Non-fiction books are often reissued as a new edition. This is especially true of textbooks. Things change, new information is discovered, new research is conducted, and the information published in one edition becomes outdated or no longer correct. In order to get the most up-to-date and pertinent information out there, the publishers of a book issue a second edition, a third edition, and so on. If you are in school and studying a particular subject, it’s important that you have the latest edition of the textbook you are using. Having the wrong edition could mean the difference between passing and failing the class.
There is one reference book that has never changed. No new editions have been released. The edition in existence now is the same edition that has been in existence since the printing press was invented, and this book was published for all to read. This book is the Holy Bible. While there have been many different translations of the Bible, the content of it, God’s Word, has remained the same.
God’s Word is sufficient for faith and for life. For that reason, nothing written in it needs to be or should be added or changed. In fact, Scripture warns against adding to or taking away anything from God’s Word (Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Revelation 22:18-19). God’s Word is truth (John 17:17) and truth never changes (Proverbs 12:19). His Word is just as applicable now as it was centuries ago. The answers to all of life’s questions and challenges can be found within the words of the Bible when we read it and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to us through its words.
God’s Word is perfect. It can revive our souls and make even the simplest of us wise (Psalm 19:7). God’s Word is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). It is alive and powerful and can discern our innermost thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12). And, although the Bible was written by men, every word was inspired by God. For this reason, God’s Word is useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness with the result that, those who read it may be complete and able to do God’s work (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Holy Bible, the first and only edition, is the most important book anyone can read. It is not only reliable but, like the God who inspired it, it is also eternal. God’s Word has been firmly fixed in the heavens (Psalm 119:89).
A Worshiper's Journal 