Now, this doesn’t mean Christians don’t struggle with temptations. It means they have been given the resources to live a life in which those temptations don’t dominate them. And as Christians spend time reading and enjoying God’s Word, He continues to transform their lives. The Bible is a book that not only instructs, but also empowers – it is life-giving and life-changing. Here’s how Paul put it in 1 Thessalonians 2:13:
“. . . when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”
But not only is God’s power available through the Bible; God’s presence can be experienced as well. It is hard for me to express what I mean here, but as Christians spend time reading the Bible or hearing it preached, God meets with them; they encounter Him. Sometimes it is by the portion of the Bible meeting a particular need – bringing peace, guidance, encouragement or rebuke. Other times it is through a revelation of God’s greatness and grace – the words aren’t just words – they are windows into the heart of God – His glory shines from them.
Let me relate some of John Bunyan’s story.
John Bunyan was a 17th century English Christian best known for his allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, but he also wrote an autobiographical work called Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. He relates how even from childhood he had “few equals” “for cursing, swearing, lying, and blaspheming the holy name of God.” As a young man, “with more greediness, according to the strength of nature, I did still let loose the reins of my lust, and delighted in all transgressions against the law of God: so that until I came to the state of marriage, I was the very ringleader of all the youth that kept me company, in all manner of vice and ungodliness.”
After marriage he tidied his life up quite a bit, “though as yet I was nothing but a poor painted hypocrite.” Sometime later, his life was dramatically changed through the gospel, and he eventually became a preacher and got thrown into prison because of that . . . for twelve years.
While in prison the Bible was his source of strength and joy.
He said, “Those scriptures that I saw nothing in before . . . shine upon me. Jesus Christ also was never more real and apparent than now; here I have seen and felt Him indeed.” This is not something unique to Bunyan.
Maybe you have read the Bible and just haven’t found it to be like that – you see no light, you taste no sweetness. But that is exactly what the Bible anticipates.
The Bible says, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
The Bible says the reason you can’t see or taste what the Christian sees and tastes is that you don’t have God’s Spirit. However, by looking at what the gospel has done in the lives of multitudes you should draw the conclusion there is something in this, and respond to the Bible’s command to repent. When you do, you will have the spiritual equipment to appreciate and enjoy God’s Word. You will know the Bible is from God, because as you read it, it brings you to God.
If you approach Scripture humbly and openly, you will get the message – God is speaking. Welcome it as God’s Word – it will change your life.
What to do
- Ask some Christians you know to tell you how the gospel changed their lives and how they have experienced God through the Bible.
- Be willing to read the Bible honestly and humbly, either on your own or with a Christian friend (perhaps start your study with one of the New Testament Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). Be open to the message.
