We need the Bible, and this is why God gave it to us. No one can be a good growing Christian without a daily diet of the word of God. It is the "word of life" (Philippians 2:16), or the word that brings life to our hearts.
It saves us from our sin: Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes through hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." It feeds our souls: Deuteronomy 8:3 says, "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." It cleanses our consciences, as Paul wrote: "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word" (Ephesians 5:25-26). It unites the church: Romans 16:25 says, "Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ." It strengthens us against temptation: Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." It encourages us in difficult times: Psalm 119:81 says, "My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word." Both for the church and for the individual believer, the Bible is God's message of salvation, hope, strength, direction, wisdom, encouragement, rebuke, and more. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
