Why the Scriptures?

"The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our own crookedness. We can't really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture." - Elisabeth Elliot

One often-asked question is: "What is the purpose of the Scriptures?" The Scriptures are written for our use and benefit, as much as for those to whom they were first given. They were written so that we might learn by them (Romans 15:4).

In addition to this, they offer us comfort and patience so that whatever troubles we may encounter in our lives, we, through the support of the Scriptures, may be able to endure them both patiently and cheerfully. They give us hope.

And because they are the result of God's inspiration, or God-inspired, they were not given to us to merely be read and then put aside. The Scriptures were purposed by God to be used by us for correction and/or "training" by instruction, warning, example, kindnesses, promises, and reprimands (2 Timothy 3:16).

God provided the Scriptures so that we might live a life that is pleasing to Him (2 Timothy 3:17). Within its pages, God spells out what He wants from us; and reveals what is "good" in His eyes. What the prophets and apostles wrote down weren't their own words, but what they had received from God himself (2 Peter 1:21). It is a sure guide to eternal life.

It's also God's intention that His Word serves as a lamp to direct our paths in this world of darkness, sin, and death. To reassure us in all our fears and distresses; our doubts and difficulties (Psalm 119:105). The thought of a world without God's Word to guide us is both distressing and joyless.

Ninth century French theologian, Peter Abelard said, "The men who abandon themselves to the passions of this miserable life, are compared in Scripture to beasts."  I agree that without the inspired Word of God we really are no better than the beasts.

Finally, consider this the next time you hold your Bible in your hands. What you have is the actual Word of God, straight from the source. And through its pages, God speaks to us as clearly as if he is standing next to you (John 5:39).

If you haven't done so already, why not open your Bible and see what God has to say to you today. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Scripture: Romans 10:17; Jeremiah 23:29; Matthew 24:35; Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 22:29

Prayer: Dear God, I pray that my life may not be weighed down with worthless efforts. May I be led on the right path, and through the love of it all find strength for my soul. Amen.

May God bless you!

Brandi