The Bible is more than just a collection of 66 independent books, sewn together into one big book. The Bible is more of a library, a unit of books that fits together into a perfectly harmonious system of thought revolving around a single theme: salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Like any library, it has certain divisions and distinct topics, but everything fits into the central theme.
The Name: The term “Bible” is used to represent the Holy Scriptures that were originally given by God, and copies of which have been preserved down through the centuries. The term “Bible” never actually appears in the pages of scripture. The name “Bible” derives from the Greek term biblion, or biblos, a name given to the fibrous coat or bark of the papyrus reed, a substance from which ancient scrolls were made. The plural form, biblia, came to mean “writings” or “rolls”, a destination for the rolled-up scrolls so common in ancient times. Biblion (used 34 times in the New Testament) is typically translated either “book(s)” or “scroll(s)”. In those days Scripture was written on scrolls and as they were read, they were rolled out of one hand and into the other. Scrolls measured up to thirty feet in length.
The Divisions: Although the Bible is one single unit, 66 book library, with one central theme, God has given us this Book in two divisions or “testaments”. The term “testament” means “covenant” or arrangement between two parties. God’s old covenant was made with Moses and His people, the Jews (Exodus 24:7-8), and His new covenant with His family, the church (Hebrews 10:8-17). The relationship between the two covenants is “the Old Testament revealed in the New, the New revealed in the Old, and in the Old contained, and the Old is the New explained.” While the Old gathers around Mount Sinai under the law, the New gathers around Calvary under grace. Another way to put it is this: The New is in the Old concealed and the Old is in the New revealed.
Central Theme: The central theme of the Bible is the Lord Jesus Christ. The Old Testament looks forward to His birth, life and death as it prophetically pictures Him in shadows, types and pictures. The New Testament looks back and sets Him forth in reality, actuality, and truth. The Old Testament predicts His arrival and His death, while the New Testament portrays and explains Him in complete fulfillment. Luke recorded where Jesus made it clear that He was the Messiah, the One foretold in the whole Old Testament: “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all Scripture concerning Himself (Luke 24:26-27). Book by book, you will find Jesus is the person of Christ enfolded into each in one form or another. In Exodus, He is the Passover lamb (12:1-14). In Leviticus He is the atoning sacrifice (17:11). In Judges He is our deliverer. In Job He is our redeemer. In Matthew He is the King. In Mark the Servant, In Luke the Son of Man, in John the Son of God. It isn’t enough for us to understand with our minds that Jesus Christ is the central theme of Scripture. He longs to be the central theme of our lives and to live in our hearts.
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