Question 8: What is the Bible?

Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Listen: 2 Timothy 3

Question: What is the Bible?

Answer: The Bible is God’s inspired Word, revealing who he is and what he is doing in the world.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

This foundational text reveals the divine origin and practical purpose of Scripture. When Paul wrote this to Timothy, he was identifying the unique nature of these sacred writings. Unlike other religious or historical texts, Scripture came from God himself. These weren’t merely human writings about God but God’s own revelation to his people. The early church recognized these writings as authoritative because they carried God’s truth and power to transform lives through teaching, correction and training.

Today, this understanding of Scripture as God’s inspired Word transforms how we approach the Bible. It isn’t simply an ancient book of wisdom or a collection of religious writings—it is God’s living, active communication with us (Hebrews 4:12). When we read Scripture, we’re not just studying history or literature; we’re hearing God’s voice. This changes everything about how we approach the Bible—from our attitude in reading it to our commitment to following its teachings. Because all Scripture is God-breathed, every part has purpose and value for developing our faith and understanding who God is and what he is doing in the world.

TODAY: When you read the Bible, remember that it contains God’s words for you. Read 2 Timothy 3:10-17 slowly and carefully, asking God’s Spirit to help you understand and apply it. Consider starting a journal to record what God reveals to you through his Word. Ask God to help you not only take in information but also be transformed by the Word’s teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Read our We Believe section on the Bible HERE.