Many people wonder: What is the Bible’s central message? With countless religions and interpretations, it can be difficult to know where to turn for clear answers. Yet the Bible explains its own teachings plainly. By looking directly at the Scriptures, we can discover what God wants us to know about Him, His Son, His Kingdom, and the future of the earth.
The Bible is not a collection of human opinions or shifting traditions. It declares: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) That means its message comes directly from God. Not every part of it is literal — for example, the “seven days” of creation describe extended periods of time, not 24-hour days. (Genesis 1:31; 2:4)
1. The Creator
The Scriptures reveal that the true God has a personal name — Jehovah — which appears nearly 7,000 times in the original Hebrew text. (Psalm 83:18) Jesus taught his followers to pray, “Let your name be sanctified.” (Matthew 6:9) Jehovah requires exclusive devotion, so worship is to be directed to Him alone, without the use of idols or images. (1 John 5:21)
2. Jesus Christ
The Bible describes Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior, and “the firstborn of all creation.” (John 1:34; Colossians 1:15; Acts 5:31) He is not equal to God, for Jesus said: “The Father is greater than I am.” (John 14:28) Jesus lived in heaven before coming to earth, gave his life as a ransom, and after his resurrection returned to heaven. Access to the Father is possible only through him. (John 14:6)
Many religions worship Jesus as God, believing him to be part of a trinity (three-in-one godhead).
3. God’s Kingdom
When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, saying: “Our Father in the heavens… let your Kingdom come…” we are asking for God’s Kingdom to take full authority over the earth. This Kingdom is not symbolic — it is a real government established in heaven, with Jesus Christ as its appointed King.
The Bible shows that he does not rule alone. He reigns alongside 144,000 faithful ones “bought from the earth.” (Revelation 14:1–4) These include his disciples, with whom he made a covenant for a Kingdom. (Luke 22:28–30; Revelation 5:9, 10) Daniel also foresaw this heavenly rulership: “To him were given rulership, honor, and a kingdom… his kingdom will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 2:44; 7:13, 14)
Soon, this Kingdom will remove all wickedness and injustice and bring about lasting peace, righteousness, and security for all mankind.
3.1 Why Does Suffering Exist?
Suffering began when Satan rebelled against God and enticed Adam and Eve to join him. (Genesis 3:1-6) By lying to Eve, Satan claimed that God was withholding something good and suggested that life without God’s direction would be better. Adam and Eve chose to disobey, rejecting God’s loving rulership. As a result, sin and imperfection entered the human family, and death followed. (Romans 5:12) Ever since, people have suffered from their own mistakes, the harmful choices of others, and even events beyond their control. (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
Despite mankind’s rebellion, Jehovah God lovingly provided a way to undo the harm caused by Adam’s disobedience. He gave his Son, Jesus Christ, as a ransom to redeem what Adam lost. (John 3:16; Romans 5:18,19) Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the effects of sin and death can be removed, and obedient humans can gain everlasting life. This ransom demonstrates both God’s justice and His great mercy, showing that He has never abandoned His purpose for the earth or for mankind.
Jehovah God also cares deeply about our present suffering. The Bible says He notices our pain and invites us to cast our anxieties on Him. (Psalm 31:7; 1 Peter 5:7) Soon, His Kingdom will remove all causes of suffering. God promises: “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” (Revelation 21:3,4; Isaiah 65:17) At that time, suffering will be gone forever, and obedient mankind will enjoy life in a restored paradise.
4. The Earth
The Scriptures state: “The earth remains forever.” (Ecclesiastes 1:4) God’s purpose is for the earth to be transformed into a paradise, where righteous people will live forever in peace. (Psalm 37:10,11,29) Jesus confirmed this when he prayed: “Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:10)
5. Bible Prophecy
Because God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2), every prophecy in the Bible comes true. (Isaiah 55:11) Jesus foretold that before the end of the present world, his followers would proclaim the good news worldwide. (Matthew 24:3-14) Those who do God’s will are the ones who will remain forever. (1 John 2:17)
6. Secular Authorities
Jesus said: “Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Mark 12:17) The Bible teaches respect for human governments, but only as long as their demands do not conflict with God’s higher laws. (Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-3)
7. Baptism
The Bible shows that baptism is for those who personally decide to dedicate their lives to God. It is carried out by complete immersion in water, just as Jesus himself was baptized. (Matthew 3:13,16; 28:19; Hebrews 12:1) Baptism is a public symbol of dedication to Jehovah God.
Many religions have differing viewpoints on this subject.
8. No Clergy-Laity Divide
Jesus told his disciples: “All you are brothers.” (Matthew 23:8) The early Christians did not form a clergy class separate from the people. Instead, they worked together as a united congregation, guided by the Scriptures and God’s spirit.
Some religions are organized differently.