Is the Bible the Word of God?

(J. C. Ryle, "Inspiration" 1877)

Is the Bible the Word of God? Then mind that
you do not neglect it. Read it! Begin to read it this
very day. What greater insult to God can a man
be guilty of than to refuse to read the letter God
sends him from heaven? Oh, be sure, if you will
not read your Bible, you are in fearful danger
of losing your soul!

Is the Bible the Word of God? Then be sure
you always read it with deep reverence. Say to
your soul, whenever you open the Bible, "O my
soul, you are going to read a message from God!"

Is the Bible the Word of God? Then be sure
you never read it without fervent prayer for the
help and teaching of the Holy Spirit. Humble
prayer will throw more light on your Bible than
any commentary that ever was written. You will
not understand it unless your heart is right. You
will find it a sealed book without the teaching of
the Holy Spirit. Its contents are often "hidden
from the wise and learned, and revealed to babes."

Is the Bible the Word of God? Then let us all
resolve from this day forward to prize the Bible
more. God has given us the Bible to be a light to
guide us to everlasting life. Let us not neglect this
precious gift. Let us read it diligently, and walk in
its light.