This week, we are considering things that we should not take for granted.  In last night’s blog, we emphasized God, especially the relationship that we have with Him.  We should always be thankful that He is our Father and never take any of the blessings that come from this relationship for granted.

Another thing that we should never take for granted is the Bible.  Avoiding this begins with understanding the great value of the Bible, which comes by accepting it for what it is—God’s inspired Word.  Not all accept it as such.  There are some, even among those who claim to be Christians, who deny this truth.  That the Bible is God’s Word is seen, at least in part, by its endurance amid two thousand years of being attacked by men who want nothing less than its complete obliteration.  The Bible has stood the test of time, never proven to be inaccurate or contradictory, even though it was written by about 40 different men over a span of 1400 years.

The Bible is the greatest book that has ever been in the world.  It contains the mind of God, and that should never be taken for granted.  We know God and His will for us only because of what is written in the Bible.  That makes the Bible not only the greatest book ever written, but also the most valuable.  When we consider the immense value of God’s Word, it is harder to take it for granted.  Consider the following with me.

The Bible has the power to save because it contains the gospel, the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).  James emphasized this truth in his letter to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion.

James 1:21 (ESV)
²¹ Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

It is important to note that James did not say that the Word would save unconditionally.  He said that the Word is “able” to save.  The Word does not automatically save anyone.  We must be doers of it to be saved (ver. 22-25).

Another valuable feature of the Bible that we should never take for granted is its ability to enlighten.  Do you remember what the Psalmist said about the Word of God?

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

How does man know where he came from and where he is going, i.e., what takes place after death?  How do we know how to properly worship God today?  How do we know how to live in such a way that will allow us to be acceptable to God?  How does God teach us how to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world?  How do we know what sin is and how to get rid of it once it evades our lives?    The answer to all these questions is the Bible.  It may not enlighten us regarding things such as mathematics, modern history, astrology, or biology, but regarding the higher things concerning God and his will, and anything that concerns our eternal destiny, the Bible gives us the answers.   That’s the value of God’s Word.

Let me give you one more reason not to take the Bible for granted.  The Bible has transforming power.  Few things, if any, can change one’s life like obeying the Bible can.  Spiritually, one becomes a new creature in Christ the moment the gospel is obeyed (2 Corinthians 5:17).  This is because his or her sins are washed away by the blood of Christ, and their souls are renewed.  But it is the ongoing presence of the Word of God that changes the way people think and behave, and that transforms their lives, and it is always for the better.  The Word of God brings more joy, contentment, and peace to its recipients than anything else can even come close to doing.  Thank God for the Bible and the benefits of having it as a part of our lives.  It gives us a measurable advantage in life (Romans 3:1-2).  Let’s never take it for granted.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.