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INTRODUCTION
This chapter introduces the Bible which is the written Word of the one true God. The word "Bible" means "the books." The Bible is one volume which consists of 66 separate books.
The word "Scripture" is also used to refer to God's Word. This word comes from a Latin word which means "writing." When the word "Scripture" is used with a capital "S" it means the sacred writings of the one true God. The word "Bible" is not used in the Bible. It is a word used by men as a title for all of God's Words. ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE
The Bible is the written Word of God. He inspired the words in the Bible and used approximately 40 different men to write down His words. These men wrote over a period of 1500 years. The perfect agreement of these writers is one proof that they were all guided by a single author. That author was God.
Some of the writers wrote down exactly what God said:
Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel . . . (Jeremiah 36:2)
Other writers wrote what they experienced or what God revealed concerning the future:
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. (Revelation 1:19)
All of the writers wrote under God's inspiration the words of His message for us.
THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE
The Bible itself records its main purpose:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
The Scriptures are to be used to teach doctrine, to reprove and correct from evil, and to teach righteousness. They will help you live right and equip you to work for God.