Every Book of the Bible

As Christians, we should always strive to be students of the Bible. This can either be in a formal way such as at Christ Seminary or in an informal way such as reading daily from the Word. Some combination of both informal, personal study and formal, academic study can broaden our understanding of the Word of the Lord.

In any case, we ought to make sure that our study of God’s Word takes us through the whole Bible, even the less popular and more difficult parts. There are many parts of the Scriptures that have been unjustly neglected by teachers, preachers, and students—the reason for which is always the neglectful sinner, not any deficiency in the text.

All Scripture matters because all of Scripture was designed to fit together into a single storyline, a single masterpiece. Each book of the Bible plays an essential role in the revelation of God through His redemptive plan, and particularly through revealing God’s intended Messiah. Without a grasp of the content of every single book, it is easy to miss the fabric of the story as it progresses from Old Testament to New.

The gospel accounts provide a helpful example of the importance of all Scripture. If you examine the first few chapters of each gospel account, you will find scattered Old Testament references that place the incarnation of Jesus within the plotline of the mighty acts of God. Where do you expect the bulk of these quotations and allusions to come from? More popular books such as Psalms? Maybe from the ‘major’ prophets?

Here is a list of references:

Matt: Is. 7:14, Micah 5:2/4, Hos. 11:1, Jer. 31:15

Mark: Mal. 3:1, Is. 40:3

Luke: Ex. 13:2/12, Lev. 12:8, Is. 40:3-4

John: Gen. 28:12, Ps. 69:9

This list shows that without a thorough knowledge of all of the sections of Scripture we would not be able to understand the significant themes of the Old Testament as it leads us to Jesus the Messiah! We may be most familiar with Psalms and Isaiah, but I sadly doubt that we have had proportional exposure to Micah, Hosea, and Malachi.

This ought not be—but thankfully you can correct this grievous situation. Study the Word broadly and deeply, then, covering each book of the Bible as if it contained the very wisdom of God that leads you to salvation—because it does (2 Tim. 3:15).

--Dean of Admissions