Importance of Scripture

2 Tim. 3:16-17 describes all Holy Writ as "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)."

Heb. 4:12--"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."

Peter writes in 2 Pet. 3:15-16 that Paul's letters and thus the writings of the apostles should be understood as both canonical and authoritative.

The point is clear and the message direct: the Bible is useful.  This may seem rudimentary, unfortunately, it is too often overlooked as the source of instruction and guidance in the life of the believer as well as the source of justice for the unbeliever.  The Bible is distinct and inerrant, meaning it is without error.

Yes, there are particulars within the whole of Scripture that present challenges to interpretation; however, these challenges should not be shied away from nor should the believer cower whenever the validity of the Word is challenged.  Rather, the Word should be the source of confidence, the source of comfort, and the source of truth that acts as a litmus for every and all other truth claims.

The Bible is to be understood in this sense that it is Christ and to know Christ is to know the Word.  John's first chapter describes how Jesus, the Son of God, is the Word.  Jesus nature is to be found and understood in the context and by the power of the Scripture.  Therefore, in order to abide in His Word, as Jesus calls us to, we must study it energetically and with discipline.  God desires above all else for His people to come to Him always and for everything in obedience, eagerly worshiping Him in all spirit and truth.  This is the purpose of the Bible.

Apart from the Bible, no truth can be properly understood as truth.  "True Truth" requires a rubric to assess its "truthness."  The Bible fulfills this function.  In that regard, it is of eternal importance and of utter necessity to make a regular habit of prayerfully engaging the Word.  Practically speaking, this means reading the Bible on a regular, preferably daily, basis.  There are a number of resources out there to help with this: websites, bible reading programs, etc.  It is actually quite simple: if you desire to be closer to God, you need to be to in His Word.  The pursuit is the point.  Make a practice of the pursuit of His Word.  You will not be disappointed.