Christian Truth

A large bookstore a few miles from here has a religion section. Along one wall are several shelving units with the word “BIBLES” above each one. A few more shelves are labeled “CHRISTIAN INSPIRATIONAL” and even more are dubbed “CHRISTIAN FICTION.”

My first thought is that the fiction shelves could stay with that name tag, but the others should be labeled “CHRISTIAN TRUTH.”

According conservative estimate in The New Yorker, Americans purchased some twenty-five million Bibles in 2005 — twice as many as the most recent Harry Potter book.  Christian books also often sell more than those listed on the best seller lists. For instance, Rick Warren’s Christian book, The Purpose Driven Life, is the best-selling hardback in U.S. history with more than 30 million copies sold and translated into more than 50 languages. While some would argue that this is not the greatest in biblical writing, it shows that people are interested in knowing how to live in a biblical way.

The Bible is the only source of information on the One who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6).

Jesus Himself illustrated the value of the Scriptures in an event that happened right after Jesus rose from the dead. Two men were walking along a road discussing the event of His crucifixion and were not yet aware that He was alive. He came up to them but they didn’t recognize Him. After asking them what they were talking about . . .  

Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (Luke 24:27)

Here was the best teacher in the world, an interpreter with the greatest wisdom and knowledge, making an effort to enlighten two confused men. He used the best of books as His text to show them right from Moses and the prophets that He is the main subject and the best of lessons given in that Book of books.

Lord, how sweet it would have been to walk that road and hear what they heard directly from Your mouth. Yet as I open the pages of my Bible with a prayer on my heart that You will speak, You do. Your voice is not audible, but Your words are there, as plain as words can be. I am so delighted that You speak to Your people, to me. Further, I rejoice that when You speak, Your words are not Christian fiction, but solid and reliable truth.

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