The most important book I have read is the Bible. The next most important books I have read are the ones that have helped me read and understand the Bible better.
What the Bible says about the Bible. We first have to realize what the Bible says about itself. It may surprise you how much you learn about the Bible reading the Bible. What does it say? Simply, that it is the Word of God and that its point is to make us more godly.
“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 may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 [ESV])
“For [the words of this law] is no empty word for you, but your very life…” (Deuteronomy 32:47)
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes…” (Psalm 119:7-8)
“Thus says the Lord…” This phrase is all over the Old Testament- literally hundreds of times. Add to it similar phrases like “Then God said…” and you quickly get into the thousands. The writers of the Bible were convinced they were writing down the words of God.
Read also, Isaiah 55:9-11, Ezekiel 36:22-36, 2 Timothy 3:10-4:5, 2 Peter 1:21. The Bible repeatedly refers to itself as the Word of God, and teaches that it provides life to those who submit to God by obeying His Word.
The Chicago Statements on Biblical Inerrancy and Biblical Hermeneutics. Okay, not a book, but very helpful. These statements were written in 1978 during what has been called “The Battle for the Bible” in several American Christian denominations. These statements are so helpful to summarize the Bible’s teaching about itself, clarify and solidify confidence in God’s Word, and give guidelines on how are are to interpret God’s Word.
“Living by the Book” by Hendricks and Hendricks. This book is a “How To” book on reading the Bible. It will walk you through very practical things to do at the end of the chapters to get you into the Bible to learn to read and apply it for yourself. You could even use this book and doing the exercises as your “quiet time” for a few weeks since it will regularly have you in the Bible. I highly recommend it.
“A Peculiar Glory” by John Piper. This book will walk you through a view of the Bible that beholds the glory of God through His glorious Word. Parts of it will feel like a class you would get in seminary (Piper is a former seminary professor and started a seminary), but more importantly it will give you confidence to see what the Bible is and therefore confidence to see God through it.
“40 Questions about Interpreting the Bible” by Robert L. Plummer. This is a great book to have on the shelf and peruse the questions that you have about the Bible. Each chapter answers one question and stands alone allowing you to glean value from it even if you don’t sit down and read the entire book. Pull it off the shelf every once in a while, read through the table of contents, and read through a few chapters that pique your interest before putting it back on the shelf.
A Word on Study Bibles. Having a good study Bible on the shelf can be very helpful. It is important to realize however, that a study Bible is a book about the Bible that happens to have the words of the Bible included with it. I recommend keeping the study Bible on the shelf and referencing it when you have specific questions and/or want to check your understanding. For your regular Bible reading, get a copy of God’s Word that has minimal distractions (other people’s words) in it.
As I began this article, the most important book that has shaped me is the Bible. The next category of reading that has shaped me are things that have helped me read and understand the Bible better. I encourage you to pursue a similar journey.
I love you guys,
Brian O’Day
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