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Light of the Word: How Knowing the History of the Bible Illuminates Our Faith
While Christians generally acknowledge that the Bible is God's Word, many of us lack robust confidence in the reality of its trustworthiness. We may not be sure if we really believe what we read. But the more we understand how Scripture came to be, the more we discover its power and truth.
Historian Susan Lim unpacks how the history of the Bible bolsters our faith and anchors us through the changing tides of time. The story of Scripture, while messy and complicated at times, is also the story of how God shepherded his people throughout the centuries in and through these writings. Lim explains how Christians came to accept certain documents as inspired and not others, and how the books we now call the Bible came to be assembled and canonized as authoritative. The same Spirit of God who oversaw the writing of Scripture continues to be at work actively in us in our receiving and reading of it, to grow us in faith and maturity.
Those of us who confess that Jesus is Lord can also confess with confidence that Scripture is God's Word. As the church through the ages has received and passed down the sacred Scriptures, so too can we receive for ourselves the living Word that God still speaks through today.
Historian Susan Lim unpacks how the history of the Bible bolsters our faith and anchors us through the changing tides of time. The story of Scripture, while messy and complicated at times, is also the story of how God shepherded his people throughout the centuries in and through these writings. Lim explains how Christians came to accept certain documents as inspired and not others, and how the books we now call the Bible came to be assembled and canonized as authoritative. The same Spirit of God who oversaw the writing of Scripture continues to be at work actively in us in our receiving and reading of it, to grow us in faith and maturity.
Those of us who confess that Jesus is Lord can also confess with confidence that Scripture is God's Word. As the church through the ages has received and passed down the sacred Scriptures, so too can we receive for ourselves the living Word that God still speaks through today.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
11 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 31, 2024
Since it’s become fashionable to question commonly held truth, it’s good to know that there is a trustworthy resource for answers to the most pressing questions about the historicity and authenticity of the Bible. In our era of widespread biblical illiteracy, Susan Lim asserts that “while comprehensive understanding of the Scriptures is not a prerequisite for salvation, it is nonnegotiable for sanctification.”
Light of the Word is Lim’s own story reinforced with scholarly evidence that knowing the history of the Bible illuminates a believer’s faith. Confusion over the trustworthiness of our sacred text is definitely a non-starter for confidence.
Lim presents mainly extra-biblical sources as proof that Scripture should be accepted as God’s Word and answers a multitude of foundational questions:
Who wrote the individual books?
When were they written?
How do we know that our copies are accurate?
Who decided what was included in the canon?
And while the answers are clear and compelling, the story of Lim’s own faith journey prevents the book from becoming just one more apologetic work.
The power and providence of God have clearly been at work through the ages in the miraculous preservation of Scripture. God has spoken. If we claim to want to know him but neglect the primary channel through which he may be known, we are only kidding ourselves.
Many thanks to InterVarsity Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
Light of the Word is Lim’s own story reinforced with scholarly evidence that knowing the history of the Bible illuminates a believer’s faith. Confusion over the trustworthiness of our sacred text is definitely a non-starter for confidence.
Lim presents mainly extra-biblical sources as proof that Scripture should be accepted as God’s Word and answers a multitude of foundational questions:
Who wrote the individual books?
When were they written?
How do we know that our copies are accurate?
Who decided what was included in the canon?
And while the answers are clear and compelling, the story of Lim’s own faith journey prevents the book from becoming just one more apologetic work.
The power and providence of God have clearly been at work through the ages in the miraculous preservation of Scripture. God has spoken. If we claim to want to know him but neglect the primary channel through which he may be known, we are only kidding ourselves.
Many thanks to InterVarsity Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
January 31, 2024
How can you have confidence in the trustworthiness of the Word? In Light of the Word, Susan C. Lim shares how knowing the history of the Bible illuminates our faith.
Inspiration and Authority
While this book may be academic in nature, Lim writes with the warmth of a friend and companion. She speaks of her own disconnect from the Scriptures as she once admitted – 15 years after her conversion as a teenager - that she did not believe the Bible was actually God’s Word. Her education and now work as a historian has helped bolster her faith in the Bible.
Lim begins by tackling the canon — explaining the inspiration and authority behind the books. She explains seemingly basic concepts such as dates (BC vs AD) and where the events of the biblical story take place. She does not talk down to her readers, and she acknowledges common questions and concerns that believing the Bible because it says it is God’s Word may seem circular in reasoning.
Clarity and Confidence
When examining Jesus, she skillfully confirms the historicity of Jesus by citing sources from those who actually oppose Christianity. She explains how orthodox teachings can never be understood fully in isolation — Christianity takes place in a community. Towards the end of the book, Lim answers challenges to Scripture: (1) The autographs no longer exist, (2) there are errors in the copies, (3) archeology has disproved the Bible, and (4) prophecies. Her responses are concise and compelling.
Throughout the book, Lim asks her readers to pray that God would give understanding. She knows that receiving Scripture is a gift from God. This book has given me more clarity and confidence in God’s Word, while also giving me more compassion for those who struggle and doubt. Perfect for those who are new to the faith or for those who want a deeper understanding of the Bible - this book is a means to make you mature in Christ.
I received a media copy of Light of the Word and this is my honest review.
Inspiration and Authority
While this book may be academic in nature, Lim writes with the warmth of a friend and companion. She speaks of her own disconnect from the Scriptures as she once admitted – 15 years after her conversion as a teenager - that she did not believe the Bible was actually God’s Word. Her education and now work as a historian has helped bolster her faith in the Bible.
Lim begins by tackling the canon — explaining the inspiration and authority behind the books. She explains seemingly basic concepts such as dates (BC vs AD) and where the events of the biblical story take place. She does not talk down to her readers, and she acknowledges common questions and concerns that believing the Bible because it says it is God’s Word may seem circular in reasoning.
Clarity and Confidence
When examining Jesus, she skillfully confirms the historicity of Jesus by citing sources from those who actually oppose Christianity. She explains how orthodox teachings can never be understood fully in isolation — Christianity takes place in a community. Towards the end of the book, Lim answers challenges to Scripture: (1) The autographs no longer exist, (2) there are errors in the copies, (3) archeology has disproved the Bible, and (4) prophecies. Her responses are concise and compelling.
Throughout the book, Lim asks her readers to pray that God would give understanding. She knows that receiving Scripture is a gift from God. This book has given me more clarity and confidence in God’s Word, while also giving me more compassion for those who struggle and doubt. Perfect for those who are new to the faith or for those who want a deeper understanding of the Bible - this book is a means to make you mature in Christ.
I received a media copy of Light of the Word and this is my honest review.
December 10, 2023
I am here for a book by an author who clearly loves and reveres the Word of God. Susan C. Lim’s passion for the Scriptures is contagious and shines brightly on the pages of this book.
The major premise of Light of the Word is that an unwavering belief in the sixty-six books of the Bible as the living Word of God is essential to the Christian walk.
Helpfully, she makes the necessary distinction between salvation and belief in the Scriptures:
“A nuanced knowledge of the Scriptures is not a prerequisite for salvation.
The first and second confessions, however, are inextricably linked because of Jesus, who is Lord and Savior, is also the Word of God.”
Lim describes the first confession as the moment of salvation, or confessing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who reconciles us to God. The second confession is confessing that every part of the Bible is actually true and the living, breathing Word of God.
The connection between the two may seem obvious, but Lim shares her story of a lingering disbelief in certain parts of the Bible and how it kept her from a joyful walk with Christ.
In this book, she gives the reader a birds’ eye view of how the Bible came to be the sixty-six books that orthodox Christianity understands as God’s Word. She explains how some have been accepted as part of the canon from the beginning, while some have been the cause of controversy. By understanding the place of each book in both its historical and theological importance, we can grow in confidence in our belief of the words of the Bible.
I appreciate that this book is accessible to those of us who may not pick up large tomes more likely to be found in seminary libraries than on our nightstands. Lim balances competency with warmth, and the result is a very readable book.
I recommend Light of the Word to those who want to grow in their understanding of the biblical canon’s formation, as well as those who suspect they may also have a lingering disbelief in certain parts of the Bible. May this book be a blessing to your walk with Christ as it was to me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Intervarsity Press for the advanced review copy. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The major premise of Light of the Word is that an unwavering belief in the sixty-six books of the Bible as the living Word of God is essential to the Christian walk.
Helpfully, she makes the necessary distinction between salvation and belief in the Scriptures:
“A nuanced knowledge of the Scriptures is not a prerequisite for salvation.
The first and second confessions, however, are inextricably linked because of Jesus, who is Lord and Savior, is also the Word of God.”
Lim describes the first confession as the moment of salvation, or confessing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who reconciles us to God. The second confession is confessing that every part of the Bible is actually true and the living, breathing Word of God.
The connection between the two may seem obvious, but Lim shares her story of a lingering disbelief in certain parts of the Bible and how it kept her from a joyful walk with Christ.
In this book, she gives the reader a birds’ eye view of how the Bible came to be the sixty-six books that orthodox Christianity understands as God’s Word. She explains how some have been accepted as part of the canon from the beginning, while some have been the cause of controversy. By understanding the place of each book in both its historical and theological importance, we can grow in confidence in our belief of the words of the Bible.
I appreciate that this book is accessible to those of us who may not pick up large tomes more likely to be found in seminary libraries than on our nightstands. Lim balances competency with warmth, and the result is a very readable book.
I recommend Light of the Word to those who want to grow in their understanding of the biblical canon’s formation, as well as those who suspect they may also have a lingering disbelief in certain parts of the Bible. May this book be a blessing to your walk with Christ as it was to me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Intervarsity Press for the advanced review copy. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2024
Audio
This is an absolutely phenomenal apologetic on the Bible’s canonicity. It’s a very accessible read and helps the reader articulate a clear defense of those who claim the Bible we hold today is problematic.
I had no idea so few books of the Bible were actually in question. Most have been well established for centuries.
I loved the author’s treatment of the apocrypha and other intertestamental books, and the logic behind why each one isn’t included in our canon.
So well done. I want to recommend this to everyone I know. I am more confident in the trustworthiness of Scripture after reading this, and I love the Bible even more.
This is an absolutely phenomenal apologetic on the Bible’s canonicity. It’s a very accessible read and helps the reader articulate a clear defense of those who claim the Bible we hold today is problematic.
I had no idea so few books of the Bible were actually in question. Most have been well established for centuries.
I loved the author’s treatment of the apocrypha and other intertestamental books, and the logic behind why each one isn’t included in our canon.
So well done. I want to recommend this to everyone I know. I am more confident in the trustworthiness of Scripture after reading this, and I love the Bible even more.
June 8, 2025
Lim does a great job covering the history of how the Bible was assembled in an academic, yet approachable delivery. She covered disputed books in both the Old and New Testament, the process of the Cannon's assembly, and how the Scriptures were historically perceived, even before their official designation as scripture. I particularly enjoyed chapter 5, "A case study on Esther".
This is a great read for those who are exploring the construct of what Christians call their sacred text, or for those who are eager to learn more about this history of their faith.
This is a great read for those who are exploring the construct of what Christians call their sacred text, or for those who are eager to learn more about this history of their faith.
November 26, 2023
TITLE: Light of the World: How Knowing the History of the Bible Illuminates Our Faith
AUTHOR: Susan C. Lim
GENRE: NonFiction; Spiritual; Christian; Religious
Really liked this illuminating history of the Christian faith and the Bible. I learned so much. Lots of notes were taken. Every Christian needs to read.
AUTHOR: Susan C. Lim
GENRE: NonFiction; Spiritual; Christian; Religious
Really liked this illuminating history of the Christian faith and the Bible. I learned so much. Lots of notes were taken. Every Christian needs to read.
May 17, 2024
This will be my go-to recommendation for anyone who has questions about the history of the Bible.
March 9, 2024
In this accessible, engaging guide to the Bible, Susan C. Lim shares her personal testimony of coming to know Jesus and the story of her "second confession," when after years of faithful Christian living, she recognized her lack of true confidence in the Bible and came to the point of really believing that the Bible is the Word of God. She explains that just like her, many Christians follow Jesus without ever fully believing in the authenticity of Scripture, and she shares evidence and information to help her readers understand why we can trust that the Bible is true and reliable.
Light of the Word includes brief summaries of what we know about the origin of each book of the Bible, and Lim focuses on both the Old Testament and the New Testament in turn, highlighting important things that Christians should know about issues like the canonization process, disputed books, and the Bible's translation history. Throughout this book, she debunks many common myths that skeptics use to discredit the Bible, and even when she also includes references to what the Bible says about itself, she relies on historical, external evidence to persuade the reader. Also, even though Lim covers many high-level academic concepts in this book, it is highly readable. Her relaxed style and personal stories will engage readers who would never read a dense academic book on this subject, and she speaks to the reader in a conversational style without talking down to them.
This is an excellent book for Christians who want to better understand the Bible. Whether someone is personally struggling with doubts about the Bible or simply wants to know more about its history, this book will speak to them and provide helpful insights. Also, even though Lim primarily directs this book to fellow believers, this book can also appeal to curious skeptics who want to better understand the basis for Christianity. I would highly recommend this to book to anyone who wants a thorough, thoughtful, and highly accessible guide to understanding the history of the Bible.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Light of the Word includes brief summaries of what we know about the origin of each book of the Bible, and Lim focuses on both the Old Testament and the New Testament in turn, highlighting important things that Christians should know about issues like the canonization process, disputed books, and the Bible's translation history. Throughout this book, she debunks many common myths that skeptics use to discredit the Bible, and even when she also includes references to what the Bible says about itself, she relies on historical, external evidence to persuade the reader. Also, even though Lim covers many high-level academic concepts in this book, it is highly readable. Her relaxed style and personal stories will engage readers who would never read a dense academic book on this subject, and she speaks to the reader in a conversational style without talking down to them.
This is an excellent book for Christians who want to better understand the Bible. Whether someone is personally struggling with doubts about the Bible or simply wants to know more about its history, this book will speak to them and provide helpful insights. Also, even though Lim primarily directs this book to fellow believers, this book can also appeal to curious skeptics who want to better understand the basis for Christianity. I would highly recommend this to book to anyone who wants a thorough, thoughtful, and highly accessible guide to understanding the history of the Bible.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2023
Light of the Word
How Knowing the History of the Bible Illuminates Our Faith
by Susan C. Lim
Pub Date 05 Dec 2023
InterVarsity Press,IVP
Christian| Nonfiction \(Adult\)| Religion & Spirituality
Netgalley and InterVarsity Press sent me a copy of The Light of the World to review:
Christians generally acknowledge that the Bible is God's Word, but many of us don't believe it's trustworthy. Sometimes we're not sure if we believe what we read. But the more we learn about how Scripture came to be, the more power and truth we discover.
Historian Susan Lim explains how the Bible's history bolsters our faith and anchors us through history's ups and downs. Though Scripture can be messy and complicated at times, it also tells the story of God shepherding his people through the centuries. In Lim's book, he explains how Christians came to accept certain documents as inspired and not others, and how the Bible was assembled and canonized. As we receive and read Scripture, the same Spirit who oversaw its writing is at work actively in us, growing us in faith and maturity.
We can confess with confidence that Scripture is God's Word if we confess Jesus is Lord. The church through the ages has received and passed down sacred Scriptures, so we can also receive the living Word God still speaks through.
I give Light of the World five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
How Knowing the History of the Bible Illuminates Our Faith
by Susan C. Lim
Pub Date 05 Dec 2023
InterVarsity Press,IVP
Christian| Nonfiction \(Adult\)| Religion & Spirituality
Netgalley and InterVarsity Press sent me a copy of The Light of the World to review:
Christians generally acknowledge that the Bible is God's Word, but many of us don't believe it's trustworthy. Sometimes we're not sure if we believe what we read. But the more we learn about how Scripture came to be, the more power and truth we discover.
Historian Susan Lim explains how the Bible's history bolsters our faith and anchors us through history's ups and downs. Though Scripture can be messy and complicated at times, it also tells the story of God shepherding his people through the centuries. In Lim's book, he explains how Christians came to accept certain documents as inspired and not others, and how the Bible was assembled and canonized. As we receive and read Scripture, the same Spirit who oversaw its writing is at work actively in us, growing us in faith and maturity.
We can confess with confidence that Scripture is God's Word if we confess Jesus is Lord. The church through the ages has received and passed down sacred Scriptures, so we can also receive the living Word God still speaks through.
I give Light of the World five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
January 12, 2024
Not only does Susan's love of the bible shine through, but her thorough and yet down to earth explanation of the whole process of how we have the bible we hold in our hands today is extremely well done. I knew of some of the background of the bible, but really diving into this book has put some missing pieces into place of why certain books are in our canon, and why certain books are not, especially the warning and worry of the "bishop of Alexandria, Athanasius penned his letter about his worry that a few 'simple' people would be 'beguiled' by taking the 'books termed apocryphal, and to mix them up with the divinely inspired scripture.' " Every aspect was considered from multiple individuals before a book was accepted into our canon, the reasons behind some of the questions, and ultimately the reason why they were deemed worthy. Very well done and so informative!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
September 24, 2023
Light of the word is a book that dives into the history of the writing and establishing the Bible canon. The author begins with their own story of coming to faith and later on finding herself doubting the innerancy of the Bible.
The book delves into the history of the Old Testament, disputed books and how the canon of the OT was established. Later it explores the New Testament and the history of the early church.
It is well written, offers opportunities for reflection, and it is suited for both new believers and and people who have been believers for some time.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy for review.
The book delves into the history of the Old Testament, disputed books and how the canon of the OT was established. Later it explores the New Testament and the history of the early church.
It is well written, offers opportunities for reflection, and it is suited for both new believers and and people who have been believers for some time.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy for review.
December 7, 2024
This is a case where the star rating I am giving the book is based on my reaction, not to anything negative about the book. I don't think I'm the intended audience for this title. I want to know more about the history of how the Bible has come to us in its present form, not because I am questioning if the Bible is God's word. I wanted more depth, not necessarily academic, but not so basic. I actually gained more from the footnotes from the text. For the right reader, one asking the questions Lim addresses, this will be a good book.
August 4, 2023
The Light of the Word by Susan C. Lim is a wonderful book on the history and origins of the Bible. She takes a subject that can be confusing and makes it easy to understand. As a Christian it is great to read so many factual examples of the authenticity of the Bible. I would recommend this book to new believers and lifetime believers. Thank you to the publisher and Netgally for allowing me to read this advanced copy. I enjoyed this book very much!
December 7, 2023
Really enjoyed this book on the history of the Word of God. Filled with historical evidence of how we got the modern canon we see today. The author's personal story of her journey with faith and disillusionment really spoke to me, and the book is written in a way that speaks plain and full of truth. Highly recommend and might read twice! #lightoftheword #susanclim #netgalley #goodreads
January 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I had never read a book in the historical nature or authenticity of the Bible and I thought this was a great introduction to that. Someone who has experience reading books on the Bible may find this book repetitive, but it is a great and fairly easy read for someone newer to studying faith in a different way.
April 5, 2025
I was given this book by the author herself Susan C. Lim! I got it signed. This book was an answer to my prayers to fall more in love with the scriptures. Diving into how the Bible came to be known as the Bible does illuminate my faith. An awesome work that has encouraged me to be unafraid to ask the hard questions - God answers, always.
January 16, 2024
Absolutely fantastic! The passionate, intellectual Christian will read this in one sitting. Lim masterfully dismantles some of the most frequently spouted criticisms of Christianity, and presents her evidence in a very accessible way.
January 2, 2025
Super great info, just kind of hard to get into. The organization of everything & the style of her writing was a bit if an obstacle.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews