The Bible is God’s mind, in written form, to instruct man of His will. “But God hath revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. ... These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Cor. 2:10,13.

This book was intended to instruct us in the basic way of living before we live this earth. Let us look at the Bible from this advantage for a moment.

Basic: “1: of, relating to, or forming the base or essence: FUNDAMENTAL” Webster.

The Bible is the only primary, or fundamental book to instruct man how to live and be happy on this earth. It is the only book that can so instruct. It is the base of all acceptable human belief and behavior. It is the fundmental in informing man of God’s wishes and commands. “As His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue...” 2 Pet. 1:3. Just as Moses told the children of Israel the reason to teach their children the commands of God, so is the word for us today: “And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good aways, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.” Deut. 6:24.

Instruction: “1a: LESSON, PRECEPT, b: a direction calling for compliance: ORDER. c pl: an outline or manual of technical procedure: DIRECTIONS.” Webster.

The idea of instruction involves learning a lesson with the intention of appling that lesson to life. It involves training in the precepts of such instruction. “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3:16,17 God has not left man to wonder or presume on his own what he must do to please God. God has instructed us in the ways of righteousness through the Gospel. Rom. 1:17. We must read and study the word with the intent to apply to our lives that which we learn from God’s instruction book. Eph. 3:3-5; James 1:20ff.

Before: “1: (1): in front of (2): in the presence of b: under the jurisdiction or consideration of c (1): at the disposal of (2): in store for 2: preceding in time: earlier that 3: in a higher or more important position than” Webster.

God’s word is for this life, to prepare us for the life to come. Since this life proceeds eternal life and eternal life is conditional upon how we live in this life according to His word, then we must give close attention to it’s instruction. This world is not our homes, we are just passing through. “And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Heb. 9:27. This life comes before eternal life. The lesser before the better. Jesus told His disciples “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” Jn. 14:2,3.

Leaving: “3: to go away from, DEPART” Webster.

Leaving involves making an exit. As I have already mentioned, this world is not our home. We must die and leave all behind. Since we know we are leaving, we prepare daily for the exit from this life. Just as if we were headed on a vacation or a long trip, we would prepare ourselves for the trip. We would pack our bags, plan the route we shall take and prepare ourselves for that coming day. It is not easy for man to leave the known for the unknown. We struggle with our exit, or deny that it is coming, some are indifferent to it and others get so caught up in this life that they forget that one day they must exit, so the exit catches them unprepared. “For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.” Phil. 1:23,24. Remember, Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.

Earth: “4: the planet on which we live that is third in order from the sun.” Webster.

Earth is only a temporary home for mankind. Here God placed man to live, enjoy and replenish. Gen. 1,2. It is here that we learn how to worship and serve the Living God. This is a place of training and preparation, for a far better place. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalms 46:10.
Welcome to earth, the third rock from the sun, but don’t get too attached. The Bible, God’s Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Are you listening?

Michael C. Divis
715 East 21st. St.
South Sioux City, NE 68776
(402) 241-0620