Is the Bible written to believers or unbelievers?

In a general sense, the bible is a “guidebook” for people who believe in Jesus Christ. His Word in written form reveals and declares God’s “way of living” and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness so that Christians would mature and be prepared for every good work (2 Tim 3:16).

A common misconception is that the bible is written to unbelievers. But the vast majority of scripture is written to people who believe in Jesus Christ… believers.

Think of it like this; have you ever received a gift that came with instructions? Let’s say you we’re given the gift of a brand new cell phone and you’re really not sure how to use all the features. If you were to read the instructions, do you think they would focus on “how to receive the phone as a gift”? Of course not. You already received the gift and you need assistance in how to benefit from using it properly.

The vast majority of what God has revealed to His children via the written Word is designed to assistance us in how to live the proper Christian life. Yes, there are verses and passages that do reveal how any man (an unbeliever) can “receive eternal life”, but that’s not the focus. And in giving salvation to man, God uses His children to share the message (Rom 10:14-17. The message of the cross is foolishness to the unbeliever (1 Cor 1:18-21) and the natural man can’t receive the things of the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:14).

Scripture is written for believers, not unbelievers, to help grow and mature in faithfulness.