The Bible is meant to be experienced rather than explained.

The Apostle Paul asserts everything in it was written for our admonition (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11). The Greek word for admonition is “nouthesia” which means “to instruct, correct and encourage.” In other words, we are to live our faith in accordance with biblical precepts and principles. But not in a legalistic sense, but by the power of the Holy Spirit working within our hearts.

When we actively study Scripture, we are renewing our minds to reflect the mind of Christ in everything we do and in the way we think. Thus, it is not about achieving a standard of performance, but rather awakening to a reality in which God’s will unfolds in an ever-increasing manner.

While we value Scripture, we must not exalt it above its primary purpose of guiding us to Christ (cf. Luke 24:27, 44). We must be careful and avoid making the same mistake as the Pharisees. Their overzealous obsession with the law caused them to misread its intent. Consider what Jesus says to them:

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

John 5:39-40 (ESV)

 

The written Word of God imparts life to us by pointing us to the Living Word of God, which is Christ the Lord. Christ, as the Living of God, personally dwells and abides in us, keeping the written word alive and active in our hearts. In other words, we read, meditate, and study the Bible not just to understand its literal meaning, but also to understand the heart of the One who gave it to us.