The foundation of the Protestant Reformation laid upon the inerrancy and the divine inspiration of the Scriptures. Historian J.H. Merle D’Aubigne wrote, “If there is no Word of God in the world, there is no salvation,”[1] adding, “Without this holy, this living Biblicism, there cannot be a saving communication of eternal truth.”[2]

Christians are taught to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus explained that one must pick up one’s cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). In a similar verse, Jesus defined discipleship: “and whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

Using the Greatest Commandment as their guide, believers are called to live faithfully with their Lord and Savior. Of course, such a change in the flesh is only possible through God’s election and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.

Believers need and must grow in the Spirit and sanctification process. The Scriptures are to be revered and viewed as living communication with God. If a believer ever questions what God desires for them, they must turn to prayer and the Bible. Norvell Robertson wrote:

You can scarcely be placed in any condition in life, or be in any state of mind, but you      may find something in the Bible appropriate to your peculiar need; and if you will store       your mind with the rich treasures of the Divine word, you will have the needed supply at     hand.[3]

It is the Christian’s responsibility to study the Scriptures. While not every believer may be called to be an academic theologian, the church should instruct all Christians to study the Bible diligently. If allowed to assist the convert, the Bible will bear fruit and heavenly understanding.

Today, the Bible is still the number-one-selling book in the world. But how many people take advantage of the Scriptures, and the opportunity to own a Bible? During the Reformation, the average person could not hold a Bible. People gave their lives for the Scriptures. Sadly, today, punishment still exists in many parts of the world. Several hostile nations and governments forbid their citizens from owning a Bible.

D’Aubigne shared one story:

A pious woman having heard or read words directed against the Divine authority of the    Scriptures, laid both her hands immediately on the Bible, which was lying before her, and       cried aloud (I heard her), “This is my Bible!—this is my Bible!—my God has given it to       me!—no one shall take it from me!”[4]

The Bible's principal message is about salvation through Christ, from start to finish. In the Scriptures is the message of forgiveness, hope, and freedom from sin. If anyone so desires to know how and why to please their Creator, they will find the answers in the Bible.

We must not take for granted owning a Bible and remember those who do not have that luxury. And this alone should be a constant reminder of how Satan continuously attacks the church and attempts to restrict access to Jesus Christ. Christians must never take the Scriptures for granted and study the Word at every opportunity.

There is no other book outside of the Word of God that has made such an impact on humanity. The Bible can tame the soul, provide hope and clear paths of understanding, and help the reader grow in a personal relationship with their Creator. Studying the Bible is not optional but expected and is a sign of the regeneration of the soul. Christians must not be complacent; they must walk faithfully with their Savior. The title and mere definition of a Christian (follower of Christ) is simple, yet challenging for many to understand. The Bible lies at the core of this commitment and devotion to Christ. In order to be a disciple of Christ, one must understand one’s need for a Savior and the redemption of their Savior. May we praise God; we have the Scriptures for such understanding and instruction.

[1] J.H. Merle D’Aubigne, The Authority of God: Four Discourses, (Harrisonburg: Sprinkle Publications, 2008), 181.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Norvell Robertson, Handbook of Theology, (Harrisonburg: Sprinkle Publications, 1983), 75.

[4] D’Aubigne, The Authority of God: Four Discourses, 115.

 David T. Crum holds a Ph.D. in Historical Theology. He serves as an Assistant Professor of History and Dissertation Chair. His research interests include the history of warfare and Christianity. He and his family are members of Trinity Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Bedell, New Brunswick.  He is an individual member of the WRF.