Bible: Purpose, Design, Overview

Purpose - To guide and save mankind, to bring man back to God. The bible is an ancient holy book, which is both our holy guide, and our hope in this dark world. It is the only book on earth which can promise salvation (eternal life) to the people. It was written by the hand of the one and only true God (YaHVeH), through holy men in olden times. | 2Ti 3:16,17 KJV - All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. | 2Pe 1:20 KJV - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. | Scripture must interpret itself in; verse, context, culture, idiom, etc. Not to be guessed, but studied. | 2Pe 1:21 KJV - For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. | Gal 1:11,12 KJV - But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. | Excepting minor errors (translation, alteration), the bible still stands strong and true.

Design - Literal and figurative. The bible is written in both figurative and literal languages, depending on given context. It is by far not an easy book to read, and therefore requires careful study to learn. | 2Ti 2:15,16 KJV - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. | Study means, careful research in the word, or through wise bible works. Also may involve translation aspects; Hebrew, Greek. | 2Ti 2:16 KJV - But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. | Referring to private interpretation, which distorts Gods message (common). It is not of man's mental design, but rather inspired from God, for believers only. It was not written for the non-believer, but to believers in various cultures (old, new). To the non-believer it is total nonsense, as it's context is often perplexing. | 1Cr 2:14 KJV - But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. | Even believers don't understand many things in the bible, as proven by the many different church denominations present today. Or the hoard of theologians always trying to decipher the book. | 2Pe 3:16 KJV - As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. | They become confused by the word, and fall into self condemnation (common). | 1Jo 3:20 KJV - For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. | 1Jo 3:21 KJV - Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God. | From the context, these verses imply guilt, innocent aspect, in our minds.

How should we study scripture?

Keys to Research: The Word of God interprets itself. To understand God's Word certain keys to research must be understood and applied when working the Word to avoid private interpretation and maintain the integrity of the original text. The following linked studies are provided to outline some of the simple keys to understanding God's Word. | The Authorized King James Version | The Scope of God's Word | The Context of God's Word | In The Verse | Figures of Speech | Orientalisms | The Giver and the gift |

Overview - Many folks take the bible too literally, when it is in fact highly figurative. Others take it much too figuratively, missing the literal aspects. Both which cause nothing but confusion, when trying to understand Gods message of hope. First off, not all parts of the bible are written directly to all mankind. Rather the bible is divided by cultures and dispensations. There are 4 main sections (Old testament, Gospels, Epistles, Revelation), each directed towards it's particular group, but with some overlap.  | Rom 15:4 KJV - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

The first (Old testament - after flood era) deals with the Jews and gentiles and the law, and includes the 'Gospel' period, up to crucifixion hour. That single event marked the end of the age of the law (of righteousness salvation), plus broke down the barrier between God and man. However the day of Pentecost (2 weeks post death) began the known church age (Epistles) to the people. An age which ends at the rapture event. Followed immediately by the rise of Antichrist (beast, 8th king, etc), the hour of terrible trial, and Gods day of wrath (Revelation). During that 7 year period, salvation will be hard and costly, but will include many martyrs (tribulation saints). During this time the remaining Jews finally believe God, and are taken out of the world picture (raptured?), and the 'beast' kingdom destroyed. That age ends with the full bodily return of Christ, to establish his millennium kingdom age (Bride of Christ era), followed by the battle of Armageddon (good vs. evil.. good wins). The final age will be the new heaven and earth era, which will be spiritual and eternal. Nothing at all like our present material and mortal world. There are 2 distinct realms; material, spiritual. We dwell in the former. God, Jesus, and the heavenly host (angels) dwell in the latter (including Satan, and his angels).

Anyway, the bible only gives a glimpse of such things, and mostly in visionary format. The revelation being very symbolic, is one of the most misunderstood books in the bible. As we only can see it's evidence in vague form. Satan building his game plan. The book will only be fully understood, after the prophesies within have actually begun. That's how prophecy works.

Today is also the age of Gods grace, where salvation is given us freely by God, through simple faith (not by works). During this time there is no spiritual segregation between cultures or such (Jews vs. Gentiles). All whom believe today, are members of the body of Christ (holy church). Jesus was our sin sacrifice, as the sinless lamb. In innocence he paid the price for our sin nature, caused by the original fall of man (Eden). The moment we believe, we are saved. Born of the spirit of God (born again, with spiritual 'seed' from God). That is the primary key to Christianity. We can't see (5 senses) the spirit in us, but it changes us inside. We become a new creation in Christ, and therefore should manifest it. Afterwards our prime purpose in life is no longer for serving the world, but rather by serving God. Living sinless lives, spreading the Gospel where we can. At least that's what we endeavor to do, but most can't abide Gods wishes. Instead we get lost in self condemnation, and thus lose site of our hope. God however does not expect us to walk perfect in this corrupt form, just to endeavor to be our best. Taking off the old rags, and sporting the new attire.

But at the rapture, those in Christ (born again ones) are fully changed (instantly), made perfect in all points. Immortal and incorruptible body, with full knowledge of God. Which also ends their (Christians) sojourn on earth as part of the human race. Their new future is forever with Christ (as spiritual, not material beings), wherever he goes (heaven, earth, etc). The bible tells the tale, if one studies it with a wise heart and mind.

Anyway, we didn't ask to be born, nor to die - 'All that lives is born to die'. We had/have no option over either. We can't control fate in that way. However we do have a choice when it comes to salvation, or NOT. Those that choose the latter face Gods final judgment call, and those not written in the book of life (only God knows) perish (lake of fire). First 'material' death is temporary (oblivion), second 'spiritual' death is permanent (non existence, annihilation). God is just and very forgiving, but isn't into torture (as many think). The latter is Satan's game, but he has long lost the battle. He was defeated at the resurrection of Christ. For now, he's throwing his last irons into the fire, and they are going to be blazing in the end of his reign on earth. As with all the wicked, he will be destroyed.

You either believe Gods word or NOT. It is entirely by faith, as with any religion.