ChristianityInfo.com | Clear Christian Answers from the Bible

What Is the Bible and What Is Its Main Message?

The Bible is the sacred book of Christianity: a collection of writings that Christians believe God inspired to tell the story of his relationship with humanity. Its main message is that God created the world, that people turned away from him, and that God has acted to rescue them, above all through Jesus Christ. This article explains what the Bible is, how it is organized, what the Old and New Testaments are about, how they fit together, and why the Bible was written.

In All Your Ways Acknowledge Him — Proverbs 3:6

"In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" — Proverbs 3:6, NIV Many people know this verse in its older wording: "In all your ways acknowledge him." It follows directly after the call to trust the Lord with all our heart, and it shows us what that trust looks like in daily life.

Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart — Proverbs 3:5

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" — Proverbs 3:5, NIV This is one of the best-known verses in the Bible, and for good reason. It speaks to one of the greatest struggles in the Christian life: learning to rely on God instead of ourselves.

The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Knowledge — Proverbs 1:7

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" — Proverbs 1:7, NIV This verse sets the tone for the whole book of Proverbs. Before offering practical advice about work, money, friendship, and family, the book tells us where true understanding starts.

How Good It Is to Live in Unity — Psalm 133:1

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" — Psalm 133:1, NIV This short psalm of David celebrates something we all long for but often find hard to keep: peace and harmony with the people around us.

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God — Psalm 19:1

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" — Psalm 19:1, NIV David wrote these words as he looked up at the sky and saw more than clouds, sun, and stars. He saw the signature of the Creator.

I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made — Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" — Psalm 139:14, NIV In this verse, David looks at his own life and responds with praise. He sees himself as the careful work of a loving Creator.

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet — Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" — Psalm 119:105, NIV Many people know it as "Your word is a lamp to my feet." It is one of the most loved verses about the Bible, and it gives a simple picture of how God guides us.

I Have Hidden Your Word in My Heart — Psalm 119:11

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" — Psalm 119:11, NIV This verse comes from Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, which is entirely about the value of God's word. In one short line, it shows us both what to do with Scripture and why it matters.

Teach Us to Number Our Days — Psalm 90:12

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" — Psalm 90:12, NIV This short prayer asks God for something we all need: the wisdom to use our time well.