Discover the unique difference between the Holy Bible and other books. Learn why the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is more than literature.
📖 The Holy Bible Blog Series
If you miss Episode 1: What Is the Holy Bible? on the Holy Bible series, here is it;
The Holy Bible and the Other Books: A Clear Distinction
As Christians, the Word of God is our standard for life. Many do not know the difference between the Bible and other books – between the Bible and chemistry or literature. We often treat it like any other book, believing we must just read it.
The Holy Bible is not just a history book. It is not merely a poetic or ancient book. While it can be studied and utilized like other books in schools, colleges and institutions, one thing remains certain – the Holy Bible is different and unique.
Schools, colleges, and technical institutions are designed for the molding of the mind – the development of intellectual capacity – and the Bible, like other books, can be used to accomplish this purpose.
Other books, which are familiar to us, serve to inform and educate. They contribute to the development of the mind and intellect. However, the Bible is not just another book we read to keep ourselves busy. The Bible possesses a unique nature that sets it apart from all other books.
The other books used for intellectual growth – such as chemistry, literature, biology, medical texts, and inspirational writings – can inform, but only the Holy Bible can transform.
When the Bible is viewed merely as text, it appears like any other book that can be purchased in bookstores. Yet, beyond its written words lies a divine nature that makes it holy.
Literature is the letter; some say it is Scripture. The question now is; “What makes the Holy Bible unique?”
The Uniqueness of the Holy Bible
One fact that makes the Word of God so unique and special than other books is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Scripture can be just a letter if it is not inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible itself is the letter inspired by the Spirit of God. When you are reading the Bible, you are reading the Holy Spirit.
All the knowledge we have has come through the senses, and you will agree that there is nothing creative in the senses – that is, there is nothing original.
The senses deal with the letter. For example, if you take the Bible because of your knowledge of the senses – being well educated – and you read it, there is nothing original in reading the Bible without the help of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing original in the letter. The Bible, without the help of the Holy Spirit, is merely a letter.
Just as the Lord breathed His Spirit into certain men, so He breathed His Spirit into certain books.
2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)
“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
What are you reading? Which one is your Bible – the Bible you consider as a mere letter or the one inspired by the Spirit? That is the question you need to ask yourself.
The Holy Bible and the Other Books: A Clear Reading Pattern
The Demand for a Free Spirit
Here is a clear reading pattern that sets the Holy Bible apart from other books. The Bible is not like any other book; it demands the right state of heart before reading.
The Holy Bible must be approached differently from other books – it’s not just something to read with your intellect, like literature, history, or science.
Other books may not demand the right state of heart. You may be disturbed, crying, holding offence, or filled with unforgiveness and still read those books. But the Bible is Scripture – inspired by the Spirit – and it demands the right state of heart.
You cannot hold grudges, pick up the Bible, and expect to hear from God. When your heart is disturbed and you read the Bible, you cannot hear from God. It is not possible.
James 1:21–22 (NIV)
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Reading with The Teacher
John 14:26 (NIV)
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Another clear reading pattern that sets the Holy Bible apart from other books is the uncompromising and inescapable requirement of reading with the presence of the One who authored the Bible.
Other books can be picked up and read without the author being present, and understanding and intellectual growth can still be achieved. Many of the authors lived centuries ago, so their presence while reading is impossible. Yet the Holy Bible is the Living Book because the Holy Spirit, who authored it (2 Peter 1:21), is alive and active today.
Nowadays, we read the Bible without giving due regard or attention to the Spirit of God. We fail to place Him where He rightly belongs, not realizing how important He is to us and to God.
The Holy Spirit is the most sensitive of beings and is easily hurt by lack of attention and regard. Before reading the Bible, we need to seek the attention of the Holy Spirit because the Bible is the tool in His hands. The Word of God itself is a weapon and an instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit. You cannot use it without Him.
The Holy Spirit is a communicator, and our heart is His contact point. Our conscience is the point of communication. He cannot share fellowship with a heart full of bitterness, unforgiveness, envy, jealousy, hatred, or bad feelings toward others or your neighbor.
Even though our reason may reject it, let our heart crave for it.