Final Word: Why We Need the Bible

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

The Bible is under attack on all sides. Unbelievers denounce it as backward, narrow-minded, and intolerant, and even some professing Christians deny its truth to gain approval from the culture. With each assault, we hear echoes of the serpent’s question in the garden of “Did God really say?” Unfortunately, many believers don’t know how to answer these challenges and find their confidence in God’s Word shaken. In Final Why We Need the Bible , Dr. John MacArthur defends the trustworthiness of Scripture, with the goal of equipping the church to stand firm for the truth even when others abandon it. Only when God’s people recognize the Bible for what it is—God’s inerrant, authoritative Word—will they be able to fulfill their calling and carry the message of God’s salvation to the world.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Christian, Faith, Christian Living

136 pages, Hardcover

Published June 12, 2019

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this time we live in, the Bible is simply not considered important. To most, it’s “just another book”. Even many Christians – sadly, far too many – rarely read their Bibles. As Spurgeon said over 150 years ago, “There is dust enough on some of your Bibles to write ‘damnation’ with your fingers”.

John MacArthur: pastor, president of The Master’s University and Seminary, founder of the Grace to You radio and author of nearly four hundred books addresses this unfortunate issue. He writes with great clarity and pulls from Scripture itself to explain his points.

First, he explains why the Bible is under attack. Then he talks about how the Bible is truth, authoritative, the catalyst of spiritual growth, central to faithful ministry, and finally, how it is food for the soul.

The Bible should be the root of all Christian teaching. But sadly, most churches now offer “motivational pep talks” and not once is the Bible even opened. Verses are not quoted, but “catch-all” phrases are used instead. MacArthur calls our attention to this fact: that we need to go back to the Bible, back to God’s true and living word. It’s not a boring book. It’s the core of our life.

If you are a Christian who has noticed this downfall in our churches and lives – or if you are simply wondering why some people think the Bible is so important and others don’t – I encourage you to read this book.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always make it a point to include works on the doctrine of scripture in my reading diet. This was not disappointing. MacArthur is clear and concise in spelling out why God’s Word is sufficient.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible is under attack on all sides. Unbelievers denounce it as backward, narrow-minded, and intolerant, and even some professing Christians deny its truth to gain approval from the culture. With each assault, we hear echoes of the serpent’s question in the garden of Eden: “Did God really say?” Unfortunately, many believers don’t know how to answer these challenges and find their confidence in God’s Word shaken.
In Final Word: Why We Need the Bible, Dr. John MacArthur defends the trustworthiness of Scripture, with the goal of equipping the church to stand firm for the truth even when others abandon it. Only when God’s people recognize the Bible for what it is—God’s inerrant, authoritative Word—will they be able to fulfill their calling and carry the message of God’s salvation to the world. – from publisher
Dr. MacArthur as always is very passionate and frank about the need for Christians to open up their bible and read. Not only read but to study and apply God’s word to their lives. The book is broken down into six chapters where he takes the reader through the attacks on the bible. In each chapter, he lays out what the specific attack is and then supports the importance of the Bible through scriptures.
Dr. MacArthur not only calls Christians to read the bible to defend their faith, to understand the supremacy of God’s word but to be able to discern false teaching in which he specifically calls out many of today’s preachers especially those with large followings. He plainly shows through scripture that we must read and study the bible for ourselves with scripture-based pastors who’s sole purpose is to preach the God’s word through scripture verse by verse and not picking apart the scripture that will align with ones preaching.
This book is extremely important for Christians to understand the importance of God’s word but to also to understand that we must study it and seek to correctly interpret scripture. Dr. MacArthur strongly and succinctly makes the case that we must dust off the bible, read it and use it as it was designed. We can no longer expect to be spoon fed but take an active roll in our relationship with God.

I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley and the publisher, Reformation Trust Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is by seeking the glory of God, obeying the truth of God, and pursuing the will of God that one is sanctified. It is the word of God that defends and fights for the heart of men.


Has your love for the Lord cooled? Do you find yourself falling in temptation and you don't understand why? Do you want a deeper affection for the Lord? These are a few of the reasons why we need the bible. If your desire is for the Lord, it is only by his word can we begin to understand and have the same desires.

John MacArthur does not shy away from our need and the authority of the word. He is not concerned about popularity but he is concerned for Christians to discover biblical truths for themselves.

Each six chapters lays a foundation and a desire for the Christian and the word of God.

1) The Bible is Under Attack
2) The Bible is Truth
3) The Bible is Authoritative
4) The Bible is the Catalyst of Spiritual Growth
5) The Bible is Central to Faithful Ministry
6) The Bible is Food for the Soul

He reminds us that since God is truth and Jesus came to testify to that very truth, we will always be in a battle for the truth. The truth reveals the character of God and a lie that is believed and glorified is a attack on God's holy nature. The word keeps us from creating God in our own image, our own likeness. The final word: We do need the word of God.

A Special Thank you to Reformation Trust Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Elizabeth Charles, the hymn writer who gave us “Praise Ye the Triune God,” was also a novelist.

In Final Word, MacArthur argues that even within the church the Bible is under attack. Many people--people who call themselves believers, people who attend church--are unable to put up a defense of the Bible, unable to articulate why the Bible is (still) important and (still) relevant. Believers of all ages and stages need a refresher course on the place the Word should have in their lives.

MacArthur reminds readers that the Bible has been under attack since Eve spoke with the serpent in Genesis. Satan's tactics have not changed. We are still vulnerable to his tactics, his attacks. Sadly, most believers deny there is even a battle to be fought. Spiritual warfare is not something most prepare for. We tend to be especially weak when unprepared.

He writes,
"The battle for the truth is the battle for the Bible, and in this fight God’s people cannot flinch. Biblical truth is under relentless and endless assault. And like Luther and the heroes of the early Reformation, we must meet the enemy head-on and be willing to stand and fight for the truth, especially when others avoid or even abandon truth when it becomes controversial."
Final Word is a short read; it has just SIX chapters. It may be short but it is super-satisfying. MacArthur is clear and straight-forward in this one. He defines terms that readers may be unfamiliar with. Every chapter relies on Scripture. Many chapters focus in on one or two specific passages of Scripture. MacArthur is an expositor even when he's writing. He will share Hebrew and/or Greek words and clarify the meaning of the text. He stays on task too.

Chapter One: The Bible is Under Attack
Chapter Two: The Bible is Truth
Chapter Three: The Bible is Authoritative
Chapter Four: The Bible is the Catalyst of Spiritual Growth
Chapter Five: The Bible is Central to Faithful Ministry
Chapter Six: The Bible is Food for the Soul

I loved, loved, loved, LOVED John MacArthur's newest book, Final Word: Why We Need the Bible. This should come as no surprise to anyone. I love, love, love the Bible. Reading books written by people who also love, love, love the Bible is one of my favorite things.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot stress enough how good this little book is. Every church leader and lay person alike needs to get this and digest it. If churches would follow the simple instructions laid out in this book, the preaching in the average pulpit would improve drastically overnight.

[Nicholas A. Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I do not agree with many of Dr. MacArthur’s theological beliefs or conclusions. One thing we can agree on is the supremacy of the blessed, Holy
Word of God. It was refreshing to read a book that
exalted the Bible and it’s importance.

[Peter Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent, introduction to the doctrine of Scripture. However, I would recommend Kevin DeYoung's, Taking God at His Word, before this one. Not a bad book by any means. But it would not be high on my list to recommend.

My Rating System
1 Star-Terrible book and dangerous. Burn it in the streets.

2 Stars-Really bad book, would not recommend, probably has some dangerous ideas in it or could just be so poorly written/researched that it is not worth reading. Few books I read are 1 or 2 stars because I am careful about what I read.

3 Stars-Either I disagree with it at too many points to recommend it or it is just not a good book on the subject or for the genre. Would not read it again, reference it, or recommend it. But it is not necessarily dangerous except as a time waster.

4 Stars-Solid book on the subject or for the genre. This does not mean I agree with everything in it. I would recommend this book to others and would probably read it again or reference it. Most books fall in this category because I try not to read books I don’t think will be good. There is a quite a variety here. 3.6 is pretty far from 4.5.

5 Stars-Excellent book. Classic in the genre or top of the line for the subject. I might also put a book in here that impacted me personally at the time I read it. I would highly recommend this book, even if I do not agree with all that it says. For fiction it means it was really well written, good plot, characters, etc.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise, accessible read about the importance of God's word in our Christian lives, for worship, repentance, and learning.



Well written, and scripturally sound, this book talks about why we should stand firm on the word of God, accepting it as God's revelation to us the church that we should revere, never adding or subtracting from it. Each point is backed by multiple Scripture references, and there is an appendix with even more references organized accessibly.



In this concise book, Dr. MacArthur shows how the Bible is important for our Christian walk, to convict us and help us grow in our desire to live out our faith in a way that glorifies God. Easy to read, it digs deep, and isn't burdened with being overly conversational or fluffy. Highly recommend this worthy read, as it is a terrific reminder of how central God's word is to our faith.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Bill Pence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Respected pastor John MacArthur writes in this short book that without a doubt, the ground Satan most vigorously and continuously attacks these days is the trustworthiness of Scripture—its authority, sufficiency, inerrancy, integrity, and perspicuity. He writes that like Luther and the heroes of the early Reformation, we must meet the enemy head-on and be willing to stand and fight for the truth, especially when others avoid or even abandon truth when it becomes controversial.
He tells us that the war for the truth began in Genesis 3, where we see the first instance of Satan’s strategic assault on God’s Word. Sin arrived when Eve stopped trusting the truthfulness of God’s word and began believing that He was wickedly restrictive. Truth cannot be subjective; there is no such thing as your truth or my truth. Truth is forever fixed. Authentic Christianity has always held that Scripture is absolute, objective truth. The purpose of God’s Word is to deposit life-transforming truth into the mind.
MacArthur writes that perhaps no doctrine has been as consistently assaulted from within the church as the inerrancy of Scripture. God’s Word is under constant assault from critics, cultists, the charismatic movement, the culture, and from the carnal wisdom of the world. Carnal wisdom is whatever Satan attempts to stack against the authority and sufficiency of Scripture: so-called science, human reason, and feeble notions of justice and fairness. He writes that we must uphold the standard of God’s truth, proclaiming its inerrancy, authority, sufficiency, perspicuity, and integrity, and embrace and exalt six truths about the Scripture: its objectivity, rationality, veracity, authority, incompatibility, and integrity.
MacArthur discusses three definitive steps in the biblical pattern of sanctification. He writes that we have to understand what the Bible says and what it means if it is going to produce growth in us. The absence of biblical knowledge retards spiritual thinking and slows spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is the process of growing in Christlikeness—how we think, talk, and act must always be conforming to the Lord’s righteous standard. Sanctification is about being inwardly compelled to obedience. The Word reveals Christ to us, and the Word transforms us into His likeness. God’s people need to submit faithfully to the authority of all Scripture and to the sanctifying work the Spirit accomplishes through it in our lives. It is by seeking the glory of God, obeying the truth of God, and pursuing the will of God that one is sanctified.
MacArthur tells us that today, the church is overrun with false shepherds peddling faulty interpretations of Scripture that are not God’s Word. Much of the chaos and confusion in the church today is the direct result of pastors’ failing to carefully discharge their duty to teach sound doctrine and train people to be discerning, so as to guard the church from error. The church is overrun with “leaders” who have human skills but no passion for biblical scholarship. Tolerance toward people is a good and biblical virtue, but tolerance toward false teaching is sin. A pastor must faithfully feed the Word to the flock the Lord has given him. The state of any church can be known clearly by the content of the preaching, the gravity of the worship, and the doctrinal and God-centered nature of the music.
He looks at several factors that indicate that we are advancing in our spiritual growth. He writes that if you’re not growing in your love for God, there is good reason to believe that you are treating Scripture superficially. Spiritual growth is the process of growing in Christlikeness—how we think, talk, and act must always be conforming to the Lord’s righteous standard.
Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
1. Time has no influence on God’s Word. Changing philosophies, worldviews, and cultural norms have no effect on it, either. It is utterly unchanging and can never pass away.
2. If God’s people want to fulfill their calling to be salt and light in this sinful world, they must cultivate a high view of His Word.
3. If we’re not grounded in a right view of God’s Word, there is no way to advance the kingdom.
4. All spiritual work is the work of God’s Word in the power of God’s Spirit.
5. If we want to experience the supernatural work of God in our lives, we must understand that the Holy Spirit makes it happen only through His Word.
6. All Christians, regardless of their spiritual maturity, need to cultivate a singular craving for God’s truth.
7. If you’re not growing in your love for God, there is good reason to believe that you are treating Scripture superficially.
8. We as believers ought to make a habit of recounting the goodness, kindness, and mercy of the Lord in our lives.
9. Regardless of temporal trials and hardships, Scripture is clear that believers live blessed lives in the kindness and abundant provision of God.
10. Only on this side of the cross can we confidently and constantly approach God, because our assurance is not in ourselves but in the completed work of His Son.

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful book on the importance of the Bible.

[Joel Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it particularly chapter 4 where the book details the responsibility of growing up through the word from little children through to doctrine loving adults. Great book

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, current primer on the necessity of a commitment to Scripture.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final Word by John MacArthur is an interesting book. It is seemingly not written for the academic but for the popular level reader. Being from a Pentecostal/Charasmatic background, and identifying as a charasmatic, there does seem to be a few places where large church such as those somewhat associated with the Pentecostal movement is directly challenged. These are generally in reference to the prevalence of belief through personal revelation rather than biblical revelation [refering to the source, not the content], the lack of bible reading between Sundays (although John also points back to a Spurgeon quote to enforce this, thus this is a generic critique) and the movement from hymns to contemporary songs (focussing on the volume of their theological content). One of the early points in the book that I personally disagreed with was that God's word is unchanging, that is to say that if Jesus was to have arrived in our time rather than in 1st century Galilee, the body of work produced by His disciples would be the same [my conclusion from my understanding of his work, I may be wrong]. A later point in a discussion of the role of pastors is that they needn't be up-to-date with cinema, TV, memes, psychiatry and sociology. In continuation of my previous objection, I vehemeantly oppose this. Paul writes in particular ways when talking to particular people (military imagery when writing to a church of soldiers who have earnt freedom). God's message remains the same however, the way that message is exposited and discussed needs to be informed by the culture it is being spoken to and similarly the way that it is applied needs to change also which is seen by Jesus converting the ten commandments into wise concepts rather than promoting a rigorous adherance to "the letter of the law". Because of a slight lack of clarity in combination with a tone which others have seen as loving I have interpretated as more angry [both of which fall out of passion], I am somewhat unclear about where exactly the differences lie between my understanding [whether right or wrong] of the doctrine of scripture and his. In light of the previously stated few points of contension, the later writing of the book does outline the supremacy of Scripture in revelation to us and call us to ensure that those that we disciple are pulled into a love of scripture and the God who inspired it's writing but also who is revealed within. This book has almost convinced me to try and articulate and defend my view of scripture's inspiration as inconclusive of the historical accuracy of Genesis 1/2. Overall, this book is great to cause you to challenge and shape your view of scripture however some may have issues with its tone.
I was provided a digital copy of the book through NetGalley, but all thoughts included are my own.

[Susan Wachtel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Word – by John MacArthur – A Timely and Sobering Reminder on why we need the Bible


I respect John MacArthur as a pastor, teacher and authority on the Bible and that’s why I was excited at the opportunity to read his newest book Final Word – Why We Need the Bible.

We are living in turbulent times, in our nation and in this world. We are seeing the effects of postmodernism and the denial of absolute truth and right and wrong. As a Christian, I would hope and pray that it wouldn’t impact the Christian church, but it has. In recent weeks and months, there have been controversies over women preaching and the Southern Baptist Convention was dealing with issues of gender identity, sexuality, racism, and intersectionality. These issues can be very divisive and difficult to respond to, especially if you don’t have the knowledge and confidence in the absolute authority of God’s Word the Bible.

John MacArthur’s book Final Word is very timely in helping Christians to understand the bedrock of our faith, the Bible. John is very measured and precise in the issues he raises, the examples he gives as evidence and what the Bible says and how we, as believing Christians, should respond.

John lays out the evidence to show how The Bible Is Under Attack both from the secular culture and even from within the church. He reminds the reader that the ultimate attack is from Satan. Not only does he show current examples but looks back over history. As I was reading this book, I felt like I was reading headline news.

From there, John goes on to show with unapologetic authority that, The Bible is True, The Bible is Authoritative, The Bible is the Catalyst of Spiritual Growth, The Bible is Central to Faithful Ministry, and The Bible is Food for the Soul.

If you read Final Word, you will come away with a clear understanding of what’s happening in the world and within the church today and have a historical perspective as to how we got to where we are. You will come away better equipped to understand and stand in defense of the Bible. This book is refreshingly truthful and stands strong on the Word of God.

I highly recommend Final Word by John MacArthur. This book is a keeper, you’ll want to read it again and will likely want to share it with other believers, those in the ministry.

I would like to thank Reformation Trust Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Final Word in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no better person to write a book on why we need the Bible than Dr. John MacArthur. He is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church, president of The Master’s University and Seminary, and president and featured teacher of Grace to You. When I saw it was available for review, I knew I had to read it.

The Bible

MacArthur uses six chapters to support his book. Chapter One - The Bible is Under Attack, sets the stage from Biblical history to the modern-day for why this message is urgent. He confronts critics, cultists, charismatics, culture, capricious approaches, and carnal wisdom. Chapter Two - The Bible is Truth gives MacArthur the space to study objective truth, rational truth, trustworthy truth, authoritative truth, incompatible truth, and consistent truth. Chapter Three - The Bible is Authoritative, is an excellent exposition of Psalm 19.

Why We Need It

Chapter Four - The Bible is the Catalyst of Spiritual Growth, looks at several stages of sanctification from children to young men to fathers. Chapter Five - The Bible is Central to Faithful Ministry, is my favorite. MacArthur looks at the marks of a faithful shepherd and there is no mistaking his passion in this chapter. Chapter Six - The Bible is Food for the Soul, is a faithful study of 1 Peter 2. The book ends with a call to survey our blessings. We are to remember the privileges we have as God’s children. And these should give us reason and appetite to hunger for God’s Word.

Final Word

As a Sunday School teacher at my church, I am well aware that I am not John MacArthur in terms of wisdom, eloquence, or skill. But after reading this book, I am spurred to study God’s Word more and more. And I am encouraged to continue teaching because the Word of God is sufficient for any circumstance. We need the Bible more than ever. This book will continue to make that clear.

I was provided a complimentary copy of Final Word: Why We Need the Bible in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible is under attack. This truth is the title of the opening chapter of John MacArthur's "Final Word: Why We Need the Bible". Throughout this book, MacArthur unpacks the nuances his title implies.

He begins by showing how Satan's primary tool is deception. Since his first appearance in Scripture, Satan has twisted God's word and implied that it should be "questioned, evaluated, and judged". MacArthur gives examples of modern critics of God's Word, showing how His Word is still under attack today.

To combat these attacks, believers must be grounded in fundamental doctrine. MacArthur spends two chapters teaching of the Bible's truth and authority. The Bible is rational truth, containing actual history about real people. Believers are meant to understand Scripture through carefully reasoned study. The Bible is also authoritative, eliminating any need to seek subjective interpretation of Scripture.

MacArthur uses the book of 1 John to explain spiritual growth and how one matures in Christ. He teaches how believers progress from cognition of God's Word, to conviction, then to affection. MacArthur clearly portrays the Bible as the catalyst of spiritual growth. It is only through careful study of God's Word and the working of the Holy Spirit that this growth is achieved.

MacArthur further explains how the Bible is central to faithful ministry. He uses Scripture to explain how the job of a pastor is to protect the truth of Scripture, warn people of error, and to teach faithfully. Finally, he teaches how believers can rekindle a love for God's Word.

MacArthur's words are true and pertinent to Christians today. MacArthur emphasizes that there are no short-cuts in learning God's Word. He warns against any who might teach otherwise. This sufficiency of Scripture is the focus of MacArthur's book, and it is a truth that is fundamental for the growth of all Christians. As MacArthur writes, "If we want to experience the supernatural work of God in our lives, we must understand that the Holy Spirit makes it happen only through His Word. There is no other means He has ordained, no momentary emotional or existential experience that can catapult us to some higher level of spiritual maturity. We cannot set aside our Bibles and expect His sanctifying work to continue uninterrupted. God saved us through the power of His Word, and its work is not finished. We need to increase our hunger for His truth, knowing that it is the sole source of our spiritual lives and the only means through which the Spirit conforms us into the image of His Son."

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of Final Word: Why We Need the Bible, by John MacArthur.

John MacArthur has written a strong defense of the Bible as God’s Word. He lays out a very clear argument that the Bible is under attack in today’s world, but the Bible is Truth and it is Authoritative.
Throughout the book MacArthur repeats his view that God speaks to His people only through the Bible. Hunches, intuition, words of prophesy, and words of wisdom are not – according to MacArthur – valid ways to hear from God.
MacArthur condemns the Charismatic Movement for relying on the above methods “while the Christian in the pew has the Bible unopened beside him,” a phrase MacArthur repeats at least half a dozen times.
I wholeheartedly agree with MacArthur on the inerrancy of Scripture, and that the Bible is Truth. But not every Christian who seeks extra-Biblical means of obtaining God’s direction leaves his Bible closed. Not everyone who identifies as a Charismatic is Biblically illiterate.
Otherwise I believe MacArthur has written a fine book. He uses multiple scriptures and is well-versed in the Word of God.

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Every attack on the Bible is an attack on divine truth and God's holy nature, no matter where the attack originates." - John MacArthur

In Final Word: Why We Need The Bible, Pastor MacArthur puts forth a solid case for the sufficiency, authoritative, infallible, and the effectiveness of Scripture for "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," - 2 Timothy 3:16

As always, I enjoyed the simplicity and perspicuity of Pastor MacArthur's writing, which renders this book such a wonderful and necessary read in this day and age. It only has six insightful chapters replete with Scriptures reference that points us back to the importance and relevance of Bible. It is a good read for both new and seasoned believers and I highly recommend it!

Favourite quotes:

"The purpose of God's Word is to deposit life-transforming truth into the mind."

"Spiritual growth comes when we know the Word, when it shapes our convictions, and when we learn to long for the sustenance it alone can provide."

"In a world full of corrupting influence and contaminating ideas, there is only one source of the pure spiritual milk we require: Scripture. And we should hunger for it accordingly."




***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this review are my own and was not influenced by the author, publisher or any third party.***

[Chadd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I disagree with MacArthur on a lot of things in this book. I don't think he has a very good hermeneutic, but I agree overall with his main point that we need to take the Bible more seriously. I was surprised I found myself agree with him more than I thought.

There is some stuff worthwhile in this book, but most redeeming qualities can be found in better books. This book is only really worthwhile of you want to hear specifically what MacArthur thinks about the Bible.

My main complaint is that the book isn't all that well written. Yes I think it would have been better to be longer and more explanatory, but he wanted to be brief which I commend even if it doesn't really work. The book constantly felt like an argument the author was trying to win rather than explaining what his view is.

Also, it's a pretty negative book characterized by what MacArthur is against rather than what he champions. Because of that, it's not a particularly enjoyable read.

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As is often the case, John McArthur minces no words when it comes to the primacy of Scripture. If anything, however, the final chapter of the book, The Bible is Food For The Soul, meant the most to me in this particular period in my pilgrimage. I need the food of the Word, and JMac explains why it is so for the believer. Here is the most telling quote about how Scripture is usually treated:

"This is a hunger that should be apparent in the life of every believer. However, many Christians have instead cultivated an appetite for spiritual junk-food. They prefer shallow sermons, feel-good stories, worldly entertainment, emotional experiences, and sensory overload to clear, verse-by-verse Bible teaching. Many in the church have cut themselves off from the true source of spiritual food, choosing instead to perpetually languish in an unhealthy, underdeveloped state."

[Lia Ross Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

We need the Bible. Why do we need the Bible? In less than 200 pages, John MacArthur unpacks the importance of scripture to believers, especially during a time where the authority of the Bible is constantly questioned.

If you’ve read John MacArthur books before, you know they are full of scripture references. That was my favorite thing about this book!

He not only mentions how scripture is abused by the culture but he gives practical examples of how the Bible can aid Christians in their daily lives as they seek holiness.

Looking for some encouragement? Struggling daily with why you need to be in the Word? I highly recommend this book. It was a breath of fresh air to me. A reminder that scripture alone is what my faith is built on and what the Church must stand firm on.

[Jason Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to the Bible

Dr. McArthur reminds us that truth is only found in the word of God through the scripture. An important reminder in this age of “personal truth” and reinterpretation of scripture to fit cultural preferences. I was challenged to examine my own heart with regard to where I seek truth and authority. Too often today we see “Christian influencers” directing the path of the Christian communities with quotes, anecdotes, and cultural relevance and leaving behind the authority of scripture. This book is a needed wake up call to get back to being scripturally literate in our walk with Christ. ( reviewed by Holley Cox)

[Read1000books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Examines the vital importance of the Bible (reading it, studying it, memorizing it, obeying it) in the life of a Christian. Some relevant quotes from the book are as follows:
"The purpose of God's Word is to deposit life-transforming truth into the mind." (p.34)
"The discipline of putting the truth constantly at the forefront of our minds is crucial." (p.77)
"True spiritual growth starts with an increase in our spiritual understanding, which requires an increase in our Biblical knowledge." (p.118)
"If anyone wants to know what the Lord thinks about anything, he simply needs to open the Bible." (p.35)
A recommended read.

[Zacarias Rivera, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final Word is an absolutely necessary reminder that Holy Scripture is the ultimate authority for our lives. We have to desire it as a newborn craves milk and can't live without it. Without a yearning, an ardent desire for the Word, we will not grow into the image of our Lord, we will not be sanctified.
In a day when so many seek other means to draw near to God, MacArthur clearly reveals the sufficiency of Scripture in our spiritual growth and what steps we can take to become conformed to Christ.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me to change my Bible study focus from reading about the Bible (AW Pink study on the Attributes of God) to simply studying the Word. We may still use the book mentioned but we will begin with the Book of Jude and see where the Lord takes us from there. John MacArthur pulls the pertinent parts of Scripture and quotes from Godly men to bring home his powerful exhortation to stay focused on God's Word. What a blessing he is to the Church! Thank you for writing, exhorting, and encouraging the Body of Christ to love His Word, preach it faithfully, and avoid the ways of the world.

[Noah Bigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a believer who struggles with accepting the hard biblical truth of Scripture, this book has been a blessing from our Lord. It is a loving, but truthful rebuke of the many heresies that believers and church bodies commit against Christ and His Word today. I am continually thankful for MacArthur’s wonderful exposition and commentary regarding this subject, and recommend the read to any and all followers of Jesus.

[Joshua White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely has potential. John is very good and laying the truth out clearly and consistently. In a loving but direct way he tells us exactly what we need to hear. This book gives us a great insight into why the reading the bible is vital to our spiritual development. I think after reading it again I will really grasp its insight. It is one of those books that make perfect sense the more you read and understand.

[Kevin Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important Reminder

This book simply reminds the believer of the authority and power of the Word of God. In 2019 Christians drink from all sorts of polluted fountains and fail to drink of the pure Word of God. This book reminded me as a minister that I need to master The Book more than any other book.

[H J Corscadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read and explanation of the title.

I gave this rating because it is what Christians need to read to give them a good grounding in what title infers. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the message. It has given me a new encouragement to make the word of God centre in all I do.