The word "Bible" means "book" or "books". 

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It is made up of 66 books and letters written by more than 40 authors over a period of about 1500 years.

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The Bible is in two main sections:  the Old Testament and New Testament. 

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The Old Testament was written almost entirely in Hebrew and is the same scripture the Jews today use as their Holy Scripture.  The Old Testament covers the Promises (or Testaments, or Covenants) between God and the Hebrews.  It is divided into several parts:  the Pentateuch (or Law), the Historical Books, the Poetry and Wisdom Books, and the Major and Minor Prophets.

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The New Testament is made up of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles and the Revelation.  The New Testament explains how God became human in the form of Jesus Christ so that anyone who chooses to can have a personal relationship with Him if we choose to acknowledge Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection as the atoning sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. 

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Most Christians believe the Bible is the "Inspired Word of God", meaning it is perfect and contains nothing false.  That is, God chose men such as Moses, Isaiah, John and Paul (and dozens of others) to receive and record His Words.  However, there are many who believe that the Bible is more a collection of good (perfect) teachings but not necessarily scientifically or historically accurate.  It is important to note that only the original manuscripts are inspired, and that through transcription, some inaccuracies have crept in. 

 

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness... (2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV)

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Theologian James Montgomery Boice (1938-2000) gave a good definition of inerrancy:

"Inerrancy means that when all the facts are known, the Scriptures in their original autographs and properly interpreted will be shown to be wholly true in everything they teach, whether that teaching has to do with doctrine, history, science, geography, geology, or other disciplines or knowledge."