Crosswalk.com

Why is it important for me to study the Bible?

John MacArthur
Brought to you by Christianity.com

You've asked a good question that deserves a straightforward answer: The Bible, the only source of absolute divine authority, will inform you of God's mind and will for your life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That is surely reason enough to study God's Word.

The Qualities of God's Word

You can do a quick, informative study of the Bible right now. Just match the following statements about God's Word with the verses listed below.

The Bible is infallible in its totality
The Bible is inerrant in its parts
The Bible is complete
The Bible is authoritative and final
The Bible is totally sufficient for your needs
The Bible accomplishes what it promises
The Bible provides assurance of salvation
Revelation 22:18
John 8:47; John 20:31
Psalms 119:89
Psalms 19:7
2 Timothy 3:16
Isaiah 55:11
Proverbs 30:5

If any of the above words are new to you, here are a few definitions you might find helpful:

Inerrancy: The Bible is free from error in all it affirms. 
Infallibility: The Bible is unfailing in its purpose.
Sufficiency: The Bible contains all needed information for Christian living.
Authority: The Bible carries the right to prescribe beliefs and actions.

The Benefit of Knowing God's Word

The Bible remains the only source of divine revelation and power that can sustain you as a Christian in your walk with God. Note these significant promises in the Scripture.

The Bible is the source of:

Truth: "Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17).
God's blessing: "But He said, 'More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it'" (Luke 11:28).
Victory: "...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17).
Growth: "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).
Power: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (Rom. 1:16).
Guidance: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105).

Copyright 2007, Grace to You. All rights reserved. Used by permission. This article originally appeared at grace to you.

This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit Christianity.com. Christianity.com