The Importance of Scripture

I was thinking about what the Bible says about itself. Not only that, but I've been thinking about how important it is to read it, to study it, to get to know it. As a result I've come to this conclusion.

The Bible is as important to a believer's life as God Himself.

That statement may shock some people. I know there are a lot of people who just want God and don't bother with the Bible. I actually heard of a woman, a believer (supposedly), who wrote a letter to Dr. John MacArthur, saying, "'Your problem is you're too much into the Bible. Throw away your Bible ... and stop studying.'" Pretty crazy if you ask me.

Then there are people like the Pharisees who only want the law and not God. They only cared about their laws and their power (John 11:47-48). It's the opposite of the previous people. The problem with both views is this: to be a true Christian you need both.

Now why would I say this? How can the Bible, a book of words, be as important as God? It's rather simple, actually. The Bible is the Word of God. It's how we get to know Him. It's what He says to us. It's this wonderful book full of love and encouragement, reproof and correction, decrees, direction, teaching and guidance. I frequently quote 2 Timothy 3:16-17 on this: "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 competent, equipped for every good work" (ESV).

In Psalm 19:7-11, we find David writing with reverence for the Word of God:

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

All of these things, the law, the testimony, the precepts, the commandment, the fear, and the rules of the Lord are found in the Bible! This book is how God has chosen to speak to us! If these words are the very words of God Himself, how on earth can the Bible be less important than Him?

I want to add a very important note to this statement, however, because if I don't I'd be omitting something that must be said.

I am not saying we should worship the Bible. The Bible is not God. It is the Word of God. It's essential to the Christian life, but it is not God, and therefore not deserving of worship. Its power comes from the One Who spoke them in the first place. We must worship only God. Even in Psalm 19, David is worshiping God. He worships God for the Word He spoke, and he most definitely loves it, but he isn't worshiping it.

So, Christians, get to your Bibles! God is speaking, and we must listen.