What Does the Bible Say about the Purpose of the Bible?

Many people misunderstand the Bible because they do not understand its purpose. Some see it as a history book, some as a book of stories and mythology. However, such ideas are not accurate representations of what the Bible is, or of its purpose.

John wrote, “But these things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). John states that there are two reasons for the writing of the Scriptures. First, it was so that man would believe in whom Jesus was. The Old Testament prophesies of the coming of Christ and shows what God did to pave the way for His coming. The New Testament tells of His life and teachings, proclaiming the new covenant under which we live today.

The second reason is that we might have life through his name. The New Testament teaches us how to get to Christ, and how to remain in Christ. This is the purpose of the Bible.