JAN 8

1 Peter 1:22-25
Memorise 1 Peter 1:25
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…”

A common mindset among many people I know is that, while the Bible is a good book that teaches some good moral principles on how we ought to live our lives, it is no longer relevant to us now. Because it was written such a long time ago, it can have relevance only to those who were living during that period in history, and not to us who are living in modern times in the 21st century. Furthermore they feel that many of the principles and teachings of the Bible are outdated, and no longer apply to our present day lives. Such views are taken not by unbelievers only, but even some believers subscribe to such thinking.

But what does the Bible have to say about this? “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever”. Amidst all the changes on earth, the Bible remains unchanged and unchanging. Though the flesh of man withers just like the grass, though the glory of man fades away like the flowers, the Word of the Lord continues to endure. And just as it was relevant and applicable to the people living at the time when it was written, so now it continues to be just as relevant and applicable to us living in today’s world. Circumstances may change, but the truths of God’s Word remain constant.

Secondly, this is the same “word which by the gospel is preached unto you”. Think back on your salvation. How did you come to know about God’s salvation plan and the Lord Jesus Christ? Was it not through this same Bible? Indeed, these are the very words which are responsible for your salvation – can you then say that they are out of date and not relevant to your life? God’s standards of holiness remain unchanged, as does the punishment for sin. The central message of Scripture concerning God’s salvation plan for sinners – was relevant in the past, is relevant today, and will continue to be relevant for as long as sinful man remains on this earth.

Dear teen, may you thus never view the Bible as a dusty, old-fashioned and out of date book, but realise instead how valuable it is to hold God’s unchanging truths in our hands. The problem is not that the Bible does not conform to our current worldview, but rather that we fail to conform our lives to the standards of the Bible.

Thought: God’s Word was relevant in the past, is relevant today and will continue to be relevant forever.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be able to see how Your Word applies in my life.