Page 68 - First Steps 2023

the story of our separation from God because of sin and his desire for a
restored relationship through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
And because much of it was written directly to disciples—Jesus-fol-
lowers like you—it’s a wealth of instruction about how to live.

• Complete
The Bible, as you have it, is everything you need. God didn’t share
part of what he wanted you to know hoping he’d find time to circle back
and fill in the rest later.

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll:

If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the
plagues described in this scroll” (Revelation 22:18).

Cults often claim another book or books have as much authority in
the life of a believer as the Bible. Or a cult may offer up a different “trans-
lation” of the Bible that slides in or deletes information.
Don’t be fooled. The Bible stands alone—and it’s complete.

• Essential for salvation

Is owning a Bible a requirement to be saved? No—but knowing God
through Jesus is, and one good way to hear “the message of truth” is to
read it in the Bible.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message
of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were
marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians

1:13).

Remember: You’re in a relationship with God, not a transactional
business arrangement. To know and be known takes more than a quick
introduction, it requires time spent exploring, probing, questioning, listening.
And the Bible is a perfect place to do all of that.

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