Since we believe that the Bible is a special book, here’s the start of a new mini-series presenting different perspectives about it. What makes it so different from any other book, and why is it so important that we read it?

In the last week, legislation has been passed in the US state of Mississippi to make the Bible the official ‘state book’. Full news article here:

This has come with its unsurprising share of controversy and anger, as some religious groups claim that the Bible should not be valued any higher than any other religious text. But the fact is, the Bible does make a claim that it is different and special. The word ‘Holy’ often gets put in front – and ‘holy’ means ‘separate’ or ‘different’.

• Jesus is the ONLY way for mankind to be saved: “There is salvation in no-one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
• The Bible is the ONLY book that Jesus endorsed: “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God… have you not read…?” (Matthew 22:29,31) – in this one chapter, Jesus quotes from Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus and the Psalms.
• We are warned against adding ANYTHING to the the words recorded in the Bible, which includes counting any other book as equally holy. “I testify to anyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18)

The Bible is different and distinct, and the best way to see that is by reading it for yourself. Unfortunately, simply making it the state book doesn’t necessarily encourage more people to read what it actually says. Don’t take someone’s word for it, read it for yourself.

There is plenty of help available on this website to read it for yourself, such as:

Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Bible

Or look at our Read the Bible page on the website, where you’ll find help with regular reading and some links to online resources.

and watch out for future posts on this subject too.