Is the Bible still relevant today?
Though the Bible was completed approximately 1,900 years ago, it remains absolutely relevant to the spiritual needs of people today. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."One way in which the Bible remains relevant is through its many insights regarding the natural world. Numerous scientific observations have been confirmed in biblical passages, including Leviticus 17:11; Ecclesiastes 1:6-7; Job 36:27-29; Psalm 102:25-27 and Colossians 1:16-17.
In addition, much insight has been gained through the study of the many characters in the Bible. Day-to-day experience shows that this information is more accurate and descriptive of the human condition than any psychology textbook.
The Bible is also relevant to history and archeology. Many historical facts recorded in the Bible have been confirmed by extra-biblical sources. Historical research often shows a great deal of agreement between the biblical and extra-biblical accounts of the same events.
However, the Bible is not merely a history book, a psychology text, or a scientific journal. The Bible is the inspired Word of God revealed to humanity. Second Timothy 3:16-17 teaches, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." The Bible is literally "God-breathed," offering insight into who God is and what His desire is for our lives. In it, we find the information we need to live God's way and to instruct others.
Most importantly, the Bible includes essential information on how we can know God personally. The apostle Paul called this gospel message of "first importance" (1 Corinthians 15:3). The gospel is that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins and that He defeated death through His resurrection. God now offers eternal life to all who believe in Christ (John 3:16).
Scripture will never be irrelevant because it addresses the universal needs of all people—to know God, to experience forgiveness, and to know how the Lord would have us to live. Times may change, but God's Word does not. In it we find principles that change our lives still today.
How is the Bible inspired? What does it mean for the Bible to be inspired?
Why should we study the Bible?
Why should we read the Old Testament?
I want to start reading the Bible. Where should I begin?
Is it okay to use a paraphrase of the Bible?
Truth about the Bible
