Is the Bible still relevant today?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible is God's written revelation to humanity. This revelation allows us to understand how to have a relationship with God. The Bible’s teachings provide timeless truths with guidance, hope, and insight into the human condition. Since the Bible is a living document (Hebrews 4:12), readers can learn more every time they study it.

The Bible is the foundation for Christian faith. It tells us about God, who never changes. From the first verse in Genesis to the last verse in Revelation, God reveals to us what He is like and what He has done for us because of His love.

The Bible also tells us about Jesus Christ, who came from Heaven to save us from our sins and give us hope and new life. The beginning of the faith journey starts with asking Him to come into your life. As Hebrews notes, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Bible guides readers in wisdom, knowledge, and truth: "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Scripture provides wisdom we can use in all situations: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• The Bible is as relevant today as when it was first written. Though it wasn’t written to us, it was written for us: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
• Christ never changes, so His word is relevant to us though it was penned thousands of years ago: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Even though the Bible speaks of people and events from long ago, it is not outdated. We may know more than people who lived thousands of years ago, but our hearts are still the same. Just as those in biblical times needed God, so do we today. The Bible tells us about human nature, which does not change. The Bible is trustworthy and provides godly wisdom (Psalm 19:7).

Scripture will never be irrelevant because it addresses the universal needs of all people—to know God, to experience forgiveness, to know how the Lord would have us to live, and what our hope is for the future. Times may change, but God's Word does not. In it we find timeless principles that guide our lives today.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible addresses universal truths about human nature.
• Scripture remains relevant because it is God’s revelation to humankind, and all people at all times have needed God.
• The hope Christ gives humankind makes the Bible relevant for all times.

REFLECT

• How has the Bible impacted your relationship with God?
• What Bible passages do you find especially relevant to your life?
• While reading Scripture, do you regularly reflect on its significance to your life?

ENGAGE

• How can we defend the Bible against charges from unbelievers that it is outdated?
• What connections can we bring to others’ attention about the Bible’s truths and today’s world?
• How can others’ worry about the future be a door to discussing the relevance of Scripture?