Book of Books
The Bible is the greatest book in the world and history, also known as the Holy Bible. Holy means separate or distinct from another, and Bible is a historical Greek word biblos that means book. Therefore, the Bible is one entirely separate and distinct book than any other. The Bible is God's way to reveal to humanity in written form of who he is. The Bible is more like a library collection of 66 books or letters recorded over a period of time before and after Jesus' death and resurrection. The Bible can also be referred to in various contexts by scriptures, law or God's word.
Book of Promises
The Bible has two major sections called the Old and New Testament, and testament means promise, covenant or one's expressed desire. The Old Testament records God's promise of Jesus and the New Testament records God's promise of Jesus fulfilled. The Old Testament contains 39 books and the New Testament contains 27 books, which make a complete collection of God's revealed and inspired word to the world for anyone to trust him.
The Old Testament primarily records the life and events of the family Jesus would be born out of -- Israel. The New Testament records Jesus' words and works. God used specific people to promise the world of his plans. He used prophets in the Old Testament and apostles in the New Testament, inspiring them to speak in real life while also writing or recording the words into print for any future reading and reminding.
Book of Broken People
The Bible is God's book that reveals the raw truth about life, history, and humanity. God does not hide the flaws of humanity, rather, he deals with it and us. God's book, the Bible, is an incredibly honest book, and He uses it to impress upon humanity of what life looks like without Him -- broken. From the first book Genesis to the last book of Revelation, imperfection exists among the human race.
This is why Jesus stands out among them all, as the only perfect one who was then sent to being a living sacrifice on humanity's behalf. By this, he took upon himself the sin and brokenness of the world. Because of this, anyone trusting him learns that they are a broken sinner beloved by him. God then works through this humility that receives him like good soil receives and allows for a seed to grow and multiply similar seeds. Jesus' first followers (disciples) exemplified just that, a humility of broken sinners trusting Him until death, knowing they live on with Him forever.
Book of Inspiration
God even inspires certain men to be pastors among the church that act like a shepherd, skilled in using the Bible as God's word to protect, prepare and promise people about God and life. Paul says in the Bible's New Testament that God inspired all scriptures to affect men to love his church:
All Scripture is breathed out [inspired] 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)
God is the one who planned and produced the Bible.
Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20–21 ESV)
Jesus knew, affirmed, taught and fulfilled the Old Testament scriptures. He said:
But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. (Matthew 26:56 ESV)
Book of Love
God's word is meant to be learned so that our hearts, minds and lives trust him. His word helps clarify a confusing world and our easily confused minds. He ultimately transforms us to love him and others as we trust him.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1–2 ESV)
The results of being transformed and renewed look like this:
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9–21 ESV)
Book of Good News
Reading, studying, remembering, preaching and teaching God's word is never to be mechanical or robotic. God's aim for us is not self-reliance or self-righteousness, but rather, love to him and others. And so, throughout all the stories of the Bible's 66 books is one main story of God loving and saving the world through the gospel of Christ Jesus.
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