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Introduction to the Bible: What a Christian Should Know

For Christians, the Bible is much more than a book—it is the foundation of faith, essential for understanding God, life’s purpose, and moral conduct. It is the divine revelation of God’s will, and as such, it occupies a central role in Christian teaching, daily practice, and spiritual growth.

This document will offer an introduction to the Bible, exploring its structure, purpose, significance, and the basics every Christian should know about it, supported by Biblical references.

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1. What Is the Bible?

The Bible is the Word of God, written by human authors under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, revealing who God is, what He has done, and His will for humanity.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
  • 2 Peter 1:20-21: “knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

The Bible is unique among all books because it is inspired by God, written over approximately 1,500 years by more than 40 authors from diverse backgrounds, and yet remains internally consistent in its message about God’s glory and humanity’s redemption.

 

 

2. Structure of the Bible

The Bible is divided into two main sections:

  1. The Old Testament: 39 books (in Protestant tradition) written before the birth of Jesus Christ, primarily in Hebrew (with some portions in Aramaic). These books focus on God’s covenant with His people, Israel, and look forward to the coming of the Messiah.
  2. The New Testament: 27 books written after Jesus’ earthly ministry, death, and resurrection. These books are written in Greek and focus on the life of Christ, the establishment of the Church, and teachings for Christian living.

 

Breakdown:

  • Old Testament
    • The Law (Torah/Pentateuch): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
    • Historical Books: Joshua to Esther
    • Wisdom Literature: Job to Song of Solomon
    • Prophets: Isaiah to Malachi
  • New Testament
    • Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
    • Acts: History of the early Church
    • Letters/Epistles: Romans to Jude
    • Revelation: Apocalyptic prophecy

 

 

3. The Purpose of the Bible

The Bible serves several purposes in the lives of Christians. These purposes reflect God’s intention in providing humanity with His Word:

A. To Reveal God

The Bible reveals who God is, His nature, character, and works.

  • Psalm 19:1-2: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.”
  • Hebrews 1:1-2: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son…”

B. To Teach about Salvation

The Bible reveals God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, who came to save humanity from sin and death.

  • John 20:31: “but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
  • Romans 10:17: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

C. To Instruct for Christian Living

The Bible provides moral guidance, practical wisdom, and instructions for living a life that pleases God.

  • Psalm 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
  • 2 Peter 1:3: “according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue”

 

 

4. What a Christian Should Know About the Bible

A. The Bible as the Word of God

Christians believe the Bible is God’s authoritative Word, binding for doctrine, faith, and practice.

  • Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

B. The Bible’s Unity

Despite being written by over 40 authors over 1,500 years, the Bible presents a unified story centered on God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament foreshadows the Messiah, and the New Testament reveals His fulfillment.

  • Luke 24:27: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”

C. The Inspiration of Scripture

The Bible is inspired (literally “God-breathed”), making it unique and trustworthy for understanding spiritual truths.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

D. Interpretation and Understanding

While parts of the Bible may be challenging to understand, believers are encouraged to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and proper study techniques to interpret Scripture correctly.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14: “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

 

 

5. How Christians Should Approach the Bible

A. By Reading and Studying Regularly

  • Joshua 1:8: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Christians are encouraged to read the Bible daily, study its message carefully, and seek understanding.

B. By Meditating on Scripture

  • Psalm 1:2: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

Reflection on God’s Word leads to deeper spiritual growth and understanding.

C. By Memorizing Scripture

Memorizing Scripture helps Christians apply God’s truths to their life and resist temptation.

  • Psalm 119:11:“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

D. Applying Scripture to Life

The Bible is not just to be heard and read but also acted upon.

  • James 1:22: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

 

 

6. Key Themes of the Bible

A. Creation

  • Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
    The Bible begins with God’s creative work, showing His power and intention for the world.

B. The Fall and Sin

  • Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
    Humanity’s sin leads to a broken relationship with God.

C. Redemption

God’s plan of salvation is centered on Jesus Christ.

  • Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast.”

D. Restoration

God’s ultimate plan is to restore creation and humanity into perfect fellowship with Him.

  • Revelation 21:3-4: “they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;”
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Summary

The Bible is God’s inspired Word, revealing His love, holiness, and salvation through Jesus Christ. Every Christian should strive to read, understand, meditate on, and obey Scripture. It is through the Bible that believers grow closer to God, overcome sin, and find guidance for every aspect of life.

Key Verse to Remember:

  • Matthew 4:4: “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’”

This demonstrates the essential nourishment Scripture provides for a Christian’s spiritual life.