It never changes!

I have been paying close attention to how I read scripture lately. Knowing I read it with a biased to my upbringing and heritage, I have been trying to read it fresh and new. This is sparked by the entries on Mike Cope's blog about the Bible over the past few days. I have been reading every version I can get my hands on. It is very interesting to lay them side by side and see how others are biased in their approach too.

I have been leafing through a big "table Bible" that belonged to Kerry's grandmother. She passed away about two years ago. Our house is now full of wonderful things from her house that are a constant reminder of how much we all loved her. She was a woman of God. This Bible was printed in 1948. In the introduction there is a page called "Facts about the Bible." Below is a portion of it:

This Book Contains:

The mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, doom of sinners, and happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be open at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, reward the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.

I believe that God has used this as a way for the legacy of Grandmother to be carried to the next generation. I know one of her greatest wishes was that those in her family respect and follow God's word. The statements above are as true today as they were in 1948. God's word never changes.