The Bible Isn’t the Point, It’s the God Revealed in the Bible
Hebrews chapter 10 opens with a line worthy of contemplation.
It says, that the Law—that is the Old Testament—merely hints at what we have to look forward to, of the good things God has in store for us.
The law shouldn’t be our focus. Instead we should give our attention to the real things that the law points to. That would be God (Hebrews 10:1).
Though we are right to reverence the Bible and hold it in high esteem, the Bible isn’t the point.
The purpose of the Bible is to direct us to God. He is who we should reverence. He is who we should stand in awe of. He is who we should worship, not the Bible or the words in it.
But the verse doesn’t stop there. It goes on to say that the Law—the Old Testament—isn’t enough. Following its rules is insufficient to perfect us as we try to draw near to God.
Though the context of this verse is about the sacrifices offered every year, we can expand this thought to encompass all the rules we read about in the Old Testament.
What we see in the Old Testament isn’t enough to make us right with God. In theory, if we followed every rule perfectly every time, that would be sufficient. But no one can do that. It’s humanly impossible. We falter and fall short.
We must keep this in perspective. The Bible isn’t a book of laws we must follow. It’s not a set of rules to bind us. Instead, the Bible points to the God who frees us.
May it be so. May we find freedom through Jesus and shake off the slavery of legalism.
God is the point, not the Bible.
[Read through the Bible this year. Today’s reading is Hebrews 8-10, and today’s post is on Hebrews 10:1.]
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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5 replies on “The Bible Tells Us Good Things Are Coming: Are You Ready?”
Peter, God being with us…we are free from the Law. That is awesome and a bit heavy to take in when others seem to go out of their way to break laws and disrespect others. Many people see sin as being contrary and disobedient to God who is Love. And then …some people are very very forgiving and others not so. They demand the sinner repent and show contrition before they can be forgiven. Personally, I think Love and forgiveness of the sinner opens up the channels of peace and reconciliation. People who feel loved are more likely to step up to the plate and love others.
Linda, I agree. I hope that as we love others, they will do the same.
And when they don’t it is hard to understand why and let go without harbouring ill feelings toward them.
At least for me, love is a work in progress!
Me too!