What Is the Bible?

So what is the Bible? Is it a book of fairy tales? Is it a historical book filled with errors? Or is it something much more?

Of course, we won't be able to answer all these questions on this page. We intend to answer all of them in the future with other pages. For now, let's just keep it simple.

Below, we've produced a chart digesting our most important points. Also, don't forget to take the "What Is the Bible? Quiz" at the end. It will really help you focus on learning the content.

And now to the main course!

Overview Chart: What Is the Bible?

Category	Summary	Key Scriptures
What the Bible Is	God’s Word revealing who He is, what He has done, and how He calls us to live	(2 Timothy 3:16–17), (2 Peter 1:20–21), (Luke 24:27)
Why Christians Trust the Bible	Unified message, historical grounding, faithful preservation, and transforming impact	(Genesis 1–3), (Ephesians 1:9–10), (Luke 3:1–2), (Matthew 5:18), (Hebrews 4:12)
Old Testament	Creation, calling of Israel, covenants, Law, poetry, wisdom, and prophets	(Genesis 1–2), (Genesis 12:1–3), (Exodus 19:5–6), (Exodus 20:1–17), (Isaiah 53)
New Testament	Life of Jesus, early church, teachings for believers, and future restoration	(Matthew 1:21–23), (Matthew 5–7), (1 Corinthians 15:3–4), (Acts 2:42–47), (Revelation 21:1–5)
Common Questions	Key topics explored in deeper pages	(Luke 1:1–4), (John 17:17), (Psalm 119:160), (Acts 18:12–17)

What Is the Bible?

Simply put, the Bible is God’s Word. He spoke and faithful men wrote it down. He gave it to reveal who He is, what He has done, and how He calls us to live (2 Timothy 3:16–17). After all, if God is a personal Being, we shouldn't be surprised that He would want to communicate with us.

On a more technical note, the Bible is a collection of writings composed over many centuries by different authors. Yet it clearly speaks with one unified voice because it is inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20–21). God communicates through stories, laws, poetry, prophecy, and letters. All of it shows God’s character, actions and promises. And it all leads to the fulfillment of His plan to redeem the world through Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27).

Why Christians Trust the Bible

Faith isn't blind, so Christians don’t trust the Bible blindly. Our confidence comes from several simple but meaningful observations that have held up for a long time:

Its Unified Message -- Despite being written by many people in different eras, the Bible consistently tells one overarching story. God created us (Genesis 1:1–2:25). We fell into sin, separating ourselves from God (Genesis 3:1–8). Yet God reached out and restored all things through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:9–10). This unity across time and culture is unusual and significant.
Its Historical Foundation -- The Bible is rooted in real places, real cultures, and real events (Luke 3:1–2; c.f. Hebrews 1:1-2). Archaeology, ancient records, and historical studies continue to confirm details found in Scripture. While not every question is settled, the Bible’s historical footprint is substantial (1 Kings 9:15; John 5:2).
Its Faithful Preservation -- Scripture has been carefully copied and passed down through generations. Jesus Himself affirmed the enduring reliability of God’s Word (Matthew 5:18). God's careful hand directed the early church to preserve the writings of the apostles with great care (Colossians 4:16).
Its Transforming Impact -- For centuries, people from every background have testified that God has spoken (Hebrews 1:1–2). Because of its nature, Scripture convicts, comforts, guides, and changes lives (Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 19:7–8). This lived experience is a powerful and consistent witness that reveals that there is a transforming force in the universe, one that can overcome human sinfulness. That force is a real Person, God, and He has spoken to us through His Word.

How It’s Put Together

The Old Testament

The Old Testament contains:

The story of how it all began (Genesis 1:1–2:25)
The calling of Israel (Genesis 12:1–3)
God’s covenants (Exodus 19:5–6; 2 Samuel 7:12–16; Jeremiah 31:31–34)
The Law (Exodus 20:1–17)
Poetry and wisdom writings (Psalms; Proverbs)
The messages of the prophets (Isaiah; Jeremiah; Ezekiel).
God’s holiness (Leviticus 19:2)
His faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9)
His unfolding plan to redeem humanity through the promised Messiah (Isaiah 53:1-12; Micah 5:2).

The New Testament

The New Testament centers on Jesus Christ and shows us:

His birth (Matthew 1:21–23)
Teachings (Matthew 5–7)
Miracles (John 20:30–31)
Death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)
The formation of His church after He left *(Acts 2:42–47)
His teachings continued through the Apostles (Romans through Jude)
His ultimate victory (Revelation 21:1–5).

Questions About What the Bible Is

Of course, even though there's plenty to prove the value and validity of the Bible, some questions may linger that will help us answer the question, "What is the Bible?" We'll create pages for each of these very soon. Look for them.

Is the Bible Real? -- For the Bible to have true value, it has to be real. It can't be just another fake religious text. Is it? Or is it really God's Word? Does it contain the answer to life's most important questions? Or is it just practical advice for this world? We'll answer all these.
Is the Bible True? -- What do Christians mean when they say Scripture is inspired, trustworthy, and authoritative? Is it really trustworthy? To be so, it must be true. Is it? We'll answer all these soon.
Is the Bible Historically Accurate? -- Is the text of the Bible something to be trusted? After all, it's full of errors, right? Or is it truly the most accurate book ever written, accurate in word and thought? We'll answer all these soon.
Who Wrote the Bible? -- Some claim God wrote the Bible. Yet, it has the fingerprints of individual men all over it. So who wrote it? Was it God or humans? We'll answer that very soon.

So What Is the Bible?

So let's remember why we're here. We started with a question: What is the Bible?

It's more than just a religious text. It's the Word of God. Because it ultimately flows from God's mouth, it contains true life.

The question is, have you tapped into that life? The purpose of the Bible is to lead us to God (John 20:31; 1 John 5:13). Have you met Him? If not, you can find Him in the Bible through Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).

Believe in Jesus Christ. God bless.