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Written by: The Orchard

An open bible is sitting on a wooden table.

The Bible is God’s inspired Word, revealing His character, His plan for salvation, and His purpose for our lives. Through Scripture, we come to know the God who created us, loves us deeply, and invites us into a relationship with Him.


In a season marked by reflection and hope, we are reminded of the light and truth found in God’s Word. The story of Jesus—promised, born, and risen—offers hope that extends far beyond a single season, bringing eternal assurance and grace to all who trust in Him.

What Is the Bible and Why Was the Bible Created?

The Bible is a story that starts in a garden, ends in a city, and all the way through points us to Jesus Christ. Written by human authors, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, The Bible is the inspired Word of God which conveys His truth (2 Timothy 3:16). It is a collection of 66 books—including history, Jesus’ direct words, prophecy, and letters—that together tell the unified story of God’s love, redemption, and plan for humanity.


As John 20:31 says, “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” More than just a textbook, the Bible is living and active (Heb.4:12), showing us how we find wisdom, direction, and life through Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God opens our eyes to see Jesus in the Scriptures, which leads to our lives being transformed and equipping us to live in a way that reflects His glory.

What Is the Purpose of the Bible?

The Bible serves as God’s revelation to humanity. It reveals His eternal plan to unite all things in His Son (Eph. 1:10), shows us how we can be united to Christ and experience His salvation, and guides the church to honor Christ by living as the united people we are. In every season, Scripture is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105), giving us constant hope in God and His promises.

Revealing God’s Nature and Character

The Bible teaches us who God is through His words and actions. In the creation account, we see His power and creativity; in the Psalms, His steadfast love and faithfulness; and in the prophets, His justice and mercy. Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature.” This means the Bible not only reveals God’s attributes but also points us to Jesus as the revelation of His character.

Teaching Us About Salvation Through Jesus Christ

God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ unfolds throughout the pages of Scripture. The Old Testament foreshadows the coming Messiah through events like the Passover and prophecies such as Isaiah 53. The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these promises in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Salvation is not something we can earn; it is God’s gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible makes it clear that through Christ, God reconciles us to Himself and restores what sin has broken in us and our world.

Guiding Us in Christian Living and Morality

Scripture provides a framework for how to live in alignment with God’s will. It calls us to love God fully, care for others sacrificially, and pursue justice and mercy (Micah 6:8). Passages like Galatians 5:22-23 describe the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and more—qualities that reflect honor to Christ. Additionally, the Bible addresses the challenges we face—temptation, conflict, and relationships—and how through faith in Jesus, we can draw near to the throne of grace with confidence to receive help in our time of need (Heb. 4:16).

Providing Hope and Encouragement in Life

In times of uncertainty, pain, or joy, the Bible is a steady source of hope. Its promises remind us that God is faithful and sovereign, no matter our circumstances. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” Beyond offering present comfort, Scripture points us to the day Jesus will set the world right regarding sin. Giving us hope for that coming day, when Jesus frees us from the presence of sin and renews all things (Revelation 21:4). This eternal perspective sustains us, strengthens our faith, and assures us of God’s ultimate plan in Christ for our good and His glory.

What Does the Bible Teach Us?

The Bible teaches us who God is, who we are, and how we are meant to live in relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. It reveals that God is holy, loving, and just, and that He created us in His image for His glory (Genesis 1:27). The Bible also confronts us with the reality of sin—that all have fallen short of God’s standards (Romans 3:23)—and teaches that salvation is found only through Jesus Christ. In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled God’s plan to redeem and restore humanity, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 14:6).

A close up of an open bible on a table.

The Bible also instructs us on how to live in light of God’s truth. It calls us to follow the example of Jesus, loving God with all our heart and to loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). It provides wisdom for every area of life, from relationships to decision-making, and it equips us to live with integrity, humility, and grace.



Ultimately, the Bible teaches us to hope in God’s promises and trust in His sovereignty. It assures us of His presence now and points us toward the eternal joy of being with Him forever by faith in Christ (Revelation 21:3-4).

Why Trust the Bible?

The Bible stands apart from any other book because it is God’s inspired Word, reliable in every way (2 Timothy 3:16). Its trustworthiness is rooted in its divine authorship, as the Holy Spirit guided human writers to record exactly what God intended. The Bible’s consistency across 66 books, written by over 40 authors across centuries, points to a divine hand behind its creation.


Historical and archaeological evidence also confirm the Bible’s accuracy. Places, events, and cultural details described in Scripture align with discoveries in the ancient world, supporting its credibility. Additionally, fulfilled prophecy sets the Bible apart. For instance, Isaiah 53, written 700 years before Jesus, perfectly describes His sacrificial death, showcasing God’s sovereign plan.


The Bible’s transformative power further testifies to its reliability. Millions of lives have been changed through its message of salvation and truth. Hebrews 4:12 declares that “the Word of God is living and active,” speaking into the hearts of those who read it.


We can trust the Bible not only because it has proven reliable historically but also because it reveals the God who is unchanging, faithful, and true.

How to Apply the Bible’s Purpose to

Our Lives

Applying the Bible’s purpose to our lives begins with recognizing its role as God’s inspired Word. Scripture isn’t just for reading—it’s meant to shape how we think, live, and relate to God and others. Here’s how we can live out the Bible’s purpose every day:


Know God Personally
The Bible reveals God’s character, inviting us through Christ to enjoy relationship with Him. Spend time in Scripture to learn about His promised love for us in Jesus. Meditate on who Jesus is like the Psalmist describes
Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” And as you do, you will find that in His presence there truly is fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11).


Follow Jesus Fully
Scripture points us to salvation through Jesus and calls us to live as His disciples. By studying passages such as
Matthew 22:37-39, we learn how to love God wholeheartedly and others sacrificially. Though following Jesus is not easy, and most people do not choose to, we believe that following His way leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14). 


Live in Hope and Faith
The Bible equips us to endure challenges with hope, reminding us of God’s promises. When your faith feels fragile, and you aren’t sure how you will continue on, rest in God’s promise to sustain His people until we see Him face to face, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6). 

Engaging with the Bible helps us live with purpose and reflect God’s glory in every area of life. At The Orchard, we encourage you to explore the Bible and experience its life-changing truth for yourself.

Understanding and Living the Bible’s Purpose

The Bible is far more than a historical text; it is God’s living Word, given to reveal His character, His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, and His purpose for us. Through the Bible, we come to know the God who loves us deeply and invites us to a life of faith as we are transformed by His truth.


At The Orchard, we believe that the word of Christ is the foundation to grow in faith, hope, and love through His Gospel.

Take Your Next Step with The Orchard

  • Worship with Us: Join us for a worship service to celebrate the gift of Jesus. Find a location near you.


  • Connect in a LIFE Group: Deepen your understanding of the Bible and experience meaningful community in a small group.


  • Explore Resources: Access sermons, devotionals, and tools to help you grow in faith this Christmas and beyond on our website.



Discover how the Bible can shape your life. We’d love to walk with you as you take your next step in faith!

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February 13, 2025
At my baptism, I shared how God has worked in my life, and how He continues to work to this very day. I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church and had some early religious upbringing. I always knew of God and cannot remember a time without this faith. However, I took it for granted. I did not live my life in relationship with Christ; rather I lived in utter disobedience. I was a sinner, and while a sin is a sin, I counted many of mine as absolutely unforgiveable. I never humbled myself to even ask for forgiveness. I just kept living my wild life. I would cry out to him for help when I was in dire straits, and despite my sinful ways …. he would rescue me. Time and time again.
January 10, 2025
In 2024, The Orchard North Shore hosted their very first Orchard Kids Week, a VBS-style program geared specifically toward unchurched kids and families. The Orchard North Shore had 61 kids attend (21 of whom were unchurched!). Their hope was twofold: that kids would hear the gospel and that some who don’t know Jesus would sign up for Awana in the Fall. One young girl did sign up for Awana and was given her first Bible. When she was told that the Bible was hers to keep, she couldn’t wait to start reading it! From an invitation to VBS, to signing up for Awana, to consuming God’s Word, it’s evident the Lord is at work in this young girl’s heart. Praise God for all the work He has done at The Orchard North Shore!
December 27, 2024
Dan and Betty Chung are members of The Orchard and co-founders of the mission of Crossing Borders. Crossing Borders was established in 2003 by several Christians of Korean and Chinese descent who felt a burden for the North Korean people during a time of severe famine and starvation. During (and following) the Great North Korean Famine from 1995 to 1998, there has been a large exodus of refugees from the country. Watch this SHINE Story to learn more about how Dan and Betty are shining with the compassion of Christ to North Koreans and their children in China and South Korea. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!
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