What is the chief characteristic of the 66 books of the Bible?

The chief characteristic of the 66 books of the Bible is unity. Despite the Bible being written over a span of approximately 1,500 years, by different authors from various backgrounds, and addressing a multitude of cultural contexts, it conveys a consistent message and theme throughout. This coherence centers on the relationship between God and humanity, with the overarching narrative of redemption through Jesus Christ linking both the Old and New Testaments.

The diverse literary styles and historical contexts found within the text do not compromise this unifying theme; rather, they enrich the overall message by providing multiple perspectives that all point towards the same divine truths. The unity of the Scriptures also reflects the belief in divine inspiration, suggesting that although many human hands were involved in its writing, there is one ultimate author—God Himself—who orchestrated the entire narrative. This is essential for understanding the Bible not only as a collection of individual books, but also as a cohesive whole that guides believers in their faith and practice.