The Book We Breathe: 66 Chapters of Life
Theology Tuesday #3
Have you ever thought about why we treat the Bible like it’s essential to daily life—like spiritual oxygen? Here at Redeemer, we describe Scripture as “the Book we breathe,” because those 66 books—from Genesis to Revelation—form the lifeblood of our faith. They are God’s inspired voice, and we can’t flourish without them.
But what exactly do we mean by “66 books”? We’re referring to the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books). These “canonical” writings are unique in that they’re “inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The term “canon” simply means they meet the standard of divine authority, recognized by the early church and confirmed by centuries of faithful witness. It’s not a random collection; it’s a cohesive record of God’s redemptive story—from creation and humanity’s fall into sin, to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, culminating in His promised return.
At Redeemer, we hold fast to these 66 books because they guide our faith and practice, shaping our worship, mission, and community life. Whether we’re preaching on Sunday morning, studying Scripture in Gospel Communities, or making decisions as a church family, we trust the Bible to reveal God’s character and our calling in the world. As 2 Timothy 3:17 says, Scripture equips us “for every good work.” It convicts us when we stray, comforts us when we’re weary, and emboldens us to live as Christ’s ambassadors.
Why not accept other texts as authoritative? Because these 66 books have been tested, affirmed, and demonstrated over millennia to carry the full weight of God’s revelation. They’re not just historically reliable; they resonate with the Holy Spirit’s confirmation in the hearts of believers, pointing us consistently to Jesus—the heart of God’s redemptive plan.
“The Book we breathe” is more than a catchy phrase. It reminds us that God’s Word is active and life-giving (Hebrews 4:12). We need it daily, just like we need physical breath. When crisis hits or doubts arise, these inspired pages anchor us in truth. They remind us of God’s holiness, our sin’s gravity, and Christ’s sufficient grace. They spur us on to love, holiness, and bold mission.
From Genesis to Revelation, Redeemer lives by God’s every word. We don’t pick and choose; we treasure it all. Next week, we’ll look at why some writings—like the Apocrypha—are not in our canon, and how that shapes our trust in the Bible’s completeness. Until then, remember that these 66 books form your spiritual oxygen—breathe deeply and let God’s Word sustain you.
