Understanding Why Knowing the Bible Matters
What Is Biblical Illiteracy?
Put simply, biblical illiteracy means not knowing or understanding what the Bible says. It’s when people are unfamiliar with the basic stories, teachings, and principles found in the Bible. This can happen when someone rarely reads the Bible or only hears about it from others without checking it out for themselves.
Why Is Biblical Illiteracy Dangerous?
1. Misunderstanding the Message: If people don’t know what the Bible actually teaches, they can easily misunderstand its message or believe things that aren’t true. This could lead to confusion about what Christianity is really about.
2. Manipulation and Misinformation: Without a solid understanding, someone can be misled by others who twist Bible verses to fit their own agenda. Not knowing the Bible makes it easier for false teachings to spread.
3. Missing Out on Guidance: The Bible offers wisdom and guidance for everyday life. Not knowing its teachings means missing out on helpful advice for handling problems, relationships, and making important decisions.
4. Weakening Faith: For Christians, not knowing the Bible can make faith feel shaky. It’s hard to trust something you don’t understand. Biblical illiteracy can make it difficult to answer questions or defend beliefs.
The Message of the Gospel
The gospel is the central message of the Bible. In simple terms, it’s the “good news” about Jesus Christ. The gospel says that God loves everyone and wants a relationship with us. Because of human mistakes and wrongdoing (what the Bible calls sin), there was a barrier between people and God. But God sent Jesus to break down that barrier. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. By believing in Jesus and accepting his forgiveness, anyone can have a fresh start and eternal life with God.
Why Understanding the Gospel Matters
· Hope and Purpose: The gospel gives hope, meaning, and purpose to life. It’s about forgiveness, love, and a new beginning.
· Clear Direction: Knowing the gospel helps people understand what Christianity is really about—not just rules, but a relationship with God through Jesus.
· Sharing with Others: Understanding the gospel enables people to share its message with friends, family, and communities in a way that’s clear and honest.
Conclusion
Biblical illiteracy isn’t just about not knowing facts—it’s about missing out on the greatest story and message ever told. Reading and understanding the Bible helps us grasp the true meaning of the gospel and live out its message in everyday life. If you’ve never read the Bible before, or it’s been a while, consider taking another look. The message is for everyone, and it can change your life.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 