I’m delighted by much of the work of the folks at The Gideons International. The Gideons distribute God’s Word all around the world. God’s Word is powerful and active, and he uses it to bring himself great glory in the lives of sinners and saints. For an organization that mainly focuses on distributing the Bible, I’m delighted to see that they have a solid description of what the Bible truly is. Here’s their description:
THE BIBLE contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.
CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
I’d encourage you to meditate on that description, along with the description of the Bible in our church’s statement of faith. It’s my prayer that our theology of the Bible would increasingly be brought to bear on our lives each day as the Lord shapes us through his Word by the power of the Spirit into the likeness of his Son.
HT: DG Blog