God gave humankind the Bible to lead us to the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. In other words, the Bible is a guide that leads us to the heavenly realm.
We cannot see the stars in the universe with our naked eyes, nor can we see microbes (i.e. germs and viruses) on our hands even though they are very close to us. Although we cannot see these things, we do not insist that they do not exist. We can confirm the existence of stars through a telescope, and prove that microbes exist through a microscope. We need tools to discover things invisible to our eyes. Likewise, the Bible serves as our spiritual telescope and microscope that reveals the invisible world. What is the purpose of the Bible, and what should human beings know through the Bible?
The Purpose of the Bible: Part I Eternal Life and the Salvation of Humankind
Those who do not believe in God try to read the Bible to satisfy their intellectual curiosity or gain wisdom and instruction for their daily life. Even Christians who claim to believe in the Bible often read it without knowing its main purpose.
What is the purpose of the Bible? Two thousand years ago, Jesus came to this earth and answered this question.
“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, . . .” Jn 5:39
It is very difficult for people to live a long life on this earth. Everyone born in this world has to face death; however, in the Kingdom of Heaven, there is no death (Rev 21:4). In order for a person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, they must receive eternal life.
[T]he holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Ti 3:15–17
The Bible is the book that contains God’s teachings for salvation. He gave the Bible to people to save them; therefore, those who realize and obey all of His teachings will gain wisdom for salvation and receive eternal life. The Bible not only gives us knowledge about the Savior and the truth, but it also has many lessons on correct deeds and having a good character that changes us to resemble God. God’s love makes His people perfect so that they may reign in the Kingdom of Heaven forever and ever (Rev 22:5). Throughout the Bible, we can see God’s love for us.
The Purpose of the Bible: Part II Testifies About the Savior
Mentioning that we can have eternal life through the Bible, Jesus said that the Bible testifies that He is the Savior. Let us see this again in the book of John.
“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, . . .” Jn 5:39
The purpose of the Bible is to testify about God who came in the flesh to save humankind from sin and death. The Bible is the only guide humankind can use to know who the true Savior is and receive salvation.
[T]he mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints . . . this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col 1:26–27
[T]hey may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col 2:2–3
“Christ” means God who comes in the flesh to save mankind. To realize Christ is the mystery of God, and in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The Bible holds the deepest secrets and the most precious treasures. Those who fully believe that the Bible is the word of God and study it with an earnest heart will find Christ, the treasure hidden for ages and generations, and receive eternal life and salvation.