The Bible is the way that God chose to reveal Himself to mankind and at the same time, to reveal His plan for man’s redemption. We refer to this book as God’s Word because it is the vehicle through which God speaks to all of His followers. In the first of six articles on the development of the Bible, teacher and Bible commentator Nancy McGuirk reminds us that we can be confident of the fact that God continues to speak to us in Scripture. 

As Believers in the inspired, written Word of God, we now consider the Bible and its development in history. What makes this book so unique? Of course it is unique because it is the expression of God’s heart to mankind. But how do we know with certainty that the Bible is the Word of God?  

Apart from the fact that the Bible itself claims to be God’s Word, are there any substantive facts we can count on that would support this belief? Definitely! First, if this book is from God, we ought to find in its pages a reflection of God’s character. 

Further, its truths would be thoroughly reliable, everlasting and powerful, because God is true, everlasting and powerful. Let’s review both the external evidence to support the divine origin of Scripture, as well as the internal evidence that God gives those who believe in Him and His Word. 

We begin with the word “Bible” which comes from the Latin word “biblia.” Biblia simply means “books.” The Bible is a collection of books or a collection of stories of people’s experiences with God. The Bible is the way that God chose to reveal Himself to man and at the same time, to reveal His plan for man’s redemption. We refer to this book as God’s Word because it is the vehicle through which God speaks to all of His followers. We can be confident of the fact that God continues to speak to us in Scripture, regarding who He is and how we are to live our lives. 

Have you ever been a member of a book club? If so, then you know that whatever is a big seller this year will most likely not be at the top of the bestseller list next year. Yet all of us, as followers of Jesus Christ, are in a particular sense in a book club. Furthermore, we are studying the same book—the best selling book of all time—the living Word of God. The Bible has been read by more people and published in more languages than any other book in all of history. 

(See below for other related articles in this series.) 

Nancy McGuirk - Bible commentator, small group facilitator, and intercessor - is the founder and director of the Women's Community Bible Study International. Nancy ministers to thousands of people each week in person and through a video and audio tape ministry. The focus of her work is evangelism, discipleship and intercessory prayer. For more articles by Nancy McGuirk, go to her website at  Women’s Community Bible Study a Christianity.com ministry partner.

• A Bestseller for All Time
  Review with us some internal and external evidence that supports the divine origin of Scripture.
• God’s Word—the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever
  It is amazing to consider the fact that the Bible, written so long ago, is still relevant today.
• The Reliability of the Bible
  From Genesis to Revelation we note a persistent theme of God’s love and redemptive plan for man.
• The Bible is “God-Breathed”
  Read the five important questions that were asked before a book was included in the New Testament.
• Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
  Followers of the Lord Jesus Christ should remember that we walk by faith and not by sight.



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