Why Is It Important to Study the Bible?

Study the Word

Here are tips on how to get the most out of the study of this "divine handbook." These pointers will help answer the most crucial question of all, "How can a young man cleanse his way?" The psalmist responds, "By taking heed according to Your Word" (Ps. 119:9).

Why is it Important to Study the Bible?

Why is God's Word so important?  Because is contains God's mind and will for your life (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It is the only source of absolute divine authority for you as a servant of Jesus Christ.

It is infallible in its totality: "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Ps. 19:7).

It is inerrant in its parts: "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.  Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar" (Prov. 30:5-6).

It is complete: "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" (Rev. 22:18-19).

It is authoritative and final: "Forever, 0 Lord, Your word is settled in heaven" (Ps. 119:89).

It is totally sufficient for your needs: “…that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

It will accomplish what it promises: "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Is. 55:11).

It provides the assurance of your salvation: "He who is of God hears God's words. . ." (John 8:47; 20:31).

How Will I Benefit from Studying the Bible?

Millions of pages of material are printed every week.  Thousands of new books are published each month.  This would not be surprising to Solomon who said, “…be admonished ... Of making many books there is no end" (Eccl. 12:12).

Even with today's wealth of books and computer helps, the Bible remains the only source of divine revelation and power that can sustain Christians in their "daily walk with God." Note these significant promises in the Scripture.

The Bible is the source of truth: "Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17).

The Bible is the source of God's blessing when obeyed: "But He said, 'More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it"' (Luke 11:28).

The Bible is the source of victory: ". . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17).

The Bible is the source of growth: "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).

The Bible is the source of power: "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" (Rom. 1:16).

The Bible is the source of guidance: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105).

What Should Be My Response to the Bible?

Because the Bible is so important and because it provides unparalleled eternal benefits, then these should be your responses:

Believe it (John 6:68-69)

Honor it (Job 23:12)

Love it (Ps. 119:97)

Obey it (1 John 2:5)

Guard it (1 Tim. 6:20)

Fight for it (Jude 3)

Preach it (2 Tim. 4:2)

Study it (Ezra 7:10)

Who Can Study the Bible?

Not everyone can be a Bible student.  Check yourself on these necessary qualifications for studying the Word with blessing:

·      Are you saved by faith in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 2:14-16)?

·      Are you hungering for God's Word (1 Pet. 2:2)?

·      Are you searching God's Word with diligence (Acts 17:11)?

·      Are you seeking holiness (1 Pet. 1:14-16)?

·      Are you Spirit-filled (Col. 3:16)?

The most important question is the first.  If you have never trusted Jesus Christ to be your personal Savior and the Lord of your life, then your mind is blinded by Satan to God's truth (2 Cor. 4:4).

If Christ is your need, stop reading right now and, in your own words with prayer, turn away from sin and turn toward God: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).