the God-give authority for the direction and control of humanity. The Bible is a continuous living Book, composed of numerous books and it sets forth four great bodies or sources of Divine laws from which are derived all our rights and duties. As long as mankind obeyed God's laws, they prosper in all things. But when they turn away from these laws, dire trouble and defeat attends them until they finally come back under Divine laws. It has been justly stated that all equable codes of jurisprudence are founded upon Biblical teaching, for as Blackstone says: “An enactment is not a law when it conflicts with the law of God.” When God speaks, man can only obey. The truth of a statement depends upon its own nature, but its authority depends upon its origin. That which comes from God, therefore, is, and forever will be, absolute, supreme and final in its authority.” (Colonel James H. Hayes-written in the forward for the book, “Digest of the Divine Law”).
We can learn and appreciate God's creation the more we study, the more we see, the more we know and understand - we don't know! The Bible shows us how we can develop Godly character and prevail in the same direction. The Apostle Paul in the letter to the Ephesians makes known to us the mystery of God's will. “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ” (Eph 1:9-12).
Through Paul preaching of Christ we see the purpose of life. “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and
powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him” (Eph 3:8-12). Paul wants all of us to utilize the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. “Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph 3:13-21).
Christ gives a variety of gifts to men so they would be able to teach others. He equips them for the ministry, so all can come to the full measure of Christ and the unity of the faith. That we all become mature in the knowledge of God's truth, so we can become a fulfilled person in Christ. “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ” (Eph 4:11-15).
What is our concept of a real man? Is it courage, consideration, and kindness? Is it virtue? Only Christ was a total man and had whole power over His nature. Our aim and purpose is to become like Christ. “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13). There are four steps in this verse to take note of: 1). To come to the knowledge of Christ; 2). To become united in the faith; 3). To become perfect; 4). To come to the full maturity of Christ.
We, as a spiritual member of God's Church, need each other to develop fully. We need to learn the character of Christ that is developed through the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23).
To know Christ, we have to know ourselves. To be like Christ we must live as Christ lived. We must allow Christ to live in us. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal 2:20). We must get to know Christ by reading and studying the Bible- God's word-He will teach us how to live our life by His power.
When searching God's word one must have a plan set out to understand. Example: 1. The account of man before he sinned. 2. Search why man sinned. 3. We need to know about God's law and why it is important for mankind to keep the Divine law. 4. Learn to know what God wants for each one of us. 5. Recognize our guilt, so we can repent. 6. Know what God has planned for mankind. 7. Read the book of Revelation, it will reveal to us the end of God's plan.
All scripture is given for our instruction- to learn the way of righteousness, so we can be complete in Christ. Note proof of this, “All scripture proof, is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim 3:16-17).
The purpose of God's word is to make man perfect as Christ is perfect. READ, STUDY AND OBEY GOD'S WORD!!
Martin Martinez