New: 11 July 2025
The Relevance &
Applicability of the Bible
Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.
Romans 15:4 NET
Understanding the origin (B1) and reliability (B2) of the Bible as God's Word shows that it can be trusted. The inspiration of the Bible speaks of God's communication through His Word, carefully preserved and transmitted for us. What was written is also relevant to and applicable for us. God spoke, God speaks and His Word matters.
Instruction, Encouragement & Hope
The Bible is instruction or teaching and inspires us to endure life and its hardships in a positive way and exemplary manner. The Scriptures also give us encouragement and comfort. And through instruction, endurance and encouragement we can have hope! And surely, living without hope is unbearable if not impossible. We all need hope! The Gospel is the promise of life and the hope of eternal life (see A3). The inspiring and encouraging real-life stories of biblical characters give us guidance and hope in life. The more famous Bible stories, like the young David defeating the giant Goliath, are often used as examples that inspire us to overcome impossible situations or overpowering enemies. We can gain instruction of how they did it, encouragement to endure and a hope that inspires us to aspire change or even greatness despite the present circumstances. This at once points to the relevance and applicability of Scripture. What was written is for our instruction, endurance and encouragement in order to have hope (Romans 15:4). What was written in the past is written for us!
The Word of God is relevant and applicable. The Bible is both a Book of doctrine (what we believe about God) and a Book of devotion (how we relate to God). It's important to understand what we believe and why (see Articles) and how we apply this in a devotional and practical manner (see Devotion). The Bible comes to us in a variety of ways, in different creative expressions of the revelation of God to humanity. The Psalms, for example, offer great encouragement and valuable insights of how to handle life in all its different circumstances and various challenges (see Encouragement). The Torah (Law) outlines God's moral standards in a clear way. The Ten Commandments address all key areas of human life: the sanctity of God and worship to God (Exodus 20:1-4), the sanctity of God's Name (v 7), the sanctity of work and rest (vv 8-11), the sanctity of parents (v 12), and, by extension, the family (cf., Ephesians 6:1-3); then there are the key aspects for society to work regarding the sanctity of life (Exodus 20:13), marriage (v 14), private possessions others have acquired (v 15), personhood and protection (v 16) and private possessions others own (v 17). Respect for God and respect for others are fundamental for peace and prosperity, expressed in the greatest commandments: to love God and to love people (Matthew 22:36-40) as the fulfilment of the Law (Romans 13:8-10) and the proper expression of responsible freedom (Galatians 5:13-14). The apostolic teaching's main aim is love with purity and sincerity (1 Timothy 1:5; read more). The Hebrew Prophets point God's people back to the words of God in Scripture and make us aware that choices have consequences. The Wisdom Literature expresses the Torah in practical wisdom for life and application, set in the context of a father teaching his children the ways of God, the heavenly Father (e.g., Proverbs 2:1-2; 3:1-2). The Bible is a beautiful Book!
The 'Instruction Manual'
By way of illustration, the Bible can be compared to an 'instruction manual.' An electronic device, for example, comes with an instruction manual: to instruct us how to use the device as intended by the manufacturer so that it best benefits the client. After all, who hasn't been frustrated by technology that didn't work? Instead of making life easier for us, it became worse! But perhaps it was because we didn't use the device properly. Many people treat life in this way: we live until things go wrong and then we turn to the Bible for instruction and wisdom. Why not do it right from the beginning? The problem is, most of us don't read the instruction manual, but press buttons until the device works—we do the same with life. Scripture encourages us to remember our Creator even in our youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1) and that all of us will be held accountable for how we live (v 14). Therefore, it is best to fear God and keep His commandments (v 13). The Bible is the 'instructional manual' for life—and eternity! His Word gives light and we see life in the proper light. We learn about God and who we are created in His image. We start to understand the world, even the evil that exists (see A10), we get to know the Meaning of Life (see A11) and learn to live in the newness of life (see A12).
Part of the biblical instruction is also warnings. As human beings we learn from both good and negative examples. Paul instructs believers from past history as written in Scripture, notably the wrong behaviour of God's people that brought about negative consequences (1 Corinthians 10:1-11). He is pointing out that these things happened 'as examples and were written down as warnings for us' (v 11) so that we should not set our hearts on evil things (v 6). We can learn from the sinful behaviour of others so that we won't imitate their negative example, but handle any temptation properly (vv 12-13). God is faithful and has a way out of temptations if we are faithful in our hearts towards Him. Paul used Adam and Even falling into temptation to want of false teachers deceive believers with false doctrine (2 Corinthians 11:1-15). Jesus pointed to the stories of Jonah and how Gentile peoples repented at his preaching, in view of Jesus' prophetic ministry to bring people back to God, yet some refused (Luke 11:29-30, 32) and how queen Sheba came to hear king Solomon's biblical wisdom (v 31). It is true that those who fail to learn from the past are prone to repeat its mistakes. The Law of the Lord is indeed prefect, delighting the hearts, enlightens us to learn wisdom and also warning us to keep God's commandments—there's great reward in keeping them (Psalm 19:7-11). We do the right things because it's right, but there is blessing in obedience which is beneficial for us. God's word cuts to the heart (Hebrews 4:12) and deals with hidden sins we are not even aware of (Psalm 19:12-13) so that the meditation (thoughts, reflections) of our hearts and the words of our mouths can be acceptable before God (v 14).
The entrance of Your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
... In Your light we see light.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
converting [restoring] the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure,
making the wise the simple.
Psalms 119:130; 36:9b; 19:7 NKJV
The Relevance of Scripture
God is light and there is no darkness in Him. Jesus is the Light of the world so that people don't need to remain in darkness. He transfers us from darkness to light. God's Word brings light and enlightens us. C.S. Lewis famously compared his faith in Christianity as seeing the sun: not only did he see it (the truth of Christ as he saw the light of the sun), but by it he saw all things properly. When we understand who Christ is, we start to see all things in the proper way. In His light we see light (Psalm 36:9). His word gives light (Psalm 119:130) as a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path (v 105). Walking in darkness is a metaphor for uncertainty and confusion and a life of sin, not seeing the path of righteousness and blessing we should walk on. Walking in the light is living according to God's word and will (Ephesians 5:8-17). With the Bible's main emphasis on love and truth and a life of love and in truth as God's children (Ephesians 4:29—5:1-2; John 8:31-36), who could possibly consider the Bible to be irrelevant? Surely, a life of love and truth are worthy aspiring. Or take forgiveness, as an other example. Forgiveness is required in a fallen world where we all make mistakes. Forgiveness restores relationships (see A7) and makes reconciliation possible (see A8). The alternative to forgiveness is bitterness, anger and resentment, none of which is a good way to live life. We are all in need of forgiveness, and need the power to forgive, as we all get hurt and hurt others. In a fallen world, only forgiveness makes love and peace possible. Hardly irrelevant! Scripture instructs us to forgive as we were forgiven and not to let the day end before we have forgiven (Ephesians 4:31-32). Thus we can walk in love and in the light of truth as children of God (5:1-17).
Scripture also explains the origins and the meaning of life, notably who we are created in His image (see A11), and has answers to an ever-present question of evil in this world (see A10). The Bible instructs us how to have hope in despair and live a life of faith over fear (D9) as an adventure (D8), how to handle hardships (D13), suffering (D14) and trials in life (D15), and how to overcome evil by doing good, rather than be overcome evil (Romans 12:9-21). The Word of God is the truth that sets us free (John 8:31-36), the power of God to save us (Romans 1:16-17), and the light of morality that guides us in a dark world of sin and suffering (Psalm 119:105). Scripture offers convincing answers to pressing questions (see Q&A). The history of Israel serves as instruction of how to live by God's Word and what happens if we fail to do so (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 1:1-13). Scripture tells us who God is and that He has good plans for us, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). The Bible outlines the Meta-Narrative of human history in view of God's salvation in Christ Tand the purpose of our existence (see Infographics). The heart of the Bible is the gospel of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Saviour of the world, by whose sacrificial death and redeeming love we can be forgiven and saved! The word of God is powerful; the word of God is beautiful; the word of God is revenant!
Yet some modern people think that the Bible is some archaic (ancient) book from a long-forgotten time and has nothing good or relevant to say to us today. Some see it as fairytales or made-up stories and sayings of a mystical figure that might not even have existed. Sometimes people reject the authority of the Bible based on a distorted view or caricature of it. But intelligent people should first seek to be properly informed before making judgment calls. This is especially true regarding a Book that claims divine inspiration and religious authority; a Book that has survived history under intense persecution and all kinds of circumstances; a Book that is the all-time bestseller and the most translated Book in history; and a Book and its faith for whom many have died and to which millions are devoted to. The Bible is not just any book or some common literature like many others. The Bible is God's Word, inspire by Him to reveal His being and will to humanity (see B1) and a reliable witness to God and His message of grace and truth (see B2). The Scriptures are God's revelation to humankind, not man's thoughts about God (philosophy). The truth of Scripture is relevant to us for it is God's eternal Word. His Word endures forever (1 Peter 1:23-25; Isaiah 40:6-8). Jesus' words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). His Word has stood the test of time and is relevant to other lives today, foremost for its moral values and ethical principles. The Bible can be trusted in application.
Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the flood came, and
the winds beat against that house,
but it did not collapse
because it had been founded on rock.
Matthew 7:24-25 NET
The Applicability of Scripture
The applicability of Scripture is first and foremost an acknowledgement that the Bible is God's inspired Word and that its eternal truth has relevance, authority and blessings for us today. As divine instruction, Scripture must be applied. Jesus promised that those who hear and apply His teaching will have stability in life no matter what happens—and we are wise to obey His Word (Matthew 7:24-25). Only doers of the Word will live in the truth and freedom of God's Word; being a hearer only is deception: we think of live according to God's Word because we heard it (or even believe it), but actually don't apply it (see James 1:22-27). It is like, in Jesus' illustration, building a house on sand (weak foundation) that will make the house collapse during a storm (Matthew 7:26-27). Both men in the parable built a house, both heard the teaching and both endured storms, but the different result (outcome) was because of obedience and disobedience respectively: one house stood, the other collapsed. Stability in life comes from living according to God's Word. The many winds of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14) and the doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1) can only be countered by the truth of God's Word; stability comes from obeying it. Only the trust sets free (John 8:31-36) and rejecting it makes us vulnerable to heresy and apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12).
The Bible both informs us and transforms us. It is not enough to know things, unless we also apply the word. Knowledge and obedience are two sides of the same coin. We allow the Word of God to inform us (about God, who we are created in His image, His will for our lives, etc) and to transform us by the renewing of our minds and hearts (Romans 12:1-2, see D11; Ephesians 4:23-24). We receive the word of God with humility and teachability as turn turn away from sin (James 1:21; see D10) and live a live of sanctification in obedience to God (James 1:22-27; see D12). And during times of persecution (D13), suffering and hardships (D14) and trials and tribulations (D15), we can depend on God and His word to get us through. Jesus resisted the devil during the temptation by relying on God's Word (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10), for human beings created in God's image by God can live by every word that proceeds from His mouth! God is always faithful to His Word! He is not a man that He should lie. You can trust God and His Word. As you trust God (Jeremiah 17:7-8) and reflect on and obey His Word (Psalm 1; see E6), you will be, figuratively speaking, like a tree planted by the waters (resources), bearing fruit (results) and able to live a life without fear. When we live by God's word, we experience the dynamics of 'faith over fear' (D9) and faith as an adventure (D8). We learn to live by God's moral values and ethical principles; we are empowered to live above the bondage of sin in the liberty of the children of God; we can truly become everything God wants us to be and destined us to do.
References
Bruce, F. The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? (Sixth Edition). Bath: Kingsley Books, 2018.
Geisler, Norman L. A Popular Survey of the Old Testament. Peabody, MA: 2003.
Gerhardsson, Birger. The Origins of the Gospel Tradition. London: SCM Press, 1979.
__________. The Reliability of the Gospel Tradition. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2001.
Metzger, Bruce M. Der Text des Neuen Testaments. Stuttgart: Kohlhammer, 1966.
Roberts, Mark D. Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Wheathon, IL: Crossway Books, 2007.