The Joy of the Journey: A Book of Truth

The Joy of the Journey

A Book of Truth

The Bible is often viewed in society as merely a book of advice or a collection of moral teachings. The Barna Group reported in 2022 that 63% of Americans say the Bible is a book of advice, reflecting a prevailing view that diminishes its authority in spiritual matters. However, this perspective diminishes the nature of Scripture, which is at its core a divine revelation of truth meant to be followed and lived out. The Bible is not only a guide for moral and ethical living; it is the very foundation of faith and a blueprint for understanding God’s will in our lives.

One of the ways we discovered these truths is through understanding the nature of Scripture. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the authority and purpose of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This passage emphasizes that the Bible is not just a suggestion for how to live; it is the inspired Word of God, intended to equip believers for a life of purpose and righteousness. The term “breathed out by God” signifies that the words within the Bible carry divine authority and are meant to guide us in all aspects of life.

Secondly, the Bible is the Bible as Absolute Truth.  In an age marked by relativism, many people see moral truths as subjective. However, in John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” This proclamation declares that God’s Word is objective truth, providing a standard for our beliefs and behaviors. The Bible is not a mere compilation of good advice.  It is the truth that should govern our lives. When we view Scripture as absolute truth, we open ourselves to understanding God’s purpose for us and the world around us.

Also, Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This verse illustrates the transformative power of Scripture. It is not stagnant or outdated; it actively works in the lives of believers, exposing truths and aligning our hearts with God’s will. Acknowledging the nature of the Bible helps us see it not as a set of optional rules and guidelines but as a vital source of truth.

Living according to the truth revealed in the Bible involves not just understanding its teachings but actively applying them in our daily lives. James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” This scripture emphasizes that genuine faith requires action. It is not enough to merely read the Bible; we must apply its teachings to our lives. Following its guidance is a testament to our trust in God’s wisdom and authority.

The Bible is not a self-help book where we pick and choose the verses that seem to fit our wants or socially accepted issues. This perspective can lead to a twisted understanding of Scripture, diminishing its depth and power. Instead of treating the Bible as an optional advisor, believers are called to embrace it as the standard of truth that shapes their identity and actions.  

Treating the Bible as just a book of advice can lead to spiritual stagnation and confusion. When individuals select and chooseverses to support their agendas, they overlook the true message of the gospel and the transformative power of God’s truth. This selective reading may create a weak faith, lacking the depth and power found in a genuine relationship with God, rooted in His Word.

The Bible is far more than a collection of good advice; it is the inspired Word of God, providing absolute truth and guidance onhow we are to live. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace this truth and apply it in our lives to fulfill the purposeswe were created for. In a world filled with confusion and shifting morals, we must stand firm in the unwavering truth of Scripture, allowing it to shape our lives and lead us closer to the heart of God.