There is No Book Like the Bible
Of all the books in the world--and there are many (cf. Eccl. 12:12)--there is no book like the Bible. To begin with, there are very few books that make the claim of divine inspiration. And, of those that do, none can compare with the Holy Scriptures.

Praise be to Almighty God for not only creating and sustaining us but for revealing Himself to us through the written word! He has not left us alone but has provided proper guidance and direction for our pilgrimage here. The Bible is not the product of men but deity. "Holy men of God spoke [and wrote - cf. I Cor. 2:13] as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Pet. 1:21). This explains why the Bible is inerrant; God is its author. We would expect a revelation from deity to be flawless. We would expect it to contain no contradictions. We would expect it to be historically accurate. We would expect its prophecies to be precisely fulfilled. We would expect all this and more, and the Bible faithfully delivers every time!

One amazing aspect of God's word is its permanence. Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 24:35 - "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." The apostle Peter spoke of the enduring nature of the Scriptures as well as their power to transform via the new birth - "Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because 'All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever'" (I Pet. 1:23-25). The Psalmist praised God's word above measure, noting it contains the power to change lives and instill wisdom - "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Psa. 19:7). II Timothy 3:16,17 declares - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (cf. II Pet. 1:3). The word of God is what humans need for spiritual maturity and guidance in every aspect of life. May we never diminish its proper role in our daily lives!

Let us close with a quote about the Bible that I've seen many times over the years, although I am unsure as to its author:

This old Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its histories are true, its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the sailor's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven is opened, and the gates of hell are disclosed. Christ is the subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be open at judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest of responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.

Friends, what more can I say? There is no book like the Bible; there is just no comparison!