Top 10 Things to Understand About the Bible

City of Refuge Ministries
Jun 21
3 min read

Updated: Jun 22

1. The Bible Is God’s Revelation of Himself and His Plan of Redemption

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells the unified story of God making Himself known and working to redeem a fallen world. It reveals who God is—His holiness, love, justice, and mercy—and how He is restoring all things through Jesus Christ.

“In the past God spoke… through the prophets… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” — Hebrews 1:1–2

2. The Bible Is the Word of God and Therefore Authoritative

The Bible is not just about God—it is His Word. As such, it carries divine authority and serves as the final standard for truth, morality, and faith. When Scripture speaks, God speaks.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16

3. The Bible Was Written by Human Authors, but It Is God-Breathed and Thus Has Its Origins in God

Though written by over 40 human authors across various centuries, cultures, and backgrounds, the Scriptures are inspired by God. While inspiration doesn't mean word-for-word dictation, the Holy Spirit superintended the writing process, ensuring His message was faithfully recorded.

“Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” — 2 Peter 1:21

4. The Bible Is an Anthology—A Library, Not Just One Book

The Bible is a collection of 66 books containing diverse genres such as history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, and letters. Yet all of it points to the same overarching story: God’s plan to rescue and restore His people.

"Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures." — Luke 24:27

5. Multiple Authors wrote the Bible Over 1,000 Years

This ancient text was written over a millennium by ordinary men, kings, prophets, and apostles. Despite its human diversity, the unity of its message testifies to its divine origin.

"He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you — that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” — Luke 24-44

6. The Bible Has an Original Author, Audience, and Historical Background, and Must Be Read in Context

Each book of the Bible had a specific audience, culture, and historical context. To rightly interpret Scripture today, we must first understand what it meant to them then, before applying it to our lives now.

"Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15

7. The Bible Contains Two Testaments: Old and New

The Bible is divided into the Old Testament (39 books, mainly written in Hebrew) and the New Testament (27 books, mainly written in Greek). The Old points forward to Christ; the New reveals His coming and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

"By saying a new covenant, he has declared that the first is obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old is about to pass away" —Hebrews 8:13

8. The Bible Is Written So We May Know God and His Will

More than information, the Bible is about transformation. God gave us His Word so that we might know Him personally and understand how to live in a way that honors Him.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

9. The Bible Is Trustworthy and the Final Authority on Faith

We can trust the Bible completely. Its accuracy, preservation, fulfilled prophecy, and transforming power prove its reliability. It remains the standard for doctrine, ethics, and Christian living.

“Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life. — John 5:24

10. The Bible Proclaims the Gospel—Salvation by Grace Through Faith

Above all, the Bible proclaims the good news: that salvation is not earned but received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the story of God's love reaching down to save sinners and bring them into eternal life.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8

Conclusion

Understanding these core truths will equip you to read the Bible with greater confidence and purpose. As you explore its pages, remember: this is not just a book—it’s the living Word of God, given to lead you into truth, freedom, and a deeper relationship with your Creator.

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