Why it is Imperative to Read Scripture
“I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name.” Ps. 138:2—NKJ
According to the Scriptures Christians are living in the “last days” (2 Tim. 3:1). Sadly, in this bleak American culture that was once greatly influenced by the words of God, is now having all identifiers of Him tragically removed. Truth as we know it, and as clearly presented in the Bible, is either being compromised, twisted, or denied altogether to accommodate the wickedness and perversity of this nation. Furthermore, most all genres of history are being rewritten, so that our children and our children’s children, are receiving a multiplicity of erroneous information. The altering of history will indeed have a tragic result, because those generations will not even know the historical truth, to which they are being defrauded. Additionally, Christians who linger as spectators of social media, specifically the news, are subjecting themselves to a repository of hatred, violence, and deception—unedifying to the Christian walk. So, how can Christians both endure and prosper in this nefarious and morally deteriorating society? Answer: by reading the only source of truth, the Bible, God’s Word–by feasting daily on the pure milk of the Word (1 Pet. 2:2). Reading and ruminating on Scripture is the remedy in this evil day. It is the balm that mollifies the pain and suffering and puts into perspective, the injustices the sinful world inflicts.
Unfortunately, there are many professing Christians who say, “I don’t have time to read the Bible.” This is a troubling and dangerous statement! C. H. Spurgeon known for his convicting words, said: “There is dust enough on some of your Bibles to write the word ‘damnation’ with your fingers.” 1 That said, it is difficult to believe the Holy Spirit would take up residence in the heart of a “new creation” in Christ [2 Cor. 5:17] and fail to implant a desire to know God through reading His Word. Rather, it seems likely to believe the indwelt Holy Spirit, would stir-up a believer’s desire to find time to readtheirBibles and implant a deep desire to know God’s “special” revelation. The Psalmist wrote: “Thy word is very pure, therefore Thy servant loves it.” (Ps. 119:140). “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” (Ps. 119:105). “Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.” (Ps. 119:11).
Additionally, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that we possess the eternal words of Jesus (in the Gospels), the greatest Teacher ever, our Savior: “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son.” (Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus Himself declared: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” (Matt. 24:35). Amazingly, in His high-priestly prayer, He prayed for all those who are His and implored His Father: “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.” (Jn. 17:17).
God speaks to us every time we read the Bible and when we read the Gospels, we are blessed by the very words of Jesus Christ. His words were recorded for us to meditate on; why would we choose to leave the Book closed when it represents the only source of truth and life (Jn. 14:6)? Moreover, God “chose” us before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4), yet some “choose” to neglect reading His Word—how irreverent and perilous! Reading and heeding God’s Word is indeed a vital discipline. For example, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to: “Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil…and [put on] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:11, 17). Without knowing the Word of God, there is no ability to “put on the full armor of God.” The Bible says: “All Scripture is given by 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.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
In closing, knowing God’s Word is commanded of us and knowing His Word also serves as a great comfort to us in dire times. Today, more than ever before we desperately need the comforting of the Bible! There is no greater Comforter than the Holy Spirit, who was sent when Jesus ascended to heaven: “But the Helper [Comforter], the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. (Jn. 14:26—brackets added). Amazingly, Jesus declared it would be to our advantage He went away and that the Comforter would come (Jn. 16:7)! Yes, these are dark days and they most likely will get much darker, but believers possess the indwelt Holy Spirit. He will provide comfort for those seeking consolation and instruction through God’s written Word: “And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. (1 Jn. 2:27—emphasis added).
1 C. H. Spurgeon, Exploring the Mind & Heart of the Prince of Preachers, Fox River Press, 2005, pg. 38