The Bible is comprised of 66 books written thousands of years ago, in three different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek). Christians (like me!) believe it is God's word - essentially God talking to us! Unfortunately, many people think the Bible isn't relevant today, in our modern world. But just because something is old, it doesn't mean it's irrelevant. We don't abandon seniors just because they're past their prime. Classic books written hundreds or even thousands of years ago are still read for the wisdom written inside that transcends time. The thoughts of ancient writers like Plato and Socrates are still very relevant and influential.
But what does the Bible have to say about its own relevancy? Since it is the foundation for my life, the backbone of my worldview (set of beliefs), and the air I breathe, I can't help but ask this question. I like the let the Bible speak for itself, so let's take a look...
* "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." - Isaiah 40:8
* "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." - Matthew 24:35 (Jesus speaking)
* "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8
I think the answer is pretty clear. But even if it still is relevant, why should we place our faith in it? What's so special about the Bible?
* "And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." - Psalm 12:6
* "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." - John 17:17 (Jesus speaking)
* "May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous." - Psalm 119:172
* "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9
The Bible is pure, true and righteous. It reveals God to us - His greatness, His justice and love, His plan for all of humanity, and His plan for you. He is better and greater than anything we could imagine.
The Bible has also been accurately preserved and passed down to us. For example, The Case for Christ, a great book written by former-atheist (now Christian) journalist Lee Strobel, points out that "the modern New Testament is 99.5 percent free of textual discrepancies, with no major Christian doctrines in doubt." We have eye-witness accounts of Jesus' life and death, with far better reliability than most ancient documents. It was those accounts which led Strobel to a faith in Jesus Christ.
