When people ask, “What is the Bible?”, they are not simply asking about a book. They are reaching for the heart of faith — the place where God’s voice meets the human heart. Many of us first encountered the Bible as a collection of ancient stories, but as we grow in faith, we begin to realize it is far more than that. It is a love letter from God — His living Word spoken through time, written by human hands yet inspired by the Spirit of truth.
The Bible is made up of two great parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells the story of God’s covenant with His people — creation, the call of Abraham, the journey of Israel, the wisdom of the prophets. The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of that covenant in Jesus Christ — the Word made flesh, who came to bring salvation to the world. Together, these sacred writings form one story of God’s love — a story that leads us to Christ.
In the Church, we believe the Bible is not just about God — it is God speaking to us. As St. Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). That means every page, every word, carries the breath of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is both divine and human — written by men, but guided by God — much like how Jesus Himself is both divine and human.
When we open the Bible, we are not reading history alone; we are entering a living dialogue. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles still speaks through these words today. This is why the Church proclaims the Scriptures at every Mass — because God continues to speak to His people in the living Word, and in hearing, our hearts are changed.
If you have ever opened the Bible and felt confused or distant, don’t be discouraged. Begin simply. Read the Gospels. Listen for the voice of Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Over time, you will discover that the Bible is not a set of rules or doctrines—it is a path that leads us home to the heart of God.
May every time we open the Scriptures become a moment of encounter — not just with words, but with the living Word Himself, Jesus Christ.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
