There are several reasons why we need to study the Bible. Perhaps the most important being that the religious world is completely divided, with some claiming that the Bible cannot be understood, some claiming that it is difficult to read, while still others claim that it requires a special interpreter to explain the Bible. All of these statements and any others that purport to undermine individual Bible study are false. The true facts are that we may all misunderstand the Bible but we cannot understand the Bible differently.

It never was God’s intention to provide man a means for his salvation by giving him a book that was either difficult or impossible to read or understand, or that would require someone else to interpret it for us. It never was God’s intention that we should rely on others for our salvation. Otherwise,why would God have sent Jesus to this earth to be the means of our salvation?

We are told in Philippians 2:12 "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Also, we are told to search the scriptures (Jn. 5:39) and to study the scriptures to be approved by God.(2 Tim. 2:`15). So we see and must conclude that understanding the scriptures is within the capability of everyone and that we will be judged by God’s word, not by the word of men. To place our confidence in another is foolhardy. No one but ourselves can save us.

The purpose of the Bible is to teach us. It is God’s method of instructing and teaching us about what we need to do if we have any hope or desire of an eternal life. It is therefore God’s intention that everyone should study it and arrive at an understanding of what is necessary to achieve this goal. A study of the Bible is essential for us to be approved of God. We are told ,for example, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth". (2 Tim. 2:15)

Unless we study to properly understand His will we cannot please Him. (Acts 26:16-18) Consequently, we should have no expectation that we will be saved. The Bible is honorable, useful and most of all necessary for man’s salvation.

Without a proper understanding then no man can come to God. We must study in order not to be ignorant of God’s will. In the final judgement ignorance will not be an excuse, any more than it is under civil law. We need to heed the words of Jesus who has told us that: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." (Jn. 6:44-45)

So we see that a study of God’s word is required if we expect to enter the Kingdom of God. The word is God’s power to draw us to Him. The Berean people are cited in the New Testament as an example of those who had the proper attitude and motivation to search the scriptures to see if the things they were being told were true. The writer of Acts tells us: "These men were more noble than those in Thessolonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11)

What remains for us then is to determine how to proceed to properly study the Bible. It is the purpose of this series of Lessons to set forth some basic principles and procedures required to achieve the most favorable results and benefits from a proper study of the Bible.    Top 

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Page last updated: March 03, 2003