Biblical Facts - What Is the Bible
What
Is the Bible
The
Bible is the central sacred text of Christianity and one of the most
influential books in human history. It is not a single book but a collection of
66 books (in most Protestant traditions) written by more than forty authors
over a span of roughly 1,500 years. These authors came from diverse
backgrounds—kings, prophets, poets, shepherds, doctors, fishermen, scholars,
and statesmen—yet their writings together form a unified message about God’s
relationship with humanity. The word “Bible” itself comes from the Greek word
biblia, meaning “books,” emphasizing that it is a library rather than a single
work.
At
its core, the Bible is understood by Christians to be inspired by God—a term
that means God guided the human authors so that their words communicate divine
truth. Because of this belief, the Bible is regarded not only as a historical
and literary collection but also as a spiritual authority that shapes belief,
worship, and daily life for millions of people.
The
Structure of the Bible
The
Bible is divided into two major sections: the Old Testament and the New
Testament.
1.
The Old Testament
The
Old Testament contains 39 books (in the Protestant arrangement). These books
include:
The
Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy), which introduces the creation of the
world, humanity’s early history, the calling of Abraham, the formation of
Israel, and God’s covenant with His people.
Historical
books (Joshua to Esther), which tell the story of Israel’s rise, struggles,
exiles, and restoration.
Poetry
and Wisdom Books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon), which
explore themes of suffering, worship, love, and practical wisdom.
Prophetic
books (Isaiah to Malachi), where prophets warn, encourage, correct, and offer
hope—particularly the hope of a coming Messiah.
The
Old Testament is sacred not only to Christians but also to Jewish tradition,
where it is known as the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh.
2.
The New Testament
The
New Testament contains 27 books, focusing on the life, teachings, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ and the growth of the early church.
It
includes:
The
Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), four complementary accounts of Jesus’ life
and message.
Acts
of the Apostles, a historical narrative of how Christianity spread after Jesus’
resurrection.
The
Epistles, letters written by early Christian leaders such as Paul, Peter,
James, and John, offering teachings, corrections, and encouragement to believers.
Revelation,
a prophetic and symbolic vision describing the ultimate victory of God and the
hope of a new creation.
Together,
the two testaments tell a continuous story of God’s plan for humanity—from
creation and fall to redemption and final restoration.
Themes
and Message of the Bible
Though
written across centuries by different authors, the Bible presents a unified
narrative. Some of its central themes include:
1.
God’s Nature and Character
The
Bible portrays God as Creator, holy, just, loving, and faithful. It reveals His
concern for humanity and His desire for a relationship with His people.
2.
Human Condition
The
Bible describes humans as created in God’s image yet separated from Him because
of sin. This separation sets the stage for the Bible’s message of redemption.
3.
Covenant and Promise
Throughout
Scripture, God makes covenants—solemn promises—with individuals like Noah,
Abraham, and David, and with the nation of Israel. These promises prepare the
way for the coming of Jesus Christ.
4.
Redemption Through Jesus
The
New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
His life and sacrifice are at the heart of the Christian message: through Him,
people can be forgiven, reconciled to God, and given eternal life.
5.
Hope and Restoration
From
Genesis to Revelation, the Bible speaks of hope—ultimately pointing toward a
new creation where suffering, evil, and death are no more.
How
the Bible Was Written and Preserved
The
Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Over the centuries,
it has been carefully copied, translated, and preserved by scholars and faith
communities. Today, it is available in thousands of languages, making it one of
the most accessible books in the world.
The
process of canonization—deciding which books belonged in the Bible—was gradual.
The books were recognized by early believers because of their historical
reliability, spiritual authority, and consistency with God’s revealed truth. By
the fourth century, the list of biblical books was widely accepted across
Christian communities.
The
Bible’s Influence
Beyond
its spiritual significance, the Bible has profoundly shaped literature, art,
music, law, ethics, and culture. Expressions, metaphors, and moral principles
from the Bible have entered everyday language. Its stories continue to inspire
countless works of literature and drama.
For
believers, however, its greatest influence lies in its spiritual power. It is
read for guidance, comfort, correction, worship, and understanding of God’s
will.
Conclusion
The
Bible is more than an ancient book; it is a living text that continues to speak
to individuals and communities across generations. It offers a sweeping
narrative of creation, human struggle, divine love, and ultimate hope. Whether
studied as history, literature, or sacred Scripture, the Bible remains one of
the most significant and transformative texts ever written.
