In the church today, there are many different beliefs about the Bible. Some pick and choose the verses they consider applicable or beneficial to them. Verses are taken out of context while others are dismissed. There are others who do not consider God’s Word to be divinely inspired, but rather a sacred text written by men that is helpful.

For followers of Jesus, we should seek to imitate Him in every aspect of our lives. This includes how we view the Word of God. So, what did Jesus say about God’s Word? In John 17:17, Jesus refers to God’s Word as truth. 

In Matthew 5:18-19, Jesus says, “For truly I tell you until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” 

Jesus, however, did issue this warning to those who are tempted to add, subtract, or alter Scripture. Adding to God’s Word begins to portray a distorted picture of who God is. Subtracting from God’s Word perverts the message of God. 

It is, therefore, incredibly important then, to uphold all of God’s word as perfectly true and divinely inspired. Why? Because we are dependent on God’s special revelation, the Bible, to give us the perfect picture of God’s ultimate Revelation, Jesus. This is why the Word of God is so important in the life of a follower of Jesus. Without it, we would not be able to know God fully and rightly. 

At the same time, don’t be tempted to place God’s Word higher than relationship with Him. We do not worship Scripture, we worship Jesus!

Jesus had a high view of Scripture. So should we. The Bible is God’s gift – given so that we may know Him and make Him known.