The Purpose of God’s Word–Relationship

Today marks the beginning of a new series. For the next few weeks, we are going to delve into the purpose of God’s Word–the Bible. We’ll explore what it means to trust God, to walk with God, to learn from Him, and to find our hope in Him.

God reveals Himself (His heart and His ways) in His Word. The Bible is the primary way that we get to know God. It is also the primary way God speaks to us. When God does speak to us outside of His Word (for example, Holy Spirit nudges or the counseling of others), He will never speak anything that is contrary to His Word.

The more time we spend reading and studying God’s Word, the better we know how He thinks, how He feels, and how He acts. In other words, we become friends.

But the Bible isn’t just for getting to know God. It teaches us how to live. That’s what we’ll be looking at in the coming weeks.

But first, we must decide if we believe the Bible. If we can trust it. God Himself tells us that He is the author. He breathed His thoughts into the writers’ minds (2 Timothy 3:16). Not one thought originated from them. They didn’t come up with clever ideas. No, each one of them was “moved by the Holy Spirit” as they wrote, and spoke and wrote the words God gave them (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Relationship

The overarching story of the Bible is God’s love for mankind and His plan for our redemption. From the beginning God created us to have fellowship with Him. But we sinned and ruined that relationship. Our sin separates us from God.

Because God loves us so much, He made a way for fellowship with Him to be restored. The penalty for sin is death, and He gave us His Son to pay that penalty for our sin. Jesus died a criminal’s death–in our place. And then He rose from the grave! God is more powerful than what we fear most–death.

When we confess our sin and accept this Gift, our relationship with God is restored.

From that point forward, everything changes. The way we live here on earth, and where we spend eternity. Jesus told His disciples that He came so we could live an “abundant life” (John 10:10).

One of my favorite ways to read the Bible is to compare translations, which is what I did with these two words–abundant life. Here are some of them.

…I came that they might have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. (AMP)

…so that they could live life to the fullest. (CEB)

…life in its fullest measure. (CJB)

…so that they will have everything they need. (GW)

…I came to bring them life, and for more life than before. (Phillips)

…more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (MSG)

…My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (NLT)

…But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect–life in its fullness until you overflow! (TPT)

The Greek translation for abundance is “superabundance” or “more than enough.”

Think about that for a minute. Jesus came so you could live life to its fullest measure. A life better than any you could ever dream of. Jesus didn’t mean a life free from trouble. In fact, He told that we will have trouble (John 16:33-34). But in the midst of it, we will have everything we need. We can experience a fully satisfying life.

And that’s just for the here and now! His ultimate purpose is for us to spend eternity with Him. No more sorrow. No more tears (Revelation 21:4). Instead, fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11)!

The ultimate purpose of God’s Word is to show you how much He loves you and to restore your relationship with Him.

The ultimate purpose of God's Word is to show you how much He loves you and to restore your relationship with Him. Share on X

If you have never given your life to the Lord, you can learn more here. If you already know the Lord, but need a fresh start with Him, all it takes is an honest talk with Him. He is waiting, eager to listen, and wants restored fellowship with you.