Why Study The Bible? – R. C. Sproul

Many truths are hidden in the pages of great books by great men and women who are dead and alive.

When I started reading Knowing Scripture by the late American theologian and Bible teacher R. C. Sproul, I was in a vehicle travelling. I was at the front seat of the vehicle I had boarded and there was a guy I did not know seating right behind me peeping into what I was reading. The contents of Chapter 1 caught his attention. He did not only request to snap a picture of the cover page but also few pages of Chapter 1 on the topic: Why Study The Bible?

This book is a great resource for every Christian. I love R. C.’s sermons and writings. He has a knack to bring down high theological truths for everyday people to understand. Although he had high level of theological education, yet he was gifted with the ability to communicate truths of the Bible for all to grasp.

The late J. I. Packer who forwarded the book wrote about Sproul that,

“Clarity, common sense, mastery of material and bubbling enthusiasm which turns the author from a good communicator into a superb one.”

Here are few lessons from Chapter 1 of the book

Myths About Reading and Studying the Bible

There are two common myths that people have entangled themselves with that’s why they don’t read and study the Bible.

According to Dr. Sproul, the first myth that hinders people from reading their Bible is that the it is difficult to understand. Sproul responds by saying that the Bible is not difficult to understand.

He noted that,

“If we can read the newspaper, we can read the Bible. In fact, I would venture to guess that more difficult words and concepts are expressed on the front page of the newspaper than on most pages of the Bible.”

Very true!

Secondly, Sproul turns his attention on the myth that the Bible is boring. Sproul responds by saying that,

“When people say the Bible is dull it makes me wonder why. Biblical characters are full of life. There is a unique quality of passion about them. Their lives reveal drama, pathos, lust, crime, devotion and every conceivable aspect of human existence.”

In a nutshell, the Bible makes us come alive.

He wraps this section up by explaining the clarity of Scripture (perspicuity). The concept simply says that the Bible is basically clear and lucid. “It is simple enough for any literate person to understand its basic message.”

This is a good book I will highly recommend for you to read. It offers such rich explanation to things that confuse a lot of people about the Bible. Biblical literacy requires that we read our Bible and other books that can help us grow spiritually.

Do you have any experience about these two myths? Share with us.

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