The Book of books

How can a book come to have such a title—The Book? The Bible fully deserves such a special title. Any way we look at facts about books, the Bible stands out as The Book.

OLD COPIES

How many ancient copies from the New Testament still exist? In the original language alone, well over 4,000! The oldest of these dates back close to the time when the New Testament was first written. Among very old writings, no other is so well supported by so much proof.

TRANSLATIONS

The Bible was first written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. It has come into our modern languages through translation. The Bible’s message is so important that it has been translated into 2,000 languages. No other book has been translated more often, and this work continues.

PRINTING

The Bible was the first book printed for ordinary people. It remains the most printed and read book of all time (billions more than the next top book).

HONESTY

The Bible’s complete truth and honesty make it quite different from other histories. The Bible shows both the good and bad, even in Israel’s greatest leaders. Whether king or slave, rich or poor, man or woman, all were measured by the same ruler, “the law of the Lord.”

FOLLOWING

Over a quarter of the world’s population claims some belief in the Bible. Three great world religions claim roots in the Bible. Whoever seeks a Map for life should consider the Bible.

WRITING

The Bible was written by 40 men during a period of over 1,500 years. Most of these writers were not alive at the same time. They could not work together in any direct way. Yet the Bible has one continuing story flowing through it.

THE BOOK OF BOOKS

The Bible deserves this title because it is outstanding among books. But in another sense, it is The Book of Books because it is a library. Its first 39 books make up the Old Testament. They were written mainly in Hebrew between 1,500 and 400 years B.C. The second part, the New Testament, has 27 books written in Greek between A.D. 50 and 100. (Many today divide history into two parts. B.C. refers to time before Jesus Christ’s birth. A.D. refers to time after Jesus Christ’s birth.) The New Testament books complete the Gospel—which means "good news"—about Jesus. Together, these 66 writings form a complete, united picture. No other book has been written like this. In the most amazing way, the Bible joins centuries of history with the highest wisdom. Above all, it shows us the Way to come home to God.

There are many reasons for taking the Bible seriously. Among them is its practical wisdom for successful living. What is your need? See if the Bible addresses that need or its root.

NEED FOR LOVE

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish [die] but have eternal life (John 3:16).

I have been crucified [killed on a wooden cross] with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

NEED FOR FAMILY

In love he predestined [planned] us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:4-5).

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [foreigners], but you are fellow citizens with the saints [believers] and members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).

NEED FOR LIFE

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly [fully]. (John 10:10)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).

(Resurrection means coming back to life after death).

NEED FOR GUIDANCE

You have been acquainted with [know] the sacred writings [Scriptures], which are able to make you wise for salvation [new life] through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).

If any of you lacks wisdom [right thinking], let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach [criticism], and it will be given him (James 1:5).

NEED FOR STRENGTH

All things are possible for one who believes… With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God (Mark 9:23; 10:27).

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure [resist] it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

NEED FOR SECURITY

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth… The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore (Psalm 121:2,7-8).

“I will never leave you nor forsake [turn away from] you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6).

NEED FOR FORGIVENESS

Repent [change your heart] and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Act 2:38).

If we confess [admit] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

NEED FOR HEALTH

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray… And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up (James 5:13,15).

NEED FOR PEACE

Do not be anxious [worried] about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication [asking] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses [goes beyond] all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27).

NEED FOR FOOD AND CLOTHES

Do not be anxious about your life… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:25,33).

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken [left alone] or his children begging for bread. He is ever [always] lending generously, and his children become a blessing (Psalm 37:25-26).

NEED FOR FRIENDSHIP

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends … No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:13,15).

NEED FOR HOPE

According to his great mercy [forgiveness], he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable [never dies], undefiled [always pure], and unfading, kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3-4).

ALL YOUR NEEDS

And God is able to make all grace abound [grow] to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).