Exeter Hall, venue of the Society's early Meetings
Its Origin
On 7th December 1831, over two thousand people gathered at Exeter Hall, London, England, for the inaugural meeting of a new Bible Society. The object of this Society was to promote the Glory of God and the salvation of men by circulating, both at home and abroad, in dependence on the Divine blessing, the Holy Scriptures, which are given by inspiration of God and are able to make men wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. As the guiding principle of its work and witness, the Society acknowledged the whole Bible as the inspired, inerrant Word of God, the sole, supreme, and infallible rule of faith and practice, providentially preserved by God. In contrast to the growing liberalism and Unitarianism in Christian thought, this Society would work for the publication of faithful and reliable copies of the Holy Scriptures without the Apocrypha. Thus was born the Trinitarian Bible Society.
The Society Today
As the years progressed, the Society's work grew. Projects were undertaken to provide faithful versions of the Scriptures for people in many African and Indian countries, as well as many Western and Eastern European countries. In time, the Society undertook to meet the need not only for New Testaments and Bibles but for shorter portions of Scriptures as well. Thus, the Society began publishing Scripture leaflets, tracts and booklets on various subjects such as "The Love of God", "The Mercy of God", "Redemption" and "Peace with God". In keeping with the Society's belief that it is the Word of God which brings light to darkened minds, the heart of these publications was to be the Scriptures. The Society now publishes a variety of Scripture portions in a number of languages. Christians throughout the world use these Scripture portions as witnessing aids and in counselling situations.
Tyndale House, London
TBS USA in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hungarian Students Receive Bibles
The Word of God Among All Nations
Distribution of the Bible and Scripture portions has spread to over 118 countries. In 1996 the number of Bibles published bearing the Society's name increased by 30 per cent to about 812,000 copies. Many who request the Scriptures cannot afford them; however, as a result of the support of the Society's members and friends around the world,
many are able to receive Scriptures free of charge. Furthermore, God has been pleased to raise up branches and auxiliaries throughout the United Kingdom and in Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America and has provided supporters on every continent. The Society makes no appeal for funds but commits itself and its work to the Lord, prayerfully seeking His blessing to attend its activities.
Another way in which the work of the Society is expanding is through the World Wide Web. At the beginning of this year, the Society's website went online, providing not only information about the Society but also various articles and information regarding the need for faithful and accurate translations of the Holy Scriptures. It is our prayer that the Lord will use this to continue spreading the Society's work around the world.
The Trinitarian Bible Society continues to witness the faithfulness of our God. By His grace, we are well-placed to expand both the volume and the range of Scriptures circulated. Thus He has given us a part in the fulfilment of His promise, "my word ... shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please" (Isaiah 55.11).
Philippino Children Receive Calendars
Trinitarian Bible Society USA 927 Alpine Commerce Park NW, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49544
