When viewing the history of the world in relationship to the Bible, we may observe three different time periods. These three stages are times when there:

1. Was no written Word of God. (From Adam to Moses)

2. Was a partially- written Word of God. (From Moses to the Apostle John and the closing of the New Testament)

3. Is a fully written Word of God. (From the close of the New Testament to the end of the world)

As explained in the previous chapter, after the completion of His Word, God's normal manner of revealing Himself and His truth is through His Word. Claims of additional or contrary "inspired truths" to those revealed in the Bible are not to be accepted. This makes every word in the Bible very special; it makes its history and translation very important.

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son.

- Hebrews 1: 1-2a

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

- II Timothy 3:16

Why are we living in the "richest" time period of the world's history? Why is the New Testament time referred to as the "fullness of time" or the "last time" in the Bible?