Book Description

How to Enjoy the Bible is a classic, in-depth guide by E. W. Bullinger, who was one of the leading Biblical scholars of his time. This manual, first published in 1910, is split into two parts: In the first, Bullinger examines the overall picture of the Bible. Its overarching message and qualities as a holy book, and its significance as a communication from God, is discussed. The word is divided into three categories: the Incarnate Word, Written Word and Preached Word - and we hear how the Holy Spirit interpreted and delivered all of these to man. Explaining further his meanings, the author quotes many passages of the Bible as an example of the words, and concludes on the point that whether the word is living or written, the truth is identical. We then proceed to an examination of Jesus Christ in this context, following by a discussion involving rightly dividing the word of God, that readers derive the truth from it. The second part of the book contains twelve distinct lessons - termed 'Canons - concerning the exact words of the Bible. The correct way to understand and reflect upon a given passage's message is detailed via use of example; the author selects a sequence of verses and demonstrates how to infer the meaning. Later in this part, Bullinger collects and arranges verses according to their topics. The contrasts between the Old and New Testament, and the structure of each Biblical book is analyzed and compared. The author also devises short, abbreviating descriptions for a series of passages. Bible vocabulary, in particular the more cryptic terms and words which appear in the texts, is demystified with explanations of the phonetic Hebrew. Born in Canterbury, England, E. W. Bullinger spent his life investigating the Bible and working in the Anglican church. Trained in theology at King's College, London, he was involved in the inter-denominational disputes of the 19th century and became a noted theologian in the dispensationalist school of thought. Although scholarly in tone, this classic Bible study guide also contains simple and true statements: "The Bible simply claims to be the Word of God. It does not attempt to establish its claim, or seek to prove it. It merely assumes it and asserts it. It is for us to believe it or to leave it."