Christianity for Kids

Lesson 2: What is the Bible?

How the Bible is Divided

The Bible is divided into two main sections. It is also divided into nine separate sections. These divisions relate to specific time periods, and shows us why certain people were chosen to write the Bible. The two major divisions of the Bible are the:

O__D T__S__A__E__T
and the
N__W T__S__A__E__T

Did you say the Old Testament and the New Testament? That is right! These two divisions tell us what happened before Jesus came to earth as man (Old Testament) and what happened while Jesus was here on earth, and what happened after he left to be with God in heaven (New Testament). Jesus read the Old Testament while he was on earth. He did not see the New Testament while he was still alive.

Now let's talk about the nine other sections, or subsections of the Bible. Here they are in order:

Old Testament

Law
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy

The "Law" is when God gave His people rules to live by for just about everything they would ever do on earth. The rules were made by God to protect His people and show that He loved his people.

Historical
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1&2 Samuel
1&2 Kings
1&2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther

The "Historical" books tell us of some great Kings and not so great Kings that ruled over Israel. It tells of the history of God's people, including the trials and hardships they faced. It also tells how God loved His people and forgave them over-and-over again when they turned from God.

Poetic
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs

King David, King Solomon, and others trusted God. They ruled their kingdoms by God's Word. They were faithful servants of God. The books in the "Poetic" era of the Bible show how God's people trusted and praised Him. They are books of worship and gratitude to God. Many people today find comfort in the words written about God long ago. Do you have a favorite Psalm? Take time to read some of the Psalms with a parent or other adult, and learn how great kings and men of great wealth trusted God no matter what they faced.

Major Prophets
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel

God used many men to spread His word among the people long ago. The books of the "Major Prophets" tell of the men that God chose to do great things. They had much to tell God's people, and, thus, they are called the Major Prophets. They would travel long distances, just so everyone could hear the great things God had to say.

Minor Prophets
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi

The "Minor Prophets" of the Bible helped to tell God's Word, too. They had less to say, but every message from God was important!

New Testament

Historical
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts

The "Historical" part of the New Testament was written to tell about the life of Jesus, his many teachings, and the miracles he performed. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are also called "The Gospels." Together with the book of "Acts," they all make up the historical section of the New Testament.

Paul's Letters
Romans
1&2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1&2 Thessalonians
1&2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon

Paul was a missionary. He traveled all over to tell others of God's love and about Jesus. He helped start many new churches and took time to teach these new churches how they should act according to God's Word. Paul had many helpers to go with him throughout his travels. "Paul's Letters" explain the things Paul did to help spread the Word of God.

Other Letters
Hebrews
James
1&2 Peter
1,2&3 John
Jude

"Other Letters" were written by some of Jesus' disciples, Jesus' brother (James), and others. These are letters that, too, help spread God's Word and give us instructions on how we should live. They help us prepare for Jesus' return to earth.

Prophecy
Revelation

The book of "Revelation" gives us a clear insight to what heaven will be like for us. It tells us about the end of the world, and what will happen before Jesus comes back to take us to heaven. There are many bad things that will happen before Jesus returns. But, if we love God, we know Jesus, and we live a good life, we will not have to worry about the bad things. God will take care of us because we are His children!

Here are a few simple things that you can do to make sure you are living the kind of life God wants you to:

Treat others well
Don't tell lies
Pray to God every day
Be Polite
What other ways can you show God love?

The Bible says, "The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his." ~ Psalm 14:14. You can have that reward!