No, we don't. I phrased the question to attract readers. I often face arguments by certain religious people that I over-emphasize the Bible - almost elevating it to a status next of God. I'm afraid that's what I do. Because the Word says of itself, (emphasis added)
John 1:1,14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 15:3
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
II Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Of course, the Book containing the verses is certainly nothing more than any other book. But the words in that blessed Book, is certainly nothing short of divine!
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Adam and Eve knew God and never opened a Bible. Neither did Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph nor Melchizedek!
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, Enoch walked with God and did not see death. Did he have a Bible we don't know about?
Studying the Bible is a good start, but it is not the point or the goal. It's meant to point us to Him but it is not a substitute for Him. Loving the Bible is NOT loving God. Knowing your Bible is NOT knowing God. God and the Bible are NOT interchangeable!
Worshiping and adoring the Bible as much as you do God is no less idolatrous than loving church as much as you do God.
Religious symbols and words are types and shadows of His glory and His Personhood.
The goal is to KNOW God for yourself and for Him to know you. Reading scripture helps us know ABOUT Him but only walking with Him and intimacy with Him makes us come to know know HIM.