We often hear people say that the Bible contradicts itself and why bother to take notice of what it says anyway! This argument reminds me of a large rock in our home area that stands up in full view of the main road north. As one approaches the area, the rock is  high with a large flat top with another lower flat topped rock beside it. This view lasts for several miles, and then the road turns and goes towards this rock. The view changes dramatically. It appears to be just as tall but narrower. The side rock disappears from view as it is now in front and merges into the main mass of rock. Still further along, a side road branches off the main  road and heads towards the back of this large rock. Now we can see the back of it and the two large humps standing up behind it. Each view is of the same rock, but each view is different.

If we saw the pictures separately, we would think they were four different rocks. So it is with the Bible. God used different people to write His Word and they all have different aspects to present. It is still God’s Word, but there are different sides of it seen. Parts were written to the Jewish people who knew about God; other parts were written to people who had never known about Him. Still other parts were written to those who had come to know God and told them how to live to please Him. The final section tells of things that are still to happen in the future.

It is all still God’s Word for us today, and has something to tell each of us which we need to know. So never say that it contradicts itself…each part complements the others.