Is the Bible true? Is the Bible still relevant for our time?
Most people would agree that words such as “love your neighbour as yourself” and “be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other” are good guidelines to live by. But some other religions also teach the same things. So what does the Bible say that is so different, and can that help us with our lives today?
Is the Bible true, and is it still relevant today?
Our biggest problem as human beings is sin, and the Bible shows us the way to get rid of sin. It is our self-will, which goes against God’s will, that makes things so difficult. Think about the radical words Jesus said in Matthew 5:29 (GNT), “So if your right eye causes you to sin, take it out and throw it away! It is much better for you to lose a part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell.”
Jesus didn’t mean that people should harm themselves, but He wanted them to see how serious it is to sin. That was true in Jesus’ time and it is still true in our time where there is so much impurity everywhere. Our situations have changed, but our human nature is the same, and it is human nature the Bible can help us with.
The spirit of the times
Today, many sins have become acceptable and normal, like adultery, impurity, greed, selfishness. Think of all the impurity on television, in films and on the internet, and the pressure to become rich and great in this world!
Does anything good can come from following this “spirit of the times”, for me personally or for society as a whole? No, it is the opposite! How many families have suffered because of unfaithfulness here? Today people can even think it strange when you don’t give in to these temptations to impurity and selfishness that are clearly spoken against in the Bible!
The Bible tells us how we can get power to resist these temptations and become completely free and pure!
The life of Jesus
In the Bible we read about Jesus, who made it possible for us to live a life without sin. He “had to be made like them, fully human in every way.” And “he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin.” This we can read in Hebrews 2:17 (NLT) and in Hebrews 4:15 (CEV). He never sinned, even though He was tempted in every way as we are!
Jesus died as the spotless Lamb of God for the forgiveness of our sins, but that isn’t all He did for us. He also left footsteps that we should follow, as it reads in 1 Peter 2:21 (GNT), “It was to this that God called you, for Christ himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in his steps.”
Jesus Himself said in John 8:34-36, “Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin … [but] if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” And the apostle Paul tells us in Romans 6:12 (NCV), “So, do not let sin control your life here on earth so that you do what your sinful self wants to do.” Do you want this freedom or do you want to remain a slave to sin?
Read more here: Jesus: Pioneer, Forerunner
What will you choose?
Are you easily worried or afraid? Are you often getting angry or jealous? Do you constantly keep thinking of things someone said or did that hurt you? Do you struggle with impure thoughts? The Bible can help you become free so that life becomes light.
It is possible to change when you put your faith completely in God’s Word. You have to give up everything, your self-will, your own selfish plans - but you get everything in return. People that were always complaining become full of thankfulness. The person that doesn’t want to share becomes generous. The liar becomes honest and trustworthy.
Do you really want to overcome sin? And are you willing to give up everything to get it? Then choose to believe that the words written in the Bible are both true and relevant for you, and do what the Bible says - and it will change your life!