The purpose of the Bible—What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible’s primary purpose is to reveal God, His character, and His desire for a relationship with humanity. The Old Testament shows God’s creation, His covenant with Israel, and points forward to Jesus Christ, while the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God’s promises, especially through Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Scripture serves as a lamp, guiding our choices, and a powerful tool for spiritual growth, teaching, correction, and defense against spiritual attacks. It also reveals the future return of Jesus and the hope of a new creation. Ultimately, the Bible invites us into a personal relationship with the living God who transforms our hearts and lives.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament tells us how God created the world, men and women (Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:27), and instituted relationships with people and with the nation of Israel (Genesis 12:2–3; Exodus 19:5–6). It shows His power, care, and forgiveness (Psalm 103:8; Exodus 34:6–7). It reveals the character of God (Exodus 34:6–7) and points to the ultimate sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:5; John 1:45).
• Throughout the Old Testament, we are given glimpses into the future—of when Jesus will return (Daniel 7:13–14) and of the new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65:17).
• "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word" (Psalm 119:9). This verse shows that God’s Word leads us to stay pure.
• "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). This psalm compares God’s Word to a lamp, lighting our path and helping us make wise choices.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament gives accounts of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection (Matthew 1:18–25; Mark 15:33–39; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–18).
• John tells us why he wrote his gospel: "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:30–31).
• The New Testament shows us the beginning of the church and the history of the early believers (Acts 2; Acts 9). It also gives us God-inspired letters from early leaders to the church that helped guide and teach them—and will help guide and teach us (Romans 1:1–7; 1 Corinthians 1:1–9; Hebrews 1:1–2).
• The New Testament also reveals the future return of Jesus (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11–16) and describes the new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1–4). The Bible gives us perspective on our life here on earth, and the life to come.
• The Bible gives us a powerful weapon against the attacks of our enemy. Jesus gave us that example when He was tempted and responded with Scripture each time (Matthew 4:1–11). Ephesians 6:17 says the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit and useful in standing against spiritual attack.
• Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of south and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." The Word of God exposes our true thoughts and intentions, guiding us toward truth and transformation. This shows that the Bible is meant to convict, teach, correct, and encourage us, helping us grow spiritually and align our lives with God’s will. It serves as a sharp instrument that cuts through pretense and self-deception, leading us into deeper understanding and authentic relationship with God.
• Paul wrote to Timothy, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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 many be competent, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:14–17). This is probably the most well-known, most concise explanation of the purpose of the Bible.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We can benefit from the counsel and the power of the Bible, but we must remember the primary purpose of the Bible is to reveal God, His character, and His desire to have a relationship with the people He created. Through its pages, we encounter the character of God in all His glory and learn about His unchanging attributes. The Bible reveals how God reaches out to humanity, inviting us into fellowship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. The story of redemption woven throughout Scripture is centered on God restoring broken relationships and drawing us close to Himself. When we engage with the Bible, we move beyond merely gaining knowledge or advice; we meet the living God who seeks to transform our hearts and lives through intimate connection with Him.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible’s main purpose is to reveal God’s character and His desire for a relationship with us.
• The Old Testament lays the foundation and is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus.
• Scripture guides, teaches, corrects, and equips believers, inviting us into a living, transformative relationship with God.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that the Bible’s main purpose is to reveal God’s character influence the way you read and apply Scripture?
• How have you experienced the Bible guiding or correcting you in your daily decisions and spiritual growth?
• How can you deepen your relationship with God by engaging with the Bible, not just as a book, but as God’s living Word?

ENGAGE

• What are the connections between the Old Testament’s foundation and the fulfillment of God’s promises in the New Testament?
• How does the Bible serve as both a guide and a weapon in your spiritual life, especially during times of struggle?
• How can understanding the Bible’s purpose, as a revelation of God’s desire for relationship, shape how we share it with others?