The Book We Must Read And Master

The Holy Bible is a collection of sixty-six (66) books authored by God, using “men of God” (human authors) as the actual writers. The Bible tells us, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:21 KJV).

How do we know that only sixty-six (66) books are the books included in the Holy Bible? The process is called canonization of the books of the Bible. Meaning, these books passed through a standard called “Canon”. This canonization was done by a committee composed of highly unquestioned reputed men of God during the first century. What are these standards?

First, the book must have been written by the finger of God, like the TEN COMMANDMENTS. Second, that book must be written or authored by a man of God, like Moses. For example, the first five books of the Bible – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The Lord Jesus said, “For had ye believed Moses, you would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believed not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:46-47 KJV). Third, the book must be written or authored by an acclaimed prophet of God, like Isaiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Jeremiah up to Malachi. 

Then, we have the books authored by David “a man after God’s own heart” like most of the Psalms, and the books authored by King David’s son, Solomon, like Song of Solomon, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Solomon wrote his first book -- Song of Solomon, when he was young; his second book -- the Proverbs when he was middle age; his third book, Ecclesiastes when he was already old – 50 years old and above, when he had enough experience in life. For example he wrote, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Prov. 12:30). When one is wise like King Solomon, you know how to solve with wisdom any and all problems of life. You become prosperous materially and spiritually like Solomon. Of course, not really literally like King Solomon, for we are not kings who wield tremendous power and influence, but certainly to a certain degree, we will prosper economically. 

How many have we invited to FGBMFI and who became active members and are themselves inviting their relatives and friends? If we have not done so, we are not wise.

On to the books of the New Testament, such book to be included in the canon must be authored by an Apostle of Jesus Christ, like Matthew, John, Peter, or one very close to the Apostles, like Mark, Luke, whose writings relate to the teachings and activities of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, the gospels as written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Peter, James quote teachings of the Lord Jesus and relate stories on the ministerial activities of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thirteen of the Epistles to include Hebrews are authored by the Apostle Paul, a lawyer, member of the Jewish Supreme Court, and the most prolific writer among them all. The Revelation is authored by the Apostle John. The Lord Jesus himself said, “These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning me” (Luke 24:44 KJV; see also vs. 27).

The Bible is our “Manufacturer’s Manual”. To know how to operate wordly and spiritual things, we must know the Bible. If we do not know the manual, chances are that we will not know how to operate wordly and especially spiritual things or activities. We will be a dismal failure.

The Bible is absolutely inexhaustible source of wisdom and knowledge, in which we can constantly find treasures new and old (Matthew 13:52). This is the primordial reason why we must read and master the canonized Bible.

If we love beautiful poetry, and to know the future, read the Psalms and the Prophets. If we love philosophy, we will enjoy the book of Job. The Song of Solomon is a romantic book. It is an account between two lovers but spiritually speaking, between God/Jesus Christ and the believers. The future or prophecies as foretold in the books of Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation. The Bible is a fascinating and amazing stories of man and God. If we want to read about miraculous and supernatural happenings and events, past and future, read the Bible. It is the most wonderful book ever written – and the stories are true! It doesn’t tell lies. Every single passage is the truth of God!

And the most wonderful thing about the Bible is that through its life-giving words, especially those found in the four Gospels, we can personally know its divine author, who alone can guarantee life and love and happiness and Heaven forever through reading and believing these words of love from Him to us (John 20:31). 

We must read our Bible everyday. It is our spiritual food. “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). If we do not eat even for a day, we become physically weak. So also, if we fail to read the Word of God everyday, we become spiritually weak and vulnerable to the adversary’s attack who goes about like a “roaring lion”. More significantly, we will know that the ONLY way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6 KJV).