The kind of Bible you read is determined by the kind of person you are.

What do I mean when I say this?… I’m not referring to your preference of translation, whether it be ESV, NIV, KJV, etc. Nor am I referring to your Bible’s binding, color, or publisher. I’m not trying to get at original manuscripts. And I’m definitely not trying to point out denominational preferences.

What I mean is this… What people receive from Scripture is not always what Scripture reads, but rather what people read into it.

Let me explain.

  1. To a strict and legal person, the Bible is the highest rule book by which to live and structure our lives, and as would naturally follow God is the Legislator. He created us, by creation He has right over us, He makes the rules, we simply live by them. Perhaps this is where the acronym for B.I.B.L.E. being “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” is most fitting.
  2. To the ambitious and natural born leader, the Bible is a story of great men who overcame difficult odds to accomplish mighty deeds for God and His people. To this kind of person God is a Coach to play for and honor with victories in every avenue of their life.
  3. To the solemn and sober, the Bible is a warning concerning God’s righteous indignation, the wrath to be justly poured out upon sinners, and His mercy toward the chosen in Christ. With them, God is Judge.

Before I go further I must say that all of these types of Christians would be right. God Himself and His word have many facets. From the right angle God can clearly be seen as Legislator, Coach, Judge, and so much more. The Bible can clearly be shown to be rule book, narrative, and warning all at the same time. These are only a few examples! To further dwell on them though would be a detour from the point I’m trying to make. All of these are true of Scripture and of its Author, but I do not believe them to be primary.

Primarily, the Bible is a divine romance. God is Husband. And yes, the Church is His bride.

Starting now, I’ll be journeying from Genesis to Revelation with romance-tinted glasses on and blogging about what I find. I don’t know where all it will take me, but I hope to be more in love with Jesus and making ready for His return when I finish.

“Let us rejoice…the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready” (Rev. 19:7)

(#DivineRomance part 1)