What volume of classical English literature remains the world's all-time, best selling book? Which book do experts acknowledge to be the most widely distributed book in history, and regard the same volume to be the most widely read book in history? (World Book Encyclopedia, volume 2, 1989 edition, page 279, 2000 edition.)
Which book compares more than favourably with the ilk of Shakespeare and Milton, regarded by experts as two of the world's greatest poets. Yes, it is the Bible!
Although it has lost much of its importance in a secular post-modern world, it remains "the most influential book in history." (World Book Encyclopedia, volume 2, p 219, 1989 edition.) It is said that, "The Bible in Latin shaped the thought and life of western people for a 1,000 years." (Encyclopedia Britannica Macropedia, volume two, 1991 edition, p 756,1 15th edition.)
Appraising Scripture purely from a literary viewpoint, it is one of the world's finest examples of excellence in fine literature. World Book Encyclopedia comments that, "Scholars value the books of the Bible not only as important religious writings but also as great literary works." (World Book Encyclopedia, volume two, p 279, 2000 edition.)
What can account for the universal appeal and popularity of the Scripture that its influence should extend over barriers of race, culture, and language? The answer must be due, in part, to its timeless nature. The Word of God offers answers to life's greatest questions, questions that have plagued humanity for 1,000s of years. Questions like where do we come from? What is the meaning of life? Why does evil exist? How will the world end?
Within the Bible is a rich variety of genres of literature that includes history, biography, narrative, hymns, riddles, essays, fiction, law, salty wise sayings, letters, philosophy, proverbs, prophecy, parables, poetry, prayers, stories, and some science.
The authors were sages, fishermen, shepherds, prophets, priests, kings, and poets. They display a wide diversity of literary talents, expressing some of the loftiest thoughts and sentiments ever penned. They display a virtuosity, a brilliance, and breadth of mind rarely equalled. The poetry and prose of Scripture contain some beautiful, grand, and majestic thoughts that have never been excelled.
The King James Version, (1611) was largely the craftsmanship of William Tyndale, who was a master wordsmith of the English language. It is a masterpiece of English prose with an old world beauty, charm, and grace. It is said to be "one of the worlds great treasures of the English language." (World Book Encyclopedia, volume two, p 286, 1989 edition.)
Although the idiom of the King James Version is archaic and dated, re-examined in the newer translations it never need be difficult or incomprehensible. In the newer versions like the New International Version, we find it a literary treasure trove.
The Bible contains the wisdom of the ages, yet it is not hoary with age. Although it is a spiritual book that must be spiritually discerned, it will unfold its treasures to all who apply themselves to it with education and application.
The Scriptures are more than a relic of antiquity; more than a repository of the history of man; more than a source of delightful human-interest stories; and more than a religious manuscript.
The Bible is a source of delightful literature that has educated, enthused, and enlightened generations. Men of literature, historians, scientists, philosophers, scholars, archeologists, thespians, atheists, and skeptics have read its pages with profit.
'Literary critics have praised it for its beautiful poetry and stirring calls for faith.' World Book Encyclopedia, volume two, p 239, 2000 edition.
What has the mighty cleaver of truth achieved in its 3,500 year history?
No one could deny that the Holy Bible has had an imponderable moral, legal, and spiritual power throughout its history. The influence of the Ten Commandments permeates the common law of England and other English nations.
The Bible, through the vivifying influence of the Holy Spirit and holy men of God; men like John Wesley and George Whitefield who helped redeem 17th century England from the deleterious effects of the Gin era, and the Industrial Revolution. Historians readily admit that these forces could have spawned another bloody revolution for England, just as France experienced in the opening of the eighteenth century. The Bible's influence led to the freeing of the slaves through men like William Wilberforce in 18th century England, and Abraham Lincoln in 19th century America.
Scripture has been a preserver of society, law, freedom, liberty, justice, and the equality of man. It has inspired a countless quantity and quality of high literature, ennobling music, and fine arts.
It has inspired millions of lives with faith, hope and love in some of life's darkest hours. It has engendered countless good deeds which has ennobled the human race. It has helped redeem millions of lost, hopeless, and soul blighted lives. It has provided the life purpose and life direction that a ruined humanity lost in Eden.
