by Chris Steele

April 13, 2008

According to an online Harris Poll conducted last month, America’s favorite book is the Bible. The survey was a sampling of adults 18 and over from all demographic groups within the United States: gender, race or ethnicity, education, region, and household income.

It is curious that much of the discussion of the findings was on which book took the #2 spot. These were mostly of the genres of science fiction and fantasy — The Lord of the Rings (series), Harry Potter (series), The Stand, by Stephen King, The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, both by Dan Brown. So how do Americans view the Bible? Why is it chosen as their favorite book? Do the majority of our fellow citizens believe enough in their “favorite book” to practice what it says? Or in their minds is it just a book of many others like it?

In a discussion relating to inspiration, Peter said, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). The Bible’s writings are not based on myths, legends, or fictitious stories, but on fact. The very source of these truths is God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Is the Bible your favorite book? It should be, but for the right reasons. The Bible should be our favorite book, because in it we find the “word” — the body of truth contained in the Scriptures. It is the word by which we are born again (1 Pet. 1:22-25; 1 Cor. 4:15). It directs us through life (Psalm 119:105) and strengthens us (1 Peter 2:1; Hebrews 5:2-14).

The message of the Bible is able to save us. James informs us that we must, “...receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21; cf. Romans 1:16). No partial or superficial reception of the word is sufficient. We must believe that the Bible is the Word of God; study it, and obey it (2 Timothy 2:15; John 12:48).