The Bible: An Overview

Overview – January 2020 – Grace & Truth Magazine

The Bible: An Overview

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. —1 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. —2 Peter 1:21

In view of how the Word of God is described in these passages, we see that it is our manual, our guide and the place we go to for wisdom and direction.

Prophecy proves the accuracy of the Bible. There are many prophecies in it. Some have yet to be completed, but a large number have been fulfilled already. When the probability of the completion of prophecies is calculated mathematically, it proves that the Bible is a divine book.

Furthermore, there are more fragments and portions of its original manuscripts than for any other book in the world. This fact demonstrates the accuracy of its being passed down through thousands of years.

The Bible is historically accurate. Archaeology, true science and astronomy support it. The Bible is not in conflict with any of these.

Even skeptics have concluded the truth of the Word of God.

Saying all this is fine, but God has said it is His Word, and that is its greatest authority!

The Old Testament
The Word of God – the Bible – consists of two major parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament covers the period of time from the creation of the universe, including the world and mankind, up to the coming of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Son of Man. It contains 39 books. Each book has been divided into chapters and verses – this is for easy reference so a person can find a portion with relative ease.

Moses wrote the first five books. Genesis, a book about beginnings, explains the origin of man, marriage, family, work, sin, the fall of man, the curse, promise of a future Savior and victory. This first book also tells of the wickedness of man’s heart, God’s dealing with mankind and His starting a relationship with one man and his family.

In the next four books – Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy – we see a development of God’s relationship with this family, which had become a very extended family. God gave this family, which had become a nation, rules, regulations and laws in order for them to maintain a correct relationship with Him.

Joshua to Esther, the next group of books, are historical books. They give many details, stories and lessons about God and His people, their behavior and God’s dealing with them in relationship to what they did. These stories give us a greater understanding of who God is, what He is like and how He interacts and deals with various ones. We can learn much from these books and accounts.

Then we have the books of wisdom: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. The first of these books is a story about God’s special dealings with a specific man, named Job. Psalms is a collection of poems written by a wide variety of people, expressing their experiences, thoughts and praise to God. Proverbs is a group of verses of wisdom. It is principally King Solomon’s counsel – he having been the wisest man on earth – directed to his son who would one day take over the throne. This book is full of godly wisdom. Solomon did not write the last few chapters. Ecclesiastes is a book written by Solomon as a man who tried love, sex, money, fame, power – all things – and in the end found none of these satisfying. The book turns our hearts to God, to know Him and to be in a relationship with Him. Again, it has very practical advice for all mankind in all times. Song of Songs, another book by Solomon, follows, sharing aspects of an intimate relationship.

Then we have 17 books that are prophetic. These books were written by prophets – men God raised up with a specific message for certain peoples. Most of the messages were for His own, but in some cases to other nations as well. The books tell about future events that would affect the listeners directly but also some in relation to many years in the future. For example, certain prophets spoke of an impending invasion by an army, which occurred during their lifetime. Other things were important for the people but happened later, such as the birth of the Lord Jesus. There are still other prophecies for the future, yet to be accomplished – which will take place. One example is Christ coming to earth, setting up a kingdom and reigning here as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The last book of prophecy, which closes the Old Testament, reveals that one would come to usher in Israel’s Messiah, their king.

The New Testament
The New Testament, containing 27 books, opens with the arrival of the person mentioned in the last book of the Old Testament: John the Baptist. The first four New Testament books are called the “Gospels.” The word “gospel” means “good news.” These books speak about the good news of the Messiah having come to His people; but they rejected and crucified Him.

All four deal with the same person but from a different point of view. Matthew – written with the nation of Israel in mind – talks about their King. Points about His genealogy, birth and life have a very Jewish focus and content. Mark shows the Lord as the Servant and was written toward Roman readers. As a Servant no genealogy is given, nor does it contain any details of His early childhood. It starts out with His service and ends the same way. Luke was written for Greeks and shows the Lord as the Perfect Man. His birth is described but in the stable – a fact not fitting with Matthew’s presentation. Luke has many details about how the Lord Jesus as a Man did God’s work. In John the Lord is shown to us as the Son of God. Once again, there is no genealogy; as Son of God He had no beginning.

In all four gospels He is shown as the Savior of the world and all mankind, who being sinners needed Him. Jesus is the only way to heaven, but He was rejected, crucified and put in a tomb. However, God was well-pleased with His Son – who being perfect took our sins – and raised Him from the dead to show His satisfaction in Him and the work He did on the cross.

After resurrection, the Lord made Himself known to His disciples and those who loved Him. He went to heaven where He is now, but He promised that He would return to take all believers in Him to be with Him in heaven. In the meantime He promised that He would send the Holy Spirit to come to earth.

This is what we find in the book of Acts: God the Holy Spirit came down to earth. He now worked on earth in new relationship with everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior. God is not directing His work toward one specific nation.

The Epistles follow Acts. “Epistle” means “letter.” The authorship of the first 13 is declared in the epistles to be of Paul. The fourteenth, Hebrews, is thought to be another of Paul’s letters, but his name is not mentioned. These epistles were written to various churches and people with whom Paul had a relationship. The letters give instruction for that time; but they also are God’s instruction as to how we need to behave as individuals and congregations. By following their instruction we will do things in a way pleasing to God. We have presented to us God’s thoughts on how things should be done rather than just our doing what we want or think best.

These fourteen epistles are followed by “pastoral letters” written by James, Peter, John and Jude. They are letters from godly men helping, instructing and correcting in a pastoral way. By pastoral we do not mean someone who stands in front of the congregation ordering and organizing all things. Instead, Scripture uses the word in terms of one who shepherds a flock, looking after those in his care – serving, teaching, comforting and helping them.

The last book, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, was written by the apostle John. He also wrote a gospel and three of the pastoral letters: 1 John, 2 John and 3 John. Revelation is a book that tells of things that had happened, that were in existence at that time with instructions for those needs which were currently present. However, the major portion of the book is about things that will still happen: judgment to this earth as well as God’s dealings with His people Israel and with all the world. It talks about heaven – the place of bliss for those who have put their trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This last book also talks about hell, which is for those who have not trusted in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Concluding Thoughts
The Bible is an important book for us, the most important! It gives us the answers for today and tomorrow. This book shows what our destiny will be: how to have an eternal future of love, joy and blessing or one of immense suffering and misery for all eternity.

Ultimately, the Bible from front to back speaks to us about the Lord. “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Lk. 24:27). Jesus said, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me” (Jn. 5:39).

As we read the Bible may we enjoy and revel in it as we see the Lord and His work. Listen to His voice of instruction so you may live your life in a way which pleases Him.

By Albert Blok