I have always scrutinised the Bible to a certain extent. I know I may have lost some of you right there, but hear me out… The Bible has been interpreted and translated numerous times and, in my mind, each time, there would have been an agenda that the Bible needed to uphold. Patriarchy for example; was it really Eve that took the apple and why is Mary Magdalene still seen as a prostitute or a woman shrouded in mystery? There are many questions that surround the Bible. However, one thing I know for sure is the foundations of The Word are true. God made the earth and everything in, on and around it. He is the way, the truth and the life and it is through the Bible as well as following Jesus that we become the best versions of ourselves, as He intended.

Despite the questions though, I have always had the feeling of needing to read the Book all the way through, I’ve only ever heard or read snippets without ever really knowing the full context, which I’m sure is the case for many of us. As I take more time over Lent to cement more habits in faith, reading the Bible has become a higher priority on my list, alongside praying. So as someone who understands the many questions that surround the Bible and has many of her own, why is it actually important to know The Word?

To Know God

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he also made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven”

Hebrews 1:1-3

The Bible shows us who God is. Many look at the Old Testament especially and point to God’s harsh judgements, which to be fair, took me by surprise when I restarted reading the Bible from the beginning. But He is holy, just, unchanging and gracious all in one. He is a well rounded character who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)

To Walk In Confidence

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”

Joshua 1:9

The Bible gives us a window into Father, Son and Holy Spirit and allows us to rest assured that God has a plan for each one of us and that we are made in His image. Therefore, we should feel secure in who we are and all we do. Also, the fact that He is always with us should be comforting – we are never alone and in knowing Him and The Word, we are led in light on the right path in life (Psalm 119:105).

To Grow In Maturity

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 4:14-16

I’m always struck by Christians who have verses memorised for all occasions and I aspire to be like them because I find it so uplifting or comforting depending on the situation. The Bible gives us the bigger picture to what God intended and in that our perception of the world and who we are changes. I personally have gone back to trying to read the whole Bible from cover to cover (originally, I wanted to do this in a year, but I’m allowing myself a bit more time because let’s not run before we can walk…) and I already feel a change within me.

I feel like you can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve come from, therefore if you’re moving forward as a Christian, it is important to understand the history of our faith, starting with The Bible. You can find more in depth reasons as to why it’s important to read the Bible on the Got Questions site and here. For Bible Plans, check out the YouVersion Bible App, or if you have any questions about the Bible please do Get In Touch.

If you’re looking for more information about the importance of Habits for us as a church, keep up with our blogs over Lent and beyond and/or come along to our fortnightly Sunday Celebrations as we dive into Habits further.