The Bible is one of the most interesting books in the world - and has been so, ever since it came into existence. Its survival is miraculous as many have attempted to ban it, burn it, or alter it. Since its creation, it was bound to always remain, since its Author is Divine, and He has promised to keep it forever.

Its Authorship

This book that is called the "Holy Bible" by many is actually a compilation of 66 smaller books, or letters. These separate sections were penned by 40 human authors who lived, many not knowing any of the others, over a period of about 1600 years. Moses (1500BC) and Job were the first writers, and the Apostle John was the last, who wrote Revelation around 96 AD. The Bible boldly declares, and this is stated by many of the writers (Ex. - David, in Psalm 12:6, 7; Peter in II Peter 1:21), that they knew that what they had written was given to them by God (II Timothy 3:16, 17 - written by Paul).

Its Theme

From the book of Genesis all the way to the last chapter of Revelation, there is but one theme - redemption. The Bible carefully and fully explains to us:

1. The perfect world God created (Genesis chaps. 1, 2) 2. How sin entered into the world by an outsider - Satan 3. The problems sin brought into the world - sorrow, sickness, and death 4. The solution to the problem of sin, by God's sending of a Savior (Genesis 3:15)

The Bible itself tells us that the whole message and purpose of it, is to show us all that God did in fulfilling His promise to Adam and Eve in providing a Savior for us. Revelation 19:10 puts it this way - "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy;" or, in plain English, the whole Bible that God gave us is all about Jesus, the Savior. He is the single theme woven throughout the entire Bible.

Its Unity

Although the Bible was written by so many and over such a wide time frame, its singular unity has no other explanation other than being Divine. All the authors each reveal a side of a multi-faceted gem - the theme of redemption. In Genesis is a tree of life revealed, and then man is forbidden to partake and removed from the Garden. In Revelation, at the end, the Tree is again seen - and redeemed man once again has access to it - because of Christ. In Genesis, the Messiah is promised, and the pictures of the Tabernacle and Temple further illustrate His Coming. In the Gospels, He that was promised comes, and fulfills that which God had promised - redemption from sin for those who believe. Finally, in Genesis a redemption from Satan's work and influence is promised, and in Revelation, that Kingdom is finally established, and righteousness reigns forever - as He said.

Its Divisions

There are two main divisions in the Bible - the Old and New Testaments. This is more easily put into perspective if it is remembered that the Old Testament was written prior to Christ's coming, and the New Testament afterwards.

Both Testaments are then divided further as follows

Old Testament (consisting of 39 books)

1. The Law - from Genesis to Deuteronomy (5 books) (also called the Pentateuch, written by Moses) 2. Historical Books - From Joshua to Nehemiah (12 books) 3. Poetical Books - From Job - Song of Solomon (5 books) 4. Major Prophets - From Isaiah to Daniel (5 books) 5. Minor Prophets - From Hosea to Malachi (12 books)

New Testament (consisting of 39 books)

1. Biographical - The Gospels (4 books) 2. Historical - Acts (1 book) 3. Instructional - The Letters - from Romans to Jude (21 books) 4. Prophetical - Revelation (1 book)

Its History

When the Bible was first penned, it was recorded in three languages - Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Each book, within a brief time period, was recognized by its peers (Israel, or the churches), to be the Word of God.

An official recognition of the 66 books of the Bible took place at the Council of Carthage in 397 AD. Here, the books were recognized officially as being the books of Divine origin, and separated them from those that were not so originated.

Other Interesting Facts:

1. Chapter and verse divisions added - 1205 by Stephen Langton 2. First Book printed on the new printing press - 1456 3. First translated into English by John Wycliffe - 1380's 4. Remains the world's best selling Book - today 5. Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls which verified the accurate preservation of the Bible - 1947 6. Miscellaneous a. There are 1,189 chapters, and 31,102 verses in the Bible b. Middle verse is Psalm 118:8. c. Favorite chapter - Psalm 23.

Future of the Bible

I believe we have seen a spiritual renewal in the United States in the latter part of the twentieth century. When it was not cool in the 70's and 80's to be a Christian, now it is considered cool. We can only hope that it will continue. However in the more recent years we have seen the arguments of the ten commandments being placed at court buildings across the nation, as well as the "In God we Trust” being taken off of our money. I heard a preacher say once; other countries were founded on people looking for gold while the United States was founded on people looking for God. I can only hope that America won't forget this, because a nation that forgets about God will be its demise.

Tell Your Friend