Should we use Joshua 1:8 to admonish Christians to read their bibles?

Joshua 1:8(KJV)

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

There are a number of teachings that emphasize the need for believers to give themselves to the study of God's word in order to grow spiritually. This is very good.

However, using the verse above for such an admonition is not accurate at all.

Perhaps, it's not what you think it is.

The book of the law contains all the teachings and commandments of Moses in which no man could be justified.

Deuteronomy 31:24-26(KJV)

[24]And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

[25]That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,

[26]Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

It was a must to obey every single detail of the book of the law.

Galatians 3:10(KJV)

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

This book of the law was written to guide the children of Israel WELL OVER A THOUSAND YEARS BEFORE CHRIST CAME TO ESTABLISH CHRISTIANITY. The book of the law is not the same thing as the Bible.

What was given to Christians?

Paul called it the word of God's grace

Acts 20:32(KJV)

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

The word of truth

2 Timothy 2:15(KJV)

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The word of life

Philippians 2:16(KJV)

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

The word of Christ

Colossians 3:16(KJV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

He was emphasizing same thing. This is the revelation found in the epistles of Paul and other apostles.

Ephesians 3:1-5(KJV)

[1]For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

[2]If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

[3]How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

[4]Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

[5]Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

Moreover, we have the entire Bible to ourselves today and we are encouraged to read every book of the Bible. Just like the New Testament writings, the Old Testament writings were inspired by God and they are good for us.

Romans 15:4(KJV)

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Paul wrote to Timothy,

2 Timothy 3:15-16(KJV)

[15]And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

As a way of telling the believers that Paul's epistles were as apostolic and authoritative as those of others apostles, Peter wrote,

2 Peter 3:15(KJV)

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you.

The Bible communicates God's word in its entirety to us Christians today. This is the recipe for our spiritual growth.

NOT the book of the law.

Victor Ibosiola © 2017