The Bible: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Good morning, Warriors! Today, we are diving deep into the vital practice of reading the Bible. The Bible is more than just a book; it is the living Word of God, inspired by His very breath, meant to guide us, teach us, and transform our lives. But for some, the Bible can seem intimidating—either due to its length, its language, or the complex nature of its contents. And for others, the Bible is questioned, with some even claiming that it is just a collection of made-up stories, myths, and legends.

But nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible is not just a spiritual book; it is a historically accurate account of real events, written by real people, and preserved through centuries with incredible accuracy. We can trust that the Bible is exactly what it claims to be: God’s revealed Word to humanity.

Today, I want to show you how to read the Bible in a way that will deepen your faith and strengthen your relationship with God. Using the acronym BASIC INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LEAVING EARTH, we will explore key principles that will help us approach the Bible with reverence, understanding, and application.

But before we dive into the practical steps of reading the Bible, let’s address a critical question: Is the Bible really true? Is it just a collection of myths or fables? Or is it, in fact, a trustworthy account of actual historical events?

The Bible: Not Just Made-Up Stories

There is a common claim that the Bible is a collection of myths and legends, stories passed down through generations, and altered over time. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Let me show you why the Bible, particularly the New Testament, is historically reliable and accurate.

1. Eyewitness Accounts: The Gospels Were Written by Those Who Walked with Christ

The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are not the product of hearsay or secondhand stories. They were written by individuals who were either eyewitnesses themselves or who recorded the testimonies of those who were. Matthew and John were both disciples of Jesus and walked with Him during His ministry. Mark, while not one of the twelve apostles, was a close associate of Peter, one of Jesus’ inner circle, and his Gospel reflects Peter’s firsthand testimony. Luke, a physician, conducted thorough research and interviews with people who had direct encounters with Jesus.

These books were written by men who lived alongside Jesus, observed His life, heard His teachings, and witnessed His death and resurrection. They recorded events with remarkable detail and consistency, which gives us confidence in their historical accuracy.

2. Early Manuscripts: Dating Back to the First Century

Another key point in proving the reliability of the Bible is the early dating of its manuscripts. The Gospels were not written hundreds of years after the events they describe, but within a generation—often within 30 to 60 years of the events themselves. The earliest manuscripts of the New Testament date as far back as the 1st century. For instance, fragments of the Gospel of John have been dated to around A.D. 125—just a few decades after it was written.

Furthermore, the vast number of early manuscripts we have—over 5,000 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament alone—demonstrates the accuracy with which the Bible has been preserved over time. These manuscripts were copied by hand, and while there may be minor variations in spelling or word order (which do not affect the overall message), there is no evidence to suggest that the core message of the Bible has been changed or altered.

3. Archaeological Evidence: Confirming Biblical Events

The Bible is consistently supported by archaeological discoveries. Cities, names, events, and places mentioned in the Bible have been confirmed through archaeological excavations. For example, the existence of cities like Nazareth and Capernaum, the Pool of Bethesda, and the exact location of the crucifixion—all these have been confirmed by archaeology. The biblical accounts of these places and events are not vague or mythical; they are deeply rooted in real history.

In fact, there is no archaeological evidence that contradicts the events described in Scripture. On the contrary, many archaeological finds continue to confirm the historical details described in the Bible.

4. Historical Consistency: Non-Christian Sources

What is also remarkable is that non-Christian sources from the time period affirm the events of the Bible. Historians like the Jewish historian Josephus and the Roman historian Tacitus, who were not followers of Christ, mention Jesus, His crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, and the early Christian movement. These external sources provide independent confirmation of the key historical facts described in the Gospels, further supporting the Bible’s credibility.

God’s Word: Not Up for Interpretation

It is important to remember that while we should approach the Bible with a humble and open heart, the Bible is not up for personal interpretation. God’s words are not malleable to fit our personal preferences or cultural trends. They are unchanging, eternal truths.

In today’s world, it is common for people to try to reinterpret the Bible to align with modern views on morality, sexuality, and other cultural issues. But the Bible’s message is clear and universal, and it applies to every human being at all times and in all cultures. God’s Word does not bend to the spirit of the age. It is timeless, and its truth stands firm. As Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

God’s Word is written for everyone to understand. While some parts of Scripture require study and prayerful reflection, the core truths of the Bible—about God, salvation, and how we should live—are clear, literal, and accessible. The Bible’s message is not hidden or vague; it is straightforward and meant to be applied to our lives today.

The Bible Answers Every Question in Life

Every question we face in life—about purpose, suffering, relationships, forgiveness, and hope—has an answer in God’s Word. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the tough questions. Whether we are struggling with personal sin, questioning the meaning of life, or facing trials, the Bible speaks directly into those situations. For example, the Bible offers clear guidance on how to:

• Find peace in the midst of anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7)

• Handle conflict and forgive others (Matthew 18:21-22)

• Live a life that honors God (Romans 12:1-2)

• Understand suffering and find hope in it (Romans 8:18-25)

In short, God’s Word provides answers to every question, both big and small. It is complete—nothing is left out, and nothing is irrelevant. No matter what you are facing today, God’s Word has something to say about it.

Conclusion

The Bible is not just a collection of myths or ancient fables. It is a historically accurate, trustworthy account of real events, written by those who witnessed them. The Gospels were written by those who walked with Jesus, and the early manuscripts confirm that the Bible has been preserved without change. The Bible’s accuracy is affirmed not only by archaeology but also by independent historical sources.

Furthermore, the Bible is not up for interpretation. It is God’s clear, unchanging Word for all people, in all times, and in all places. It answers the most profound questions of life and provides guidance for living in a way that honors God.

As we approach the Bible today, let us remember that it is not just a book to be read—it is the living Word of God, meant to transform us. Let us read it with reverence, knowing it is historically accurate and divinely inspired. Let us approach it with the confidence that it answers every question we face, and let us allow it to guide our lives.

May we be a people who not only read God’s Word but who live by it, trusting in its truth and power.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, which is true, trustworthy, and unchanging. We thank You that Your Word is not just a collection of ancient stories but a living, active guide for our lives today. Help us to approach the Bible with reverence and confidence, knowing that it contains the answers to every question we face. May we not only read Your Word but apply it, allowing it to transform our hearts and lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.