When reading and studying the Bible we must remember that what we are reading is not any ordinary book. We must remember that what we are reading is the Word of God, an extraordinary book. Unlike the writings of man, the Bible is perfect. Yes, the Bible was physically penned by men, but through the inspiration of the perfect God, not from the minds of an imperfect men. In 2nd Timothy 3:16-17 the Bible states, “(that) all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
In 1st Thessalonians 1:13 the apostle Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes, “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” The Christians at Thessalonica clearly recognized the difference between the word of God and the word of men as we should.
Realizing that the Bible is the word of God and not the word of men, we are called to read the Bible differently than we read any other book. For our spiritual well-being, we need to devote ourselves completely, both mentally and spiritually, when we are studying God’s word. We should not read the Bible with a careless attitude or heart, but with the seriousness the text demands. According to 2nd Timothy 3:15 the Holy Scriptures are able to make us “wise for salvation.” We are studying the book which shows us how to obtain salvation in the Lord and gives us the boldness to share God’s plan of salvation with others.