Theology 4: People of the Book

People of the Book

Psalm 1, “Blessed are those whose delight is in the Word of the Lord, who meditate on his Word day and night. 2 Timothy 3:16a, “All Scripture is God-breathed.”

For the next few devotions, I will discuss a fundamental teaching of the Christian church: God’s Word. I will present the historical, Christian attitude.

Christians have always been “people of the book.” Moses wrote the Pentateuch. David composed Psalms. Baruch transcribed Jeremiah’s prophesies. Ezra ‘probably’ compiled what we call the Old Testament. The apostles wrote or helped write the Gospels: Jesus’ words and actions. Paul, Peter, and co. penned letters. These books form the central part of theology, worship, and life. Christians have always held these to be God’s inspired, holy Word. (More on that in a later devotion!)

Why? Why hold books and letters in such high regard? “Blessed are those whose delight in the Word of God.” Christians read God’s Word to hear the story of Jesus. These books and letters prophesy God’s salvation through Jesus, narrate the history of Israel as God prepares to send his Son, tell of Jesus’ life and death, comfort with God’s promises, and instruct how Christians can live for God and walk in his way. They’re not just human books and letters, but the God-breathed, holy, reliable, and inspired Word of God (more on that later!).

Blessed are those who read them and listen. There, and only there, do we find forgiveness, life, and salvation.