So, what role does the bible have in enabling salvation, Bill?

The question is made relevant in light of the reality that almost none of earths billions of humans who have died as well as who are living today have ever had access to the bible.  If the bible is essential, almost all of God’s creation never had a chance.

What if God is not only not dependent on pre-existing anything in creating us, but is also not dependent on his creation to conquer death on their behalf?

Sister White considered this situation and wrote that if the Creator is dependent on the creature for the creature’s salvation, then ‘the Creator is obligated to the creature.’  This, she quickly realized, gives rise to ‘the heresy of the Catholic’ the outcome of which was, using her example, indulgences. 

Paul makes clear that our salvation is ‘not of yourselves.’  And also that all scripture is inspired and therefore ‘useful’.  Reading can’t save you, then, but may encourage you?