Pick Up the Good Book

As a follow-up thought to my previous blog entry, I wanted to say something about the importance of a regular and steady reading of the Bible. If Christians are to read anything, they must read the Word of God. This is such a simple and basic notion that we sometimes seldom give it the attention that it deserves. Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) There is little wonder then that we find so many who are languishing spiritually. Apart from a steady diet of God’s Word, we grow spiritually malnourished and unhealthy.

I have recently been reading a biography of the famous hymn writer John Newton. After reading the biography, I gained a greater respect for this man who is in some ways virtually unknown in our time apart from the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Newton was a devoted and faithful pastor who left an indelible mark upon the church of his time. In regard to reading Scripture, Newton wisely commented,

I am thankful that the Scriptures, which are designed to make us wise unto salvation, and the gospel, which is designed for the poor, are not encumbered with metaphysical subtleties. The first Adam brought death and woe into the world by sin; the second Adam repairs all the mischief with respect to those who believe in His name. These positions are plain; they are revealed by the highest authority, and universally confirmed by fact, experience, and observation. What need we more? . . . Now I am grown old I am cautious of recommending books. I advise everybody to study the Scriptures with prayer, to draw from the fountain-head, and to examine and try the writings of men by the infallible standard, and not to pay too implicit a regard to the sentiments of great authors and preachers. The best are defective, and the wisest may be mistaken.

What a good reminder from the pen of a wise and seasoned minister of the gospel! So let us read and read well, but with all the reading may we not neglect the Word of God, the Good Book.