The Bible is undeniably one of the most influential books in the history of mankind. It remains the best-selling nonfiction book of all time. The text of the Bible is more available today than ever before, but increased availability has not resulted in increased interest in its message. In fact, the opposite appears to be true. Recent statistics show that only 20 percent of American adults believe the Bible is God’s inspired word.

The word “relevant” means, “bearing upon or relating to the matter in hand; pertinent; to the point, applicable, appropriate.” Relevancy is important. It has to do with making sure we are spending our time, attention, and energy with something worthwhile. When discussing the relevancy of the Bible, it would question whether the Bible has any bearing on our lives today. Many people would say that it doesn’t. While acknowledging its historical and religious significance, the prominent opinion seems to be that the Bible is an outdated book. It may have served a purpose before, but times have changed. Some question how a book as old as the Bible can have any serious application to our lives today.

Is the Bible relevant? Does this ancient book have any practical application to our lives today? Does it satisfy our needs as individuals and as a society? I believe a consideration of the following points will answer these questions and reinforce our appreciation for the relevancy of the Bible.

God and His word have not changed. A lot of time has passed since the Bible was written, but that doesn’t mean God has changed. Think about this, a lot of time transpired during the writing of the Bible (about 1,600 years), and God is the same at the end of the Bible as He is at the beginning. “For I am the Lord, I do not change…” (Mal. 3:6).

God exists outside of time. It hasn’t had any effect on Him. God hasn’t grown any wiser through the centuries. He hasn’t become more tolerant of things that anger Him.

God’s word hasn’t changed either. “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89). God’s word is established. When I read the word settled in this verse I think of dried cement. The moral standards of society may change with the passing of years, but the standards set forth in God’s word will never change.

The needs of mankind have not changed. Solomon observed “there is nothing new under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9-10). We have never outgrow the wisdom and guidance of God’s word.

The philosophical needs of man are still the same. We still need answers to the most basic questions. The Bible provides these answers. “Where did I come from?” We came from God (Acts 17:24-26). “Why am I here?” To seek God (Acts 17:27-28). “Where am I going?” To meet God in judgment (Acts 17:30-31).

The spiritual needs of man have not changed. Many people have serious problems dealing with guilt, despair, depression, doubt, hopelessness, and fear. Why do we have these problems? The Bible is the only book that both identifies and offers a real solution to our problem. We suffer these problems because we are sinners. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). The Bible is the only book that tells us what we must do to be saved: believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of our sins (Acts 17:30), confess our faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), and be baptized for the remission of our sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).

The needs of society have not changed. Some may be surprised to find that the Bible addresses and offers solutions to problems we are facing as a society today.

• Crime and Punishment (Eccl. 8:11).
• Role of Civil Government (Rom. 13:1-6).
• Racial Prejudice (Rom. 2:11).
• Welfare Abuse (2 Thess. 3:10).
• Drugs and Alcohol (Gal. 5:19-21).
• Teen Pregnancy (1 Cor. 6:18, Heb. 13:4).
• Homosexuality, Same-Sex Marriages, and Gender Confusion (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Matt. 19:4-6).
• Divorce (Mal. 2:16; Matt. 19:9).
• Family Problems (Col. 3:18-21).

The Bible has stood the test of time and honest criticism. It is not an outdated relic, a collection of ancient myths, or a charm to ward off evil. The Bible is not meant to be a file cabinet for newspaper clippings, announcements, pictures, and flowers. It is the living and eternal word of God. It offers the answers to our most important questions, gives us the standards and guidance we need as individuals and as a society, and is the only book that will lead us to eternal life.