Foreword

My Journey to Life provides the keys for living every day with peace of mind, harmony of body and wonderful relationships. As you read through each lesson guide, your daily outlook will be transformed and renewed by the Spirit. We pray you will experience a growing adoration for the greatest Teacher this world has ever known. Let’s begin walking, step-by-step, on the pathway toward a new life together with Jesus. JTL1 1.1

Preface

Our journey begins with understanding the origins of Scripture. In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. In Him is life eternal; He is the giver of life. The living Son of God imparts life through His Word. All who study it and accept the gift of eternal life—given freely to us by our loving Savior—will find peace. JTL1 1.2

Step One—Scripture

What is Scripture? Will it benefit my life? “The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration. The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the supreme, authoritative, and the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the definitive revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history.”—Seventh-day Adventists Believe, p. 11 JTL1 1.3

Bible Discovery:

Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5, 6; Isaiah 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20, 21 JTL1 1.4

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. vii, par. 1 JTL1 1.5

1. Where did the Bible come from?

The word Bible simply means “book.” The Bible contains 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament, written by 44 authors over a 1500-year period. Archeology, including the discoveries of the Moabite Stone, the Lachish Letters, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Cyrus’ Cylinder, and the Rosetta Stone, all confirm its authenticity. Most importantly, the Bible contains direct messages from God’s heart to us! JTL1 1.6

Bible Discovery:

John 5:24; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:21 JTL1 1.7

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 393.2 JTL1 1.8

2. Did Jesus trust the Scriptures?

Yes! Jesus quoted often from the Old Testament prophets and encouraged the Jews to search Scripture because it testified of Him. JTL1 2.1

Bible Discovery:

Matthew 24:15, 37; Mark 7:6; Luke 4:25-27; John 5:39 JTL1 2.2

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. v, par. 4 JTL1 2.3

3. Why should I read the Bible?

The most important reason is to know Jesus and investigate His heart of love for us! Bible study gives hope, comfort, longevity, health, peace, and leads us to the Source of eternal life. It pierces our very thoughts and cuts away what separates us from Christ, our Best Friend. JTL1 2.4

Bible Discovery:

Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 3:1, 2; 4:20-22; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23 JTL1 2.5

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 303.2 JTL1 2.6

4. Have the prophecies of the Bible become true?

One of the most dramatic predictions of Scripture is found in Daniel 2. Given about 600 years before the time of Christ, Daniel’s vision specifically outlined what nations would rule the earth until the Second Coming of Christ—an incredible prophetic declaration tracing more than 2,500 years of world history! Old Testament prophets also pinpointed Jesus’ birthplace, His virgin birth, and a timeline of His ministry hundreds of years before His Incarnation in Bethlehem. There are many more fulfilled prophecies from the Bible—and some yet to be fulfilled just before the Second Coming of Jesus. JTL1 2.7

Bible Discovery:

Isaiah 7:14; Daniel 2:31-45; 9:24-27; Micah 5:2; Revelation 16:20, 21 JTL1 2.8

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 593.2-594.1 JTL1 2.9

5. Is there a unifying theme to the Bible?

Amazingly, there is. Scores of authors from different cultures, careers, and educational backgrounds wrote the Bible over a span of many centuries. However, the unifying theme of every biblical story, sermon, and history is the unfathomable love of God for all His created beings. The Old Testament points to the Messiah to come, while the New Testament describes His life, death, resurrection, and continuing mediation on our behalf. JTL1 2.10

Bible Discovery:

Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 3:1; 4:16 JTL1 2.11

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33.2 JTL1 2.12

6. I’m looking for change in my life. Can the Bible help me make better choices?

Many have experienced the influence of Christ in His Word and have had transformational experiences as a result. The Holy Scriptures are a revelation from the God of strength and power! JTL1 3.1

Bible Discovery:

Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:25-27; Matthew 6:9-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17 JTL1 3.2

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 112.1 JTL1 3.3

7. Is there one subject more important than another in the Bible?

All Scripture is valuable and profitable. If we read it to strengthen our faith in Jesus as our Savior from sin and Lord of our life, we are fulfilling its purpose. The great apostle Paul, who wrote more than a dozen books in the New Testament, states, “I am determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” JTL1 3.4

Bible Discovery:

John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NKJV); 15:1-4; Galatians 6:14; 2 Timothy 3:15 JTL1 3.5

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 187.1 JTL1 3.6

8. Is Scripture self-authenticating?

In a sense, yes—though there is also plenty of external evidence to support its claims. The biblical writers repeatedly affirm that God’s Word is a source of truth, light, and understanding to those who approach it in faith. JTL1 3.7

Bible Discovery:

Psalm 119:105, 130; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:19 JTL1 3.8

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 427.1 JTL1 3.9

9. For whom was the Bible written?

The Bible was written for everyone—including you! It was not intended to be cliquish, exclusive or closed. It is God’s purpose that ALL should come to a knowledge of saving truth. JTL1 3.10

Bible Discovery:

1 Corinthians 10:32, 33; 1 Timothy 2:4; Revelation 14:6; 22:17 JTL1 3.11

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 428.3 JTL1 3.12

10. If I struggle with depression and insecurity, will reading the Bible make me miserable or happy?”

While it’s true that the Bible points out that sin separates us from our loving God (Isaiah 59:1, 2), its primary purpose is to re-establish connection with Jesus Christ. God longs to speak to us through the pages of the Bible and bring us peace and joy! JTL1 4.1

Bible Discovery:

Deuteronomy 26:11; Psalm 94:19; 119:162, 165; Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:22 JTL1 4.2

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, 21LtMs, Manuscript 95, 1906, par. 5 JTL1 4.3

11. Should I consider the Bible authoritative?

Yes. Though written by human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit, Scripture is the living voice of God Himself. The principles of Scripture speak to all generations in every place and time. The Spirit of God gives potency and power to the Word of God! JTL1 4.4

Bible Discovery:

Matthew 4:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Ephesians 6:17; 1 Peter 1:12 JTL1 4.5

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, My Life Today, p. 283.3 JTL1 4.6

12. How should I study the Bible?

First, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth (John 16:13). Then, you could begin studying the Bible by topic (you might be interested in checking out some of our other topical Bible studies posted on this site). You could also immerse yourself in one book of the Bible, such as the book of Mark or John, or the Psalms. Some people enjoy finding Bible promises and underlining them for future reference. The book of Isaiah or 1 John are good places to find Bible promises that speak to your heart. However you choose to study the Bible, never give up! There’s buried treasure in this Book! JTL1 4.7

Bible Discovery:

Deuteronomy 11:18-23; Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Revelation 1:3 JTL1 4.8

Further Reading:

Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 110.1 JTL1 4.9

Reflection…

Scripture contains the living Words of God—a blueprint for faith. The Holy Bible leads the reader to grow in their understanding of Jesus (God’s Son). He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). The Bible reveals the secrets of Jesus’ sacrifice and His gift of forgiveness for our sins. If we accept His atoning sacrifice of saving grace, we’re eligible to receive His ultimate reward—living with Him throughout eternity in heaven. JTL1 4.10

Next Step…

Jesus is God—all powerful, eternal, without beginning or end. The wonderful mystery of Christ’s incarnation as a babe in Bethlehem is the core of the Christian message and a recurring theme in Scripture. Jesus became a human being in humble circumstances so He could walk and talk with all people, reveal God’s amazing love, and ultimately die in their stead. Come along on our next step as we learn more about Jesus and His incredible gift. JTL1 4.11

Discussion Questions

1. Why should I believe the Bible?
2. How can I make Bible study a daily habit?
3. How should I relate to scholarly biblical criticism?

Further Reading

Official Adventist Website: https://www.adventist.org/holy-scriptures JTL1 5.1

Contact Information

Ellen G. White Estate: mail@whiteestate.org JTL1 5.2

Request a personal Bible study: https://www.bibleschools.com/en/personal-studies JTL1 5.3

Visit your local Seventh-day Adventist Church: https://www.adventistlocator.org JTL1 5.4

Online prayer room: https://www.wepray.mobi JTL1 5.5