by Dr. Michael Smith

Created on: December 23, 2008

The Bible is truly the most unique book in the world, spanning centuries, peoples, languages, and cultures. Since the invention of the printing press in the late 1400's and Martin Luther's admonition to "read the Bible for yourself," it has been, and continues to be, the number one best seller. Why is this true of the Bible, and yet not true of any other book, including other religious books?

While compiled in one volume, the Bible is really sixty-six books, written by more than forty authors, and spans more than six centuries. Yet the writings are cohesive as though written by one writer. How is this explained? The Bible makes its own claims as to its origin and authority by declaring that "all Scriptures are given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for instruction, correction, for reproof" The Bible's claim of inspiration means that through the agency of the Holy Spirit, God breathed upon men so that what they wrote are the very words of God. This is what gives the Bible its eternal freshness and application to everyday problems. No serious reader of the Bible has ever picked up the writings without being struck by the fact that it is new every time you read it. The Bible is unlike the newspaper, which once you have read it, you never go back and read it again. It is old news.

Another interesting aspect of the Bible is that it speaks about men in a way no man would ever be honest enough to write. Men, by nature, tend to gloss over, omit, pretty up their bad traits. This is not true of the Scriptures. The Bible is an honest account of man and his problems. It is the greatest answer to men's theories, especially those related to man's continual improvement on the earth. The Bible declares correctly that man's history is one that is constantly diminishing and going in the opposite direction. Any right thinking person who looks at human nature and the human condition of our world must agree that man is not getting better, but worse.

The Bible has lasted so long because its advice to those who read it is as pertinent today as it was through the ages since the early church. The answer to every problem can be found in its pages. The Scriptures are a well from which refreshing waters can be drawn over and over again, and it never runs dry.

While not a book of history, the Bible is surprisingly reliable as a historical document. Although it is not primarily a book of science, when it touches on science, it has proven time and again to be true. While men have twisted and sought to abuse its teachings to suit them, in reality, when rightly understood has proven many a man wrong, and its own teachings correct.

Its appeal continues because from its pages, the seeker finds help for today, and hope for tomorrow. Those who plumb its pages can find light in darkness, encouragement for the downtrodden, and the promise of a bright future. If the Bible's promises were for this world and this life only it would be well worth the effort to follow, but the Bible is much more. It offers a hope that transcends this life and gives promise of a life to come, of which the Book declares, "now we see through a glass darkly, but one day face to face."

While merely tasting a few droplets of the nectar from its pages, we gain some insight as to its beauty and permanence, the more time you spend in its pages, the more you will see its immense value, as a book and a life guide.

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