A radio interviewer asked me recently why the Bible was so significant for me. I responded by reminding him of the ‘Ten Wonders of the Bible’- only God could bring these things about.
1- Its influence. Blackstone, the father of common law once said- “The Bible has always been regarded as part of the common law of England.’ And who could deny the influence of the Bible in literature- just read Bunyan, Dickens, and Shakespeare.
2- Its survival. It has survived through centuries of criticism and persecution.
3- Its popular use. Forget ‘The Da Vinci Code’ or the latest self-help book. The Bible will outsell these every year, and still be a best seller when they are forgotten.
4- Its ability to predict the future. The Old Testament uniquely predicted the coming of the Messiah and calls us to be ready for his return.
5- Its harmony. Though it’s a compilation of books written over a very long time, it has one central theme- the covenant dealing of a loving God with humankind.
6- Its realism. The Bible for me addresses issues “warts and all’. Just read again about the meaninglessness of life without God, as stated in Ecclesiastes.
7- Its revelation about God. Only in the Bible is God truly revealed- His compassion, mercy, justice and sovereignty.
8- Its understanding of humanity. We are shown to be radically valuable, but radically imperfect.
9- Its central character- Jesus. In Him our inner ache is unquestionably answered, through His glorification, death, and resurrection.
10- Its God given. This is not a book of human ideals, but the very words of God. As the Bible is read, the Spirit moves.