The Bible we have today is made up of 66 books, written over a time span of 1,600 years, by more than 40 authors, from Kings and leaders to fishermen. The subjects are almost as varied, but for the Christian there is one important feature common to all the books—that they are inspired by God.

This is what Christians mean when they describe the Bible as God’s word. Paul says in his second letter to Timothy that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Peter, in his second letter to the church, says that “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21). He wants to make clear that the Old Testament prophecy (for he refers to prophecy of Scripture—i.e. our Old Testament) was not somehow made up, or possibly even misinterpreted, but, perhaps incredible for some, it came from God.

From these two passages, the Bible itself is saying it was written by God. Incredible to ponder, but that is why Christians refer to it and trust it—because it is God’s word to us.

We are saying, then, that the Bible had one ultimate author, God himself. For a book written by one author we would expect a common theme, the book to have consistency with itself, and for its message to bear out in our own experience. Why not read it for yourself? Take the chance to delve in!