Why should I read the Bible? / _ _ _ [ ?? መጽሐፍ ቅዱስን ማንበብ ያለብኝ ለምንድን ነው? ??]. Translated from the German by J. L. Krapf. St. Chrischona: Mission-Press, 1863.
Amharic publication
[ file not yet available ]
German original
Source: St. Chrischona, Bibliothek Kirchturm,
Ref. Code: PM075082
English translation of the German original
WHY SHOULD I READ THE BIBLE?
1. Because the Bible is the Word of God, and reading it is commanded by God Himself. — “For all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching” (2 Tim 3:16). — “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man; rather, holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet 1:21). — “So take these words to heart and into your soul” (Deut 11:18). — “Search the Scriptures, for you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me” (John 5:39).
2. Because the Bible possesses a wonderful and perfect power within itself. — “Your testimonies are wonderful; that is why my soul holds fast to them” (Ps 119:129). — “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a judge of the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebr 4:12). — “The word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Pet 1:25).
3. Because the Bible’s counsel and purpose are so full of grace. — “The law of the Lord is perfect and refreshes the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure and makes the simple wise. The Lord’s commands are true and bring joy to the heart. The Lord’s commandments are pure and enlighten the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure and endures forever. The Lord’s decrees are true; they are all righteous. They are more precious than gold, more than much fine gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. Through them your servant is reminded; and whoever keeps them [p. 2] will receive a great reward” (Ps 19:8-12). — “What has been written before was written for our instruction, so that through patience and the comfort of the Scriptures we may have hope” (Rom 15:4). — “The Holy Scriptures can instruct you for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ” (2Tim 3:15).
4. Because reading the Bible is necessary for my spiritual nourishment and strength. — “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matth 4:4). — “Above all, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the fiery arrows of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, through the trickery of men and their cunning craftiness, intended to deceive us. But let us be sincere in love, and grow in every way into him who is the Head, Christ” (Eph 6:16-17; 4:14-15).
5. Because the Bible will enlighten my mind. — “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is a light; and the discipline of correction is a path of life” (Prov 6:23). — “When your word is revealed, it brings joy and gives wisdom to the simple” (Ps 119:130). — “Attend to these things; put them into practice, so that your growth in all things may be evident” (1 Tim 4:15).
6. Because the Bible will protect me from every sin. — “How can a young man keep his way blameless? By living according to Your words. I keep Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You” (Ps 119:9, 11). — “I take refuge in the words from your lips from the work of human hands, from the path of the murderer” (Ps 17:4). — “Sanctify them in your truth; your Word is the truth” (John 17:17).
7. Because the Bible will comfort my soul in sorrow and death. — “I had great sorrow in my heart; but your consolations delight my soul” (Ps 94:19). — “Your statutes are my song in the house of my pilgrimage. If your law had not been my comfort, I would have perished in my misery” (Ps 119:54, 92). — “Even though I walk through the dark valley, I fear no harm; for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me” (Ps 23:4).
8. Because the Bible will foster the well-being of my soul. — “Lord, where shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). — “Our Savior Jesus Christ has taken away the power of death and brought life and an imperishable being into the light through the Gospel” (2 Tim 1:10).
9. Because neglecting the Bible will bring upon me the just judgment of God. — “See to it that you do not reject him who speaks. For if those did not escape who refused him when he spoke on earth, much less shall we, if we refuse him who speaks from heaven” (Hebr 12:25). — “But whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory, and in the glory of his father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26).
If you are convinced that you should read the Scripture, you will ask:
HOW SHOULD I READ THE BIBLE?
With reverence. — “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps 111:19). — “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of learning” (Prov 1:7). — “The fear of the Lord is discipline leading to wisdom” (Prov 15:33).
Prayerfully. — “Open my eyes, that I may see the wonders of your law. Instruct me, that I may keep your law and observe it with all my heart” (Ps 119:18, 34).
Regularly. — “And do not let the Book of this Law depart from your mouth, but meditate on it day and night, so that you may observe and do everything written in it. Then you will succeed in everything you do, and you will be able to act wisely” (Josh 1:8).
Humbly. — “Crave the pure spiritual milk, like newborn babies, so that by it you may grow” (1 Pet 2:2). — “Receive with meekness the word that is planted in you, which can save your souls” (James 1:21).
Thoughtfully. — “And these words that I command you today, you shall take to heart” (Deut 6:6). — “Hear the law from his mouth, and take his words into your heart” (Job 22:22). — “Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly in all wisdom” (Col 3:16).
With application. — “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, lest you deceive yourselves. But whoever looks into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it—not being a forgetful hearer but a doer—that person will be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22, 25).
Notes
The Amharic version of “Why should I read the Bible?” was the first work in Ethiosemitic script to be printed at the Mission-Press in St. Chrischona. Lüthi, Aethiopisch in der Schweiz, p. 25, cites the year 1863.
Unfortunately, the German tract with the same title, printed in St. Chrischona, does not mention either the author or the year.
- It may be related to Ledderhose’s revision of Dr. Hedinger’s edition of Luther’s New Testament, which was printed in St. Chrischona in 1863. [View vol. 1 · vol. 2].
Cross-references
» Chrischona Annotated New Testament (ed. Ledderhose, 1863):
vol. 1: Matthew ‒ Acts · vol. 2: Romans ‒ Revelation