We all feel that reading the Bible is a good thing, however, we do not do it as frequently as we would like or as God desires. Let’s think about how important a chemistry or economics book is if we want to learn those subjects. Following the same analogy, if we want to know about the things of God, what book should we read? Undoubtedly, we have to read the Bible to understand the mysteries of God. It is curious to see how those chemistry or economics books become outdated after a few years and stop being read because new, more modern ones come out. However, the Bible is the only book that does not lose its relevance over time, and it has been translated into more than 2500 languages, as Isaiah 40:8 tells us:
“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.“
Jesus Himself indicated in the gospel:
“Search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” John 5:39
In this verse, we find a word that we do not usually use much and that is also in the imperative mood, “search.” The Real Academia Española dictionary defines the verb “search” as “to examine, inquire, and carefully investigate something and its circumstances.” In conclusion, Jesus was ordering us to read, investigate, and carefully examine the word of God.
In the Old Testament, we find numerous texts that also tell us in the imperative mood to read the Bible and the frequency of its reading. The first of these is in Deuteronomy 6 titled “The Great Commandment,” where it says:
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Therefore, God is telling us that His Word should be in our lives at all times. Later in the same book, there are explicit instructions for the future kings of Israel:
“And he shall have it with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.” Deuteronomy 17:19-20
The command is clear. It says that the king shall read it all the days of his life, and it also indicates why we should read it. First, to fear God, second, to learn His commandments and follow them, third, so that his heart may not be lifted up, and fourth, so that we may not turn aside from the way.
A very beautiful passage, which I recommend everyone to read carefully, is when during the reign of King Josiah, the book of the Law is found in the temple (they had not sought God and read the Bible for years) and brought to King Josiah, who upon hearing the Word, turned his heart completely to God (every time I read this passage, it reminds me of what happened to me as I narrate at the end of this study).
“Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes.” 2 Kings 22:11
2 Kings 22 – Josiah and the Discovery of the Book of the Law.
In the New Testament, the Word is also very clear. When we read it, it changes our lives. Reading the Bible will give us knowledge of God and faith.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
THE BIBLE IS A TWO-EDGED SWORD
That knowledge of God makes the Word resemble a two-edged sword that penetrates to divide the soul. Without a doubt, a sword is already a powerful weapon, but being two-edged makes it even more powerful. When a person reads and examines the Bible meticulously, they are never the same again.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.“ Hebrews 4:12
In the book of Revelation, we see again how reference is made to this powerful sword that is the Word of God:
“He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” Revelation 1:16
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:” Revelation 2:12
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES ARE LIGHT
Finally, to conclude this study, we need to indicate how the Word of God is light in our lives. It illuminates us in this dark world. It guides us in everything we do and shows us what is right and what is wrong. Whatever aspect of life we want to explore (marriage, parenting, witchcraft, etc.), the Bible teaches us the correct path. These three verses are very clear:
“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;” 2 Peter 1:19
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalms 119:105
“For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,” Proverbs 6:23
CONCLUSION
I don’t want to conclude this Bible study without sharing my personal testimony. Throughout my schooling in Spain, I attended religious schools, but I didn’t have much knowledge of the Bible because it wasn’t deeply studied there. During my adolescence and university years, I was completely distant from God, making excuses to avoid seeking Him and instead following worldly trends. But by God’s mercy, when I finished university, I applied for a research scholarship in Latin America, miraculously winning it (later realizing it was God’s purpose).
During a two-month trip to Peru, I met some sisters who invited me to a Bible reading group. I resisted their invitation repeatedly, but eventually, I agreed. On the first day, I was amazed by how the minister leading the group analyzed various passages and verses on a specific topic, minimizing personal opinion and emphasizing what was written in the Word. I was so astonished by the content of the Bible discussed that day that I eagerly asked about the next meeting, feeling a strong desire to learn more about the Bible (I had gone from being a complete denier to a fervent seeker).
Thanks to reading the Bible and being open to knowing the Lord, the Holy Spirit worked in me, and I converted to Christ. If you desire to learn more, keep reading Bible studies, and when you’re ready to pray and surrender your life to Christ, visit our page SURRENDER YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST.
