For some it either means something distant, something restrictive or even something fantastical.
However it is meant to be a lot more than that
Some questions about the Bible include things such as, "What does the Bible tell you?" and "Why should I read it?" This post emphasizes the first question above. The second question is a different post.
What Does The Bible Tell You?
1. It reveals the nature of God.
The Old Testament points to a Savior and the New Testament reveals the nature of the Savior. God is revealed as someone merciful and forgiving. However, it is also revealed that suffering is a part of this world.
2. It pertains to YOU and your daily life.
The Bible is not meant to be just a set of rules and stories. For instance when Jesus asks Simon Peter,
"Do you love me?"- Gospel Of John 21:17
three times he is, in essence, asking you the same question.
3. The Bible "heroes" are people for you to follow.
Some people read the Bible and think they could never be like the Prophets. The truth is they all had their weaknesses, just like other humans. The questions they ask Jesus are important, as well as the context and the responses.
4. It is not to give you a set of rules, but to progress in your relationship with God.
The Bible is rich with information and examples to help guide you to an improved relationship with God. Rules are to establish order, and things like the Ten Commandments help you put order in your life to make it more fulfilling for YOU.
5. It tells you the reason there is a savior.
Before the revelation of a Savior in the New Testament, the Bible shows the nature of human beings in a fallen state and why a Savior is needed to bring them back to where they were meant to be. The New Testament tells us that the carnal body and the spirit are warring against each other. The way to win this battle is to follow the guidelines in the Bible.
6. It reminds you that God is in control of everything.
In everyday life it looks like some humans in authority are in control of you and your life. The Bible helps reveal that God is ultimately in charge, through parables, sayings and stories. With all of the problems in the world it can be helpful to realize there is a Creator who is ultimately in charge and responsible.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. - Psalm 46:10
Also, the Bible is Divinely Inspired by God. As it tells us the things mentioned above, it is also from a higher authority than a human.
Since the Bible and your life are both Divinely Inspired there are likely things about your life that have not yet been revealed to you and are clouded in mystery.
You might also be interested in:
Bible Knowledge
"Hidden" Bible Symbols
Author: Albert Wagner