The Bible is a holy or sacred book that reveals who the true God is.  It is a "one-of-a-kind" book. Merriam-Webster’s first definition of the bible is: “the sacred scriptures of Christians comprising the Old Testament and the New Testament” but you probably already knew that.

The purpose of the Bible is to instruct man about the ways of God.  It was written by God through men to:

(1) teach us about God (2 Tim 3:16 ; 2 Pet 1:21)

(2) teach us about man and his standing with God, (Isaiah 5:23)

(3) convey the message that saves us from our sin (1 Tim 2:3-5 ; John 3:16-17)

It is a complete composition with numerous authors whose writings coincide to bring forth one central message:  We are created to be in a real relationship with the King of the world and because our whole life depends on Him, He is the very thing we need. 

In the Bible we find God revealing himself to His people over and over again.  It is filled with pages and pages of truth to confirm that the character of God is all powerful, holy, just, loving, and forgiving to those who seek His forgiveness (mercy).  This truth is reemphasized over and over again in the pages of the Bible.  It is comprehensive in its declarations of truth and it is a "living book" whereby we are participants within it's context and Divine purpose!

Although we can understand that God’s eternal power and divine nature by the nature around us (Rom 1:20) we need the plain message that is within the Bible to be saved form our sin (Romans 10:9-10 ; 1 John 5:12).

The focal point of the Bible is Jesus Christ.  From the beginning of the Bible God reveals himself to people in countless ways.  He communicates who He is through angels, the giving of the Ten Commandments, His favor and guidance to Israel, His prophets and spokespersons, etc.  However all of these things were a foreshadowing or snapshot or a commercial for the fullness of God that would be revealed in Jesus, God’s own son.  Jesus, who is God, is the focal point of the Bible.  He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament (the first half of the Bible) and he is source of the New Testament (the second half of the Bible).

Conclusion:
The Bible is God’s word to man.  The focus of the Bible is Jesus, the Lord.  It is truth-filled scripture showing us who God is, who we are, and our relation to Him. It has countless treasures that are life-giving in any culture, time-period, and "season of life!" It is God's personal "love-letter" to you!

If you would like more information about this question or other real issues in life, please let us know by contacting us by phone (504-982-1406), e-mail (jeff@jeffpowell.org), or writing us at P.O. Box 1357. New Orleans, LA 70185. We would be honored to help you in any way that we can!