We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:19–21; NKJV)

For nearly 2000 years, the Bible has been a source of comfort, wisdom, and hope for Christians around the world. But the modern West has grown increasingly opposed to the Bible, seeing it as outdated and irrelevant for modern life. Is the Bible relevant? Does it have any value today? Let’s take a look.

The Bible is not like any other book. It is a collection of 66 books from 40 writers across three continents spanning roughly 2000 years. Its contents cover a range of genres, including historical narrative, law, poetry, prophecy, and wisdom. It has also played a major role in the development of Western civilization from the Roman era to the present day. For these reasons alone, the Bible has immense cultural, historical, and literary value.

The Bible makes some incredible claims. Most especially, it claims to be the inspired Word of God. This is a primary reason why people respond so strongly toward it. After all, if this claim is false, how can we trust it? And if it really is God’s inspired Word, how can we ignore it?

If the Bible is God’s Word, then it’s value is immeasurable. If true, then the Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to humankind. If true, this immediately debunks the claims of some who think God has not sufficiently revealed Himself.¹ It also immediately shows how much God truly cares about creation and humankind.

But by far the greatest value the Bible has for us is knowing God. God created us to live in ongoing relationship with Him. He carried out His plan of salvation to provide a way for us to have our sins forgiven and live in relationship with Him. We have a God who wants to know us and be known by us. We do not have to wonder if he loves us—the Bible is God’s record of all the times and ways He has told us and shown us of His great love for us. I look at the Bible as God’s love letter to humankind. If we want to know God, there is no better way than reading the love letter He has given us in His Word.² (Gen 3:8–9; 4:26; 5:24; 6:3; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9–10; Rev 21:3–4)

Reading the Bible has secondary benefits, too. These benefits flow from the heart of our loving God to us through His Word by reminding us Who He is and who He has made us to be.

The Bible gives us comfort in times of trouble. From an early age, we all face tough situations in our lives. Tough times can bring discouragement and despair. Such times are a part of life, but we do not need to live under the clouds of discouragement and despair. The Bible has many examples of others whom God carried through tough situations. These give us comfort for enduring hardship by reminding us that God is always with us, carrying us through the valleys of life. (Ps 23; 34:17–18; John 14:1–3; 2 Cor 1:3–4)

The Bible gives us wisdom for righteous living. God is righteous and holy. He cannot dwell with sin. He has provided a once-for-all sin covering by the blood of Christ. And the indwelling Holy Spirit brings us into relationship with God as His children. The Bible tells us how to live in ongoing relationship with Him and the Holy Spirit empowers us to do live that way. And though we continue to wrestle with our sinful nature, God provides forgiveness when we turn again to Him. (Hab 1:13; Rom 7–8; Gal 5; 1 John 1:8–10; 2:3–6)

The Bible gives us hope for the future. This world is a mixed experience. There are many beautiful things about the world, but it also contains much evil, injustice, pain, and suffering. Many see this as a reason to deny God. But God promises a better future, a new heaven and earth without any such experiences. All evil is a byproduct, directly or indirectly, of sin. But for those who trust in Jesus, God promises a beautiful, glorious eternity with Him. (Gen 3; John 3:16; Rom 8:19; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:3–4).

So, is the Bible still relevant? Does it have any value today? Yes, it is and does. Any honest person will readily admit the incredible and unique cultural, historical, and literary value of the Bible. But the greatest value the Bible has for us is knowing God. This is as true today as it was when each word was written. And the secondary benefits that come by reading it, including comfort, wisdom, and hope, are still available to us today, too. The Bible is still as relevant today as it has always been. It draws us near to God so we can be known by Him and know Him more.

Notes

1. In other words, the claim that God has not sufficiently revealed Himself rests on the assumption that the Bible is untrue. This shows that claim is presuppositional, not scientific. Further, that presupposition is inherently biased in its rejection of the Bible. When it comes to the inspiration of the Bible, there are no unbiased opinions.
2. I am not saying the Bible is the only way or the single best way to know God. It is one essential way. Prayer, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the testimony of other Christians are equally important. None of these ways are better than the others. They compliment each other and they are all essential.