Multiple sources confirm that the Bible is the most popular book of all time with an estimated printing and distribution of 6 billion copies. The Bible outlines the battle of good vs. evil and provides details of the outcome of that battle. The Bible was written over a period of 1500 years ending in the first century AD. The Bible presents a seamless presentation of the redemption of man after the fall in the Garden of Eden. The Bible is accepted by Christians as the infallible word of God and contains no abrogations. While the Old Testament was written primarily for the benefit of the Jews, the New Testament was written for all peoples of the earth.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
Without a doubt Jesus Christ is the major player in the Bible. He was introduced in the third chapter of the first book in the Bible. He was revealed as the One who would be the victor of the battle of good vs. evil. After deceiving Eve in the Garden, the father of evil, i.e. Satan was cursed and told that he would be defeated by the Seed of the woman whom he had deceived.
“Because you have done this, you are cursed…and I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:14-15
And so it was, Jesus Christ was born of a woman from the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah…..David et al. His Father was God Himself. Therefore, the deity of Christ is undeniable.
There are countless scripture references attesting to Jesus’ deity but perhaps the most succinct is:
“I and My Father are one.” John 10:30
Thus as the Seed of the woman and the Son of God, Jesus has been given great authority.
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’” Matthew 28:18
Therefore, when Jesus speaks, He is speaking on behalf of the Father. Jesus utters the final words in the Bible.
“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book…” Revelation 22:18
God has, however, given all mankind freedom of choice to accept the Bible as the word of God or to reject it. In addition the constitution of this great nation provides everyone the freedom to practice any and all religions whether or not they accept the Bible as the word of God.
However, why is the Bible the most popular book in history? Many study the Bible for more than just religious reasons. The Bible has proven to be infallible regarding prophetic fulfillment not only as it relates to Israel, but to many other issues such as the rise and fall of gentile world powers.
Considering the accuracy of Biblical prophecies many consult the Bible to study the numerous unfulfilled prophecies relating to the end of this present age. The Bible stresses that the God/Man Jesus paid the redemptive price for not only mankind, but the whole creation. Therefore, the prophecies relating to future events describe in detail how Christ will reclaim and restore all that He paid for on the cross. The emphasis on the love of God detailed in the gospels will be refocused on the wrath of God during the latter days of this age.
The return of Jesus Christ the Judge is described thusly:
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him…judges and makes war…Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Revelation 19:11-15
It appears that the readers of those 6 billion Bibles will renew their search for answers to the future.