“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

The Bible is quite an interesting book.  Have you ever thought about it?   Just imagine what you might be like if you were ignorant of the biblical history of all the nations and peoples we learn about in the Bible, not to even mention learning about our Creator from the very first book. So let me talk about some of them if I may. First of all let us start with what caused it all to begin with.

GOD

What would you know about God if there were no Bible?  Without a Bible there is nothing that informs us of God and where all things come from.  Now some might conjure up a theory or two but there wouldn’t be any real truth that one could believe in.  Remember, one cannot see or feel God unless God chooses to manifest his self to them.

If we did not have the Bible and we were totally unaware there even is a God, we would be a most pitiful people. We’d be heading down the never ending road of eternal destruction that would be awaiting all of us at death.  Now let=s turn that thought around.  Let’s assume we all have the Bible and everyone is aware that it tells us about God, it tells us we are eternal creatures, and it describes two places called Heaven and Hell. It also informs us that whichever one of these places we go to is ONLY UP TO US and this choice is decided by whether or not we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.

In the world from practically the beginning of time everyone does know there is a God, although there are many different ideas about what the real God is like. Either way, most people seem to pay no mind to what is going to happen to them after they leave this life.

If people did not know about God, the greatest power they probably would know about is an atomic bomb explosion, or maybe an earth quake or volcanic eruption. But the knowledge there is a God and that the Bible says he just spoke all creation into existence puts a different dimension on everything.  It took infinite power far beyond our comprehension to create the universe.

So let’s suppose God is, but no one knows it, then there wouldn’t be anyone taking his name in vain.  They wouldn’t know to say God!!! Many people take the Lord’s name in vain by saying inappropriate words that they WILL give an account of one day.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36

And then of course, there wouldn’t be anyone sitting around reading the Bible to learn about him because no one would even have a thought of him.  Why, because without the Bible no one would know he exists.  The most anyone could think would be AI wonder how all this came about.

If no one knew that God exists, think of how much more wicked people would be than they already are.  Man being the creature he is, is constrained to some degree because he fears God.  At least some people do.  The fear of eternal judgment to some extent keeps many people in check with their passions that are so self-centered. So without knowledge of God people would just live as they please and live like the survival of the fittest.  In other words, there would likely be very little value to human life if there were no Holy Scriptures to warn men of God.  This has been true in the past and is still true today in many places in the world.  An example of this is found in the book of Genesis.

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.  Genesis 6:5-6

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:  Matthew 15:18-19

Man became so evil and wicked that God had to destroy all of mankind with a worldwide flood except for Noah, and his family which consisted of only eight people.  As Jesus said in the above scripture, man has an evil and wicked heart and he sins because he is a sinner. Only God can change the heart of man so he can put away his “self-life,” and desire to live a righteous life pleasing in his sight.  In the days of Noah, only he and his family trusted God and believed in him and his word.  That is why, only they were saved from the waters of the flood.

MAN IS A SINNER

It is the Word of God that tells us we are sinners.  We are the off spring of the first human parents, Adam and Eve who disobeyed God and became fallen creatures.  Man, by way of the first man Adam, brought the curse of sin upon the world because of his sin.  The Bible tells us we are sinners separated from God because of our sin.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.  Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:  Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.  Romans 3:10-18

We can’t undo what has happened to us in causing us to be sinners, but God in his mercy for us sent his only begotten Son into the world to die upon the cross of Calvary. It was there and there alone, that all of man’s sin against holy God could be paid for. The only hope man has to escape the judgment of holy God is by trusting Jesus Christ as their personal savior.  Because man is a sinner there is nothing he does before he is saved that pleases his Maker. Man’s sin separated him from his Creator, and only Jesus Christ and the Bible can bridge the gap between man and God.

Man naturally thinks that if he does good deeds or lives a good life if there is a God and a place called Heaven, he will be accepted.  But this is not how who goes to heaven is determined. The Bible tells us this in many scriptures.  To go to heaven a person must be born again and must have faith in the finished work of Christ and who he is.  Nowhere one looks or goes will he find that information apart from the Holy Scriptures which is the Word of God.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  Romans 5:1

When we trust Jesus as our savior, the Bible tells us we are as if we had never sinned.

A JUDGMENT DAY

Without the Bible we would not know that after death there is a judgment day appointed for everyone where they will give an account of all of their life and life's opportunities.  In fact, the Bible tells us there are two judgments.  There is one for the saved person who has been forgiven of all their sins when they believed in Jesus Christ, and a judgment for all those who never repented and asked for forgiveness for their sins.

People just do not realize how awful it is going to be to stand before the Holy Judge of heaven and have their entire

life examined to include all their thoughts, attitudes, deeds and words. In fact, the unsaved person will stand horrified because they know they are now doomed forever. My friend, please understand, Hell is a real place and you need to be sure that not only you are truly saved, but that those around you know how to be saved.

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come  into  condemnation;  but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. John 5:22-25

Believer's Judgment is seen in this passage of scripture;       

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.  1 Corinthians 3:13‑15

The Judgment for the unsaved is seen in this passage of scripture;

Revelation 20:11‑15

Are you prepared to stand before the Holy One?  Better be careful how you answer.

THERE IS A HEAVEN

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.  Revelation 21:1-4

The Bible is the only true source of knowledge that tells us there is a place called heaven where God’s glory will shine forever, and God rules the universe in power and wisdom. What more could anyone want but to be living where Jesus is. However it is only for those who will repent of their sins and trust Him as their personal savior. I keep reiterating this because that is the only requirement to go there. Whatever the reason, many will suffer the fire and brimstone the scriptures warn about. A place of agony created only for the unsaved of the ages, and the Devil and his angels who had rebelled against God. All go there because the Devil deceived them into believing his lies.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

Revelation 21:8

The idea of heaven is a pleasing thought to most, but only the born again ones will be allowed to walk that street of gold and eat the fruit of the tree of life that flows by the river of life. The majesty of heaven has inspired many to write and sing about this wonderful place. It’s a place of no more tears, or sorrows, no more sickness or death, but only life forever in a land of perfect peace where no one ever grows old.

It is sad how many of this earth’s population will miss this beautiful life because they think if they accept Jesus as their savior they will have to give something up. My friend, I can assure you there is nothing in this sin cursed world that could be better than living a life that would eventually place you forever in Heaven.

The good news is everyone is invited to go to this city!

THERE IS A HELL

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Matthew 10:28

The Bible also tells us of this place of eternal doom called Hell. The suffering of angels and people will be immense and will go on forever and ever. In Hell the eternal wrath of God will be upon those who rejected the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior. Why, would anyone do this you may ask! It is because they loved their sin life much more than they did the offer of God’s mercy, grace and incomprehensible love.

Everyone who chooses sin over the Lord Jesus Christ will finally realize it was only their choice that got them where they are.

Jesus spoke of Hell eleven times when he was here warning everyone who would listen of the eternal consequences of sin. While many today believe there is such a place, they fail to turn to the only one who can keep them out of that place.

Contrary to what many think, God really does allow us to make our own decision about our eternal home. God does not force himself on anyone!  He does not send men to hell but men go there of their own free will.

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.  Revelation 20:14‑15

Because God is a holy God he cannot and will not allow rebellious, sinful creatures in his holy habitation to live with him and his holy people.  Besides, if a sinner went to heaven they would be the most miserable person ever.  Jesus said;

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  Matthew 7:21-23

My dear reader friends, you do not want to hear the words of this scripture when you close your eyes in death.

THE DEVIL AND THE ANGELS

Without the Bible we would not know there were holy angels and evil angels.  According to the scriptures there are untold numbers of these creatures who are of a higher order than humans.  They are more intelligent and much more powerful than humans as well. While God is the ruler of the holy angels, Satan is the leader of the demons who apparently are the fallen angels.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:10‑1

We are warned about the Wicked one in God's Word;    

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works, 2 Corinthians 11:13‑15  

And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Rev. 12:9

This hatred has been seen in every age.  I wonder, do you appreciate the Bible? It is the only book of eternal truth!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. ...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.  John 1:1‑3, 14

Satan is a real spirit being. Just as real as God but he is not nearly as powerful. He is the enemy of God and man, a liar and deceiver that not only hates God but he hates me and you because we are created in the image of God. Many people will be deceived by him before he is cast into that place especially prepared for him. People you and I both know will be in the lake of fire with him forever, as everyone else will who does not accept Jesus as their savior.

THE SON OF GOD

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,  To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin=s name was Mary.  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.  And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.  Luke 1:26-33

So we see it is only by reading the Bible that we can learn about the love of God through His only Son the Lord Jesus Christ. How he was born of a virgin and grew up without sin to be made the only acceptable sacrifice to pay our sin debt.

Consider how much we wouldn’t know about God=s plan for our salvation if it were not for the Bible. But because we do have this most precious book of Holy Truth, we are eternally blessed. Even so, there are myriads of people who never read it and many do not even believe it.  Those who do read it often do not live by it even though it has been printed in more languages, and has been read more than any other book. It has also changed more lives. 

With all of this common knowledge the Bible still has suffered more opposition than any other book. Many have died copying, printing and spreading this book to many people living in this world but the hatred for it continues!

Try to take in that information if you can; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh - WOW!!!

Lastly, we hope that after you have read this you will agree with these things David had to say about God’s word;

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Father we thank you for your Holy Word. Our Bibles are so precious to us and what comfort the scriptures give us. We praise you for the salvation provided through Jesus Christ our savior. Bless our readers and save that soul that needs your salvation, I pray in Jesus' name, Amen. “Loving the Savior” Preacher