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What is the Bible? Discovering the Wonder of Jesus in its Pages

For centuries, one book has stood apart, shaping cultures, inspiring countless lives, and serving as the bedrock of the Christian faith. What is the Bible? To some, it might appear merely as a collection of ancient writings, historical accounts, poetry, and letters. Yet, for those who follow Jesus Christ, it is infinitely more. It’s considered God’s communication to humanity – a living, active message revealing His heart, His grand plan for redemption, and most importantly, His beloved Son, Jesus. Approaching the Bible isn’t like reading just any old book; it’s an invitation to encounter the Divine, to understand profound truths, and to meet the person who stands at its very center: Jesus Christ.

Many people, whether new to faith or simply curious, wonder about the Bible’s origins, its purpose, and its relevance today. How can writings penned thousands of years ago speak to our modern lives? How does it all connect? The answer, woven throughout its diverse pages, consistently points towards Jesus. Understanding the Bible unlocks a deeper understanding and appreciation of who Jesus is, what He did, and why He matters so profoundly. A journey into its words is a journey toward the wonderful person of Jesus.

Let’s explore some foundational truths about Jesus, truths revealed within the remarkable pages of the Bible, and discover why the Bible remains such a vital source of life, hope, and knowledge for millions around the globe.

Unveiling Jesus: The Bible’s Central Message

Before diving into specific facts about Jesus found within its text, it helps to have a basic grasp of the Bible itself. It’s composed of 66 individual books, divided into two main sections:

• The Old Testament: Written over centuries before Jesus’s birth, it lays the foundation. It contains historical accounts of God’s relationship with His people (Israel), laws, poetry (like Psalms), wisdom literature (like Proverbs), and prophetic writings pointing toward a coming Messiah – a Savior.
• The New Testament: Written after Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, it focuses directly on Him. It includes the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), which are biographies of Jesus’s life and ministry; the book of Acts, detailing the early church’s growth; numerous letters (Epistles) written by apostles like Paul, Peter, and John to guide and instruct believers; and the book of Revelation, a prophetic vision of future events and Christ’s ultimate victory.

Christians believe the Bible is “God-breathed” (inspired by God), meaning that while human authors wrote using their styles and personalities, God guided the process to ensure the final text accurately conveyed His message. Its central theme is God’s loving plan to rescue humanity from sin and brokenness, a plan perfectly fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Now, let’s look at key facts about Jesus that the Bible reveals:

Fact 1: The Bible Foretold Jesus’s Coming (Old Testament Prophecy)

Long before Jesus walked the earth, the Old Testament prophets, inspired by God, wrote specific predictions about the coming Messiah. They foretold details like His birthplace (Bethlehem), His lineage (descendant of King David), His miraculous works, His suffering and rejection, His sacrificial death, and even His resurrection. These prophecies, written hundreds of years in advance and fulfilled remarkably in Jesus’s life, serve as powerful evidence of the Bible’s divine origin and God’s unfolding plan centered on His Son. The Old Testament wasn’t just history; it was preparation for Jesus.

Importance: Why does knowing the Bible predicted Jesus matter to you? It demonstrates that Jesus wasn’t an accident of history or merely a wise teacher who appeared unexpectedly. His arrival was part of God’s deliberate, long-foretold plan for redemption. For someone exploring faith, these fulfilled prophecies offer compelling evidence supporting the Bible’s reliability and Jesus’s unique identity as the promised Savior. It builds confidence that the story of Jesus is rooted in God’s sovereign design, providing a solid foundation for belief.

Scripture: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) (Written ~700 years before Christ’s birth).

Fact 2: The Bible Records Jesus’s Divine Birth (Gospels)

The New Testament Gospels narrate the extraordinary circumstances of Jesus’s birth. They record the angelic announcement to a virgin named Mary that she would conceive a child by the power of the Holy Spirit. Matthew and Luke detail His birth in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy, and the humble conditions surrounding His arrival – born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. The Bible presents Jesus’s entry into the world not as ordinary but as a unique, miraculous event signifying His divine nature as Immanuel, “God with us.”

Importance: The biblical account of Jesus’s virgin birth underscores His unique identity. It signifies He was not just another human being; He was fully God entering human history in a way never seen before or since. For you, understanding His divine origin highlights the magnitude of God’s intervention. The Creator stepped into His creation. A truth like that elevates Jesus beyond any prophet or teacher; He is God Himself in human form, come to rescue and redeem. Recognizing His divine entry sets the stage for understanding the authority and power He demonstrated throughout His life.

Scripture: “And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.’” – Luke 1:35 (ESV)

Fact 3: The Bible Reveals Jesus’s Perfect Life and Teachings (Gospels)

The four Gospels provide detailed accounts of Jesus’s life and ministry. They portray Him as morally perfect, without sin, living in complete obedience to God the Father. They record His profound teachings – parables that revealed deep spiritual truths, sermons like the Sermon on the Mount that outlined the ethics of God’s Kingdom, and authoritative declarations about Himself and His mission. The Bible shows Jesus teaching with unparalleled wisdom, love, and authority, challenging listeners then and now to reconsider their relationship with God and others.

Importance: Why is Jesus’s perfect life, recorded in the Bible, so significant? It establishes Him as the flawless standard of righteousness and the perfect example for humanity. His sinlessness qualified Him to be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of others. For you, His life offers a compelling picture of God’s character lived out in human form – compassionate, just, loving, and holy. His teachings provide timeless wisdom and guidance for living a life that pleases God. Encountering the Jesus of the Gospels inspires awe and provides a trustworthy model for your faith journey.

Scripture: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” – Hebrews 4:15 (ESV) (Reflecting on the Gospel accounts).

Fact 4: The Bible Shows Jesus’s Miraculous Power (Gospels)

The Gospels are filled with accounts of Jesus performing extraordinary miracles. He healed the sick – lepers, the blind, the paralyzed. He demonstrated power over nature – calming storms, walking on water, multiplying food to feed thousands. He even raised the dead. These miracles, meticulously recorded by eyewitnesses or those who interviewed them, were not mere magic tricks; they were signs pointing to His divine identity and the arrival of God’s Kingdom. They authenticated His message and demonstrated His compassion and authority over creation and even death itself.

Importance: The biblical record of Jesus’s miracles offers powerful assurance of His divinity and authority. For someone grappling with doubt or seeking proof, these accounts demonstrate that Jesus possessed power far beyond human capability. They show God’s compassion in action, intervening directly to alleviate suffering and restore wholeness. Knowing that Jesus wielded such power, as documented in the Bible, builds faith that He is indeed who He claimed to be – the Son of God, capable of overcoming any obstacle, including the power of sin and death in your own life.

Scripture: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in a book like that; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” – John 20:30-31 (ESV)

Fact 5: The Bible Explains Jesus’s Purpose: To Seek and Save the Lost (Gospels/Epistles)

Throughout the Bible, Jesus’s core mission is made clear. He stated His purpose was “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). The Gospels show Him consistently reaching out to those considered outcasts, sinners, and spiritually needy. The Epistles further explain that humanity, due to sin, is separated from God (“lost”) and in need of rescue. Jesus came as the Good Shepherd seeking His lost sheep, the divine Physician healing the spiritually sick, and the Savior rescuing people from the consequences of sin.

Importance: Understanding Jesus’s purpose, as revealed in the Bible, clarifies the heart of the Christian message. It’s not primarily about following rules or achieving moral perfection on your own; it’s about recognizing our need for rescue and accepting the salvation Jesus offers. For you, knowing Jesus came specifically to seek and save means He came for you. Regardless of your past or present struggles, His mission includes reaching out to you with grace and forgiveness. A truth like that offers immense hope and assurance of God’s pursuing love.

Scripture: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10 (ESV)

Fact 6: The Bible Details Jesus’s Sacrificial Death for Sins (Gospels/Epistles)

All four Gospels culminate in the account of Jesus’ crucifixion. The Bible explains that His death was not a tragic accident or martyrdom but a purposeful, substitutionary sacrifice. The Epistles elaborate profoundly on a concept: Jesus, being sinless, willingly took upon Himself the punishment that humanity deserved for its sins. He died in our place, satisfying God’s perfect justice and demonstrating His immense love. His shed blood provides forgiveness and reconciliation with God for all who believe.

Importance: The biblical explanation of Jesus’s death is central to the Christian faith. It addresses the universal problem of sin and separation from a holy God. For you, it means that the barrier between you and God, caused by sin, has been removed through Jesus’s sacrifice. You don’t have to earn forgiveness; it’s offered freely because Jesus paid the price. Grasping the significance of His death, as detailed in Scripture, brings profound peace, freedom from guilt, and the assurance of being right with God through faith in Jesus alone.

Scripture: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God…” – 1 Peter 3:18a (ESV)

Fact 7: The Bible Proclaims Jesus’s Victorious Resurrection (Gospels/Acts/Epistles)

The Bible doesn’t end Jesus’s story at the cross. Every Gospel writer, along with the book of Acts and the Epistles, boldly proclaims the historical reality of His resurrection. They record that three days after His burial, Jesus rose bodily from the dead, appeared to His disciples and hundreds of others, proving He had conquered sin and death. The resurrection is presented not as a myth or metaphor but as the cornerstone event validating Jesus’s claims and securing victory over humanity’s greatest enemies.

Importance: The resurrection, emphatically declared throughout the New Testament, is the ultimate proof of Jesus’s divinity and the guarantee of hope for believers. It confirms that Jesus is who He claimed to be and that God accepted His sacrifice. For you, the resurrection means that death is not the end. It offers the promise of eternal life and your future resurrection if you trust in Christ. It provides unwavering hope in the face of loss and suffering, assuring you that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to bring new life to you today.

Scripture: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…’” – John 11:25 (ESV)

Fact 8: The Bible Declares Jesus as Lord and God (Gospels/Epistles/Revelation)

While Jesus demonstrated humility, the Bible unequivocally declares His divine status. His disciples recognized Him as “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Thomas, seeing the risen Jesus, exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The apostle Paul wrote that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15) and that “in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9). The Bible consistently presents Jesus not just as a man, but as God Himself, worthy of worship and absolute allegiance.

Importance: Recognizing Jesus’s true identity as Lord and God, as revealed across the Bible, is crucial for authentic faith. It means He has ultimate authority over all creation, including your life. Submitting to Him as Lord brings order, purpose, and security. For you, acknowledging His deity means placing your complete trust in One who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving. It moves faith beyond mere admiration for a historical figure to a life-transforming relationship of worship, obedience, and reliance upon the sovereign God who came in the flesh.

Scripture: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)

Fact 9: The Bible Promises Jesus’s Return (Epistles/Revelation)

Just as the Old Testament foretold His first coming, the New Testament promises Jesus’s second coming. Jesus Himself spoke of returning in glory to judge the world and establish His eternal Kingdom. The Epistles encourage believers to live in readiness and hope for His return, and the book of Revelation provides a vivid picture of His final victory over evil and the creation of a new heaven and new earth where He will reign forever.

Importance: The biblical promise of Jesus’s return provides believers with enduring hope and perspective. It assures you that history is moving toward a definite, glorious conclusion orchestrated by God. Knowing Jesus is coming back motivates holy living, encourages perseverance through trials, and focuses your ultimate hope not on temporary circumstances but on eternal realities. It reminds you that the current struggles and injustices of the world are not permanent; a day of perfect justice, peace, and restoration is guaranteed through Christ’s return.

Scripture: “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lid up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? A Jesus like that, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’” – Acts 1:9-11 (ESV)

Fact 10: The Bible Invites a Personal Relationship with Jesus (Throughout)

Ultimately, the Bible is not just a book of facts, history, or rules; it’s an invitation into a relationship. From God walking with Adam and Eve in Genesis to Jesus calling disciples to follow Him in the Gospels, to the promise of eternal fellowship in Revelation, the consistent theme is God’s desire for connection with humanity. Jesus Himself invites people to “come to me,” promising rest, forgiveness, and abundant life. The Bible reveals the pathway to knowing God personally through faith in His Son.

Importance: Perhaps the most crucial aspect of the Bible’s message is the personal invitation it extends. It reveals that God is not distant or unapproachable. Through Jesus, He has made a way for you to know Him intimately. For you, reading the Bible isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about encountering the living God who loves you and desires fellowship with you. Responding to the Bible’s invitation by placing your faith in Jesus opens the door to forgiveness, purpose, eternal life, and a daily walk with the God who created you and redeemed you.

Scripture: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20 (ESV) (Jesus speaking to the church).

Embracing the Living Word

What is the Bible? It is God’s inspired, trustworthy, and life-giving Word to humanity. It tells one grand, unfolding story of redemption, with Jesus Christ as the hero and centerpiece. Within its pages, we discover who Jesus is – the promised Messiah, the Son of God, the perfect Teacher, the powerful Miracle-worker, the sacrificial Lamb, the risen Lord, and the returning King. We learn why He came and what He accomplished.

More than just a historical record, the Bible offers wisdom for daily living, comfort in times of sorrow, strength in weakness, and unwavering hope for the future. Its words have the power to transform hearts and minds as the Holy Spirit illuminates its truths. For anyone seeking to understand Christianity or deepen their relationship with Jesus, engaging with the Bible is essential. Don’t just read about it; read it for yourself. Ask God to speak to you through its pages. As you explore the Scriptures, you will encounter the wonderful person of Jesus Christ, the One who gives the Bible its ultimate meaning and power.

Thank you today for letting Olive Branch Publishing offer you insights that can help you grow as a new Christian in today’s world.