The Scriptures are that collection of sacred books generally known as the Holy Bible. It is the best selling book in the world. Portions of the Bible have been published in over 1000 languages and dialects. For centuries its enemies have tried to suppress, prohibit or destroy it. Thousands of Christians have died in its defense and are still being persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and killed for their beliefs in some countries today. Still the Word of God lives on. For those who love the Author of it’s contents, the LORD God, it continues to be a tower of strength and comfort even in the most adverse circumstances.

In its large sphere of influence, the Holy Bible has been described as “The Torch of Civilization.” Its teachings are in opposition to intolerance and selfishness. It promotes sympathy, liberty and good will toward all. Its moral principles have been incorporated in the laws of almost all civilized nations. Its moral influence has been recognized by many as the most beautiful philosophy in the world. 

But the Holy Bible is more than a book of philosophy and morality. It is the Book of Books for all Christians. It reveals the wondrous and harmonious plan of the Creator for the salvation and redemption of all mankind. The first three chapters of the Bible describe the creation of man, his fall from God’s favor due to his disobedience, and man’s condemnation to death. The last three chapters describe man’s restoration to God’s favor and the destruction of sin, suffering, and death. The first three chapters describe how, through Satan, sin, evil and death entered into the world; while the last three chapters reveal how Satan and all his works will be destroyed. The Bible reveals in Genesis how man was created perfect and given dominion over all the creatures of the earth and how, subsequently, because of sin, he lost his home in Eden and life itself. Revelation assures us that all that was lost will be restored to Adam and all mankind.

The Holy Bible continually points to one prominent figure: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (See Matthew 3:17; Luke1:32; John 3:16.) Jesus is spoken of under many names and titles. Some reveal that he came into the world primarily to be the Redeemer of mankind. (See Luke 19:10; John 3:17) Others reveal him to be the King and Ruler of all the redeemed that he purchased with his precious blood on Calvary’s Cross. (See Psalm 2:8; Daniel 7:13, 14; John 18:37.) The Old Testament prophets who wrote and spoke under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit prophesied the coming of a Messiah who would come to earth, being rejected and crucified by his own people. (See Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 9:6, 7; John 1:45; Luke 24:27.) The inspired writers of the New Testament confirmed that The Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, did indeed come to earth and was crucified as a ransom for all. (See Matthew 27:32-50; Mark 15:12-39; Luke 23:33-48; John 19:17-37; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.) They not only described his death but also explained the purpose of his death and the redemption that resulted from it. They point out that according to the Plan of God, his death was in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, confirming that Jesus arose from the dead and is now sitting on the right hand of God. (See Matthew 28:1-20; Luke 24:1-53; Mark 16:1-8; John 20:1-31; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Acts 2:24, 5:31; Philippians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3.)

The Holy Bible expounds upon teachings that cannot be found in any heathen religions. It shows that there will be a resurrection of the dead. (See John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15.) It shows that this resurrection is the only hope for man after death. The harmonious testimony of the Holy Bible teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ will return again to fulfill and complete God’s glorious Plan of Salvation (Acts 3:19-21). Those followers, during the Gospel Age in which we are now living, who have faithfully followed in his steps, will arise in the First Resurrection to live and reign with the Lord Jesus Christ during the coming 1000-year earthly Kingdom for which Jesus taught his disciples to pray. (See Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:6.) During this thousand years, there will be a resurrection of all mankind. The Holy Bible reveals that the dead will arise to live on the earth, and that they will be given the opportunity to live on a restored earth in perfection forever, if they are obedient to the righteous laws of the Kingdom (See Isaiah 11:1-10, 25:6-9, 65:17-25; Revelation 21:1-4.)

These prophecies assure us that we are now living near the dawn of that Millennial Age, when the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, will rule the earth with justice, restoring mankind to life and happiness and atonement (that is being united) with their Creator. It will be during that time that God’s will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven. It will be then that “the knowledge of the glory of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). This will be a grand and glorious time! It is truly a bright shining hope in these dark and uncertain days in which we live.

For more about this wonderful hope send for the booklet, “God’s Plan of the Ages” It is available free of charge from the address below:

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLING MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

32 Chapel Lane, Somersworth, NH 03878