Just like tools we use in all other aspects of life, the Bible is a tool. A carpenter needs a hammer, a cook needs pans, a painter needs brushes, and a Christian needs a Bible. The carpenter, cook and painter need to know how to use the tools of their profession.
Likewise the Christian needs to know how to use the Bible.
The Psalmist recorded in Psalm 119:105,130 the following, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” If we will let the word of God light our path, we will find life easier to bear. Look about us at how those of the world spend their time worrying about tomorrow, looking for peace and never finding it, and many end up never truly being happy. The one who is wise enough to allow his path to be lit by the word of God will come to know true peace and happiness, and will not spend hours and days worrying about things.
The light of God’s word will bring one to salvation. It shows brightly upon the love God has for mankind (John 3:16).
It illuminates the Savior who came to give himself for man; “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father (John 10:17,18).”
It enables man to break the darkness of sin and worldliness and to see clearly the way to a better life. It tells of God’s plan for man’s redemption through Christ. The book of Acts tells how the people developed faith by God’s word (Rom. 10:17), they then repented of their sins, willing to confess the name of Christ as the Son of God and were immersed in water for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:22-47, 8:36-39). This great lamp shines on the path to be taken by the Christian. Paul wrote, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (Colossians 3:1-17).
This great light from God serves to show us how to please God. It shows us to study to develop faith (Rom. 10:17) to turn from our sins (Luke 13:3) to be willing to confess Jesus as the Son of God (Matt. 10:32, 33) to be baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38) and to live for God all our lives (Rev. 2:10b).
What a wonderful light this is from God, we all need to make use of this great tool, the Bible.