What volume of classical English literature remains the world’s all-time, best selling book? Which book do experts acknowledge to be the most widely distributed book in history, and regard the same volume to be the most widely read book in history? (World Book Encyclopedia, volume 2, 1989 edition, page 279, 2000 edition.)

Which book compares more than favourably with the ilk of Shakespeare and Milton, regarded by experts as two of the world’s greatest poets. Yes, it is the Bible!

Although it has lost much of its importance in a secular post-modern world, it remains “the most influential book in history.” (World Book Encyclopedia, volume 2, p 219, 1989 edition.) It is said that, “The Bible in Latin shaped the thought and life of western people for a 1,000 years.” (Encyclopedia Britannica Macropedia, volume two, 1991 edition, p 756,1 15th edition.)

Appraising Scripture purely from a literary viewpoint, it is one of the world’s finest examples of excellence in fine literature. World Book Encyclopedia comments that, “Scholars value the books of the Bible not only as important religious writings but also as great literary works.” (World Book Encyclopedia, volume two, p 279, 2000 edition.)

What can account for the universal appeal and popularity of the Scripture that its influence should extend over barriers of race, culture, and language? The answer must be due, in part, to its timeless nature. The Word of God offers answers to life’s greatest questions, questions that have plagued humanity for 1,000s of years. Questions like where do we come from? What is the meaning of life? Why does evil exist? How will the world end?

Within the Bible is a rich variety of genres of literature that includes history, biography, narrative, hymns, riddles, essays, fiction, law, salty wise sayings, letters, philosophy, proverbs, prophecy, parables, poetry, prayers, stories, and some science.

The authors were sages, fishermen, shepherds, prophets, priests, kings, and poets. They display a wide diversity of literary talents, expressing some of the loftiest thoughts and sentiments ever penned. They display a virtuosity, a brilliance, and breadth of mind rarely equalled. The poetry and prose of Scripture contain some beautiful, grand, and majestic thoughts that have never been excelled.

The King James Version, (1611) was largely the craftsmanship of William Tyndale, who was a master wordsmith of the English language. It is a masterpiece of English prose with an old world beauty, charm, and grace. It is said to be “one of the worlds great treasures of the English language.” (World Book Encyclopedia, volume two, p 286, 1989 edition.)

Although the idiom of the King James Version is archaic and dated, re-examined in the newer translations it never need be difficult or incomprehensible. In the newer versions like the New International Version, we find it a literary treasure trove.

The Bible contains the wisdom of the ages, yet it is not hoary with age. Although it is a spiritual book that must be spiritually discerned, it will unfold its treasures to all who apply themselves to it with education and application.

The Scriptures are more than a relic of antiquity; more than a repository of the history of man; more than a source of delightful human-interest stories; and more than a religious manuscript.

The Bible is a source of delightful literature that has educated, enthused, and enlightened generations. Men of literature, historians, scientists, philosophers, scholars, archeologists, thespians, atheists, and skeptics have read its pages with profit.

‘Literary critics have praised it for its beautiful poetry and stirring calls for faith.’ World Book Encyclopedia, volume two, p 239, 2000 edition.

What has the mighty cleaver of truth achieved in its 3,500 year history?

No one could deny that the Holy Bible has had an imponderable moral, legal, and spiritual power throughout its history. The influence of the Ten Commandments permeates the common law of England and other English nations.

The Bible, through the vivifying influence of the Holy Spirit and holy men of God; men like John Wesley and George Whitefield who helped redeem 17th century England from the deleterious effects of the Gin era, and the Industrial Revolution. Historians readily admit that these forces could have spawned another bloody revolution for England, just as France experienced in the opening of the eighteenth century. The Bible’s influence led to the freeing of the slaves through men like William Wilberforce in 18th century England, and Abraham Lincoln in 19th century America.

Scripture has been a preserver of society, law, freedom, liberty, justice, and the equality of man. It has inspired a countless quantity and quality of high literature, ennobling music, and fine arts.

It has inspired millions of lives with faith, hope and love in some of life’s darkest hours. It has engendered countless good deeds which has ennobled the human race. It has helped redeem millions of lost, hopeless, and soul blighted lives. It has provided the life purpose and life direction that a ruined humanity lost in Eden.

John Wycliffe, who in the late 14th century rendered the Bible into the vernacular, made it available to the peoples of Europe. The Bible in their language made the English the most literate people in Europe. From the 16th century onward, it fostered reading habits and reflection. Its study led to freedoms of thought, interpretation, and study that are indispensable to democratic freedom.

With the resurgence of the Christian faith in formerly strong Communist lands like Russia in 1989, and later in China, there is a new emphasis on the Bible. There has been a resurgence of Christian faith in reaction to the spiritual poverty of soul induced by a state enforced religion of atheism. India, with its millions of gods is craving the good news of the Bible.

What can account for the rising interest in the New Age movement and angels? Mankind has lost his spirituality, which only God and the Bible can restore. Augustine, the fifth century Bishop of Hippo, wrote “Thou hast created us for Thyself and our hearts are restless until they repose in Thee.” This original thinker also wrote that man has a “God shaped hole” that only God can satisfy. The Bible can help you fill that void.

America’s most prolific female religious author wrote that, “As a means of intellectual training, the Bible is more effective than any other book. No other study can impact such mental power…The mind thus brought into contact with the Infinite cannot but expand and strengthen.” (Education, Ellen G White, 1901, p 124.)

In its pages we may soar on eagles wings to the eternal heights, for God’s ways are higher than mans ways, and God’s thoughts are higher than mans thoughts: even as high as the heavens are above the earth. See Isaiah 55:8-9.

“As an educator, the Holy Scriptures are without a rival. The Bible is the most ancient and the most comprehensive history that men possess. It came fresh from the Fountain of eternal truth; and that throughout the ages a divine hand has preserved its purity…in the Word of God the mind finds subjects for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspirations. Here we may…listen to the voice of the eternal.” (Education, Ellen G White, 1901, p 263.)

In the Bible, there are rich fields of thought to inspire the mind, stimulate the intellect, and quicken the faculties. It has conveyed a wealth of reading pleasure and enlightenment.

It is not some relic of antiquity, or a dry dusty tome. Those who search its sacred pages as for hid treasures, find it of more worth than all the world’s silver and gold. It is most interesting to intellects trained in the study of it. There is spiritual power in feeding upon the word.

In its pages, we read of a God of love who has an infinite pity for those who need Him most. He yearns over mankind as the lover of their souls. Christ left a paradise of glory to win back the pearl of great price, the salvation of a ruined world. He gave His all to win back a planet locked in rebellion against the legitimate government of heaven.

The Christian is advised, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15. The truth of God lies not always on the surface, we need to be earnest in the study of it, it not enough to read the Scriptures.

Read the sensuous love poetry of the Song of Solomon, or discover the beauty and comfort of the 23rd psalm. You can read the inspiring story of Joseph in Genesis, or the beauty and majesty of Isaiah, the gospel prophet’s vivid page. Open the book that elevates the mind to the eternal and to the divine.

The Bible illumines the pathway to the Fathers glorious kingdom. The psalmist says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ps 119:105. Jesus said “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.” Mt 4.4.

There was little time for formal education for Abraham Lincoln, textbooks were scarce; but with a thirst for knowledge, he read from his first textbook, the Bible; and from it, he produced a learning that not only changed his nations life, and affected the thinking of his day. If the Bible can do this for all them, what can it do for you?

I commend to you dear reader Holy Writ, for Jesus says, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” Jn 5:39. If we would know Jesus, we must know that old black Book. It is chart and compass to the travelling pilgrim who would walk at last into the city of lights beyond the stars and spend an eternity with Him in paradise. It is an unerring guide that cannot fail.