My Dear Friends,
Recently I was challenged thus: "If the Bible is God's Word, why didn't He double its contents to include all of our unanswered questions regarding the creation, the flood, etc.?"
There is in the Bible a vast reservoir of testimony for the honest, searching heart; but all its proof and detailed evidences cannot convince a man against his will, when his will is set against God. "Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life" (John 5:4040And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:40)).
The Bible is unjustly criticized on many points, but it is doubtful if it has ever been accused of vagueness or wishiwashiness. In fact, its outspokenness has probably been the greatest single contribution to its unpopularity. It takes an honest and opened heart to accept the Bible's testimony; for those who are inclined toward flattery, or who close their eyes to their true selves as guilty sinners, won't like what the Bible says to and about them. Yet, it is the only source—the only Book -that really "tells it like it really is." "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalm 14:11<<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)).
Let us understand that men do not ignore or refuse God's Word because the facts of life deny HIM or contradict His existence. They deny Him because they are "enemies in... mind by wicked works" (Col. 1:2121And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (Colossians 1:21)). They want a life free from divine restraint.
The question has been asked, "Why are so many educated people unbelievers?" The answer is: "For the same reason that so many uneducated people are unbelievers."
At the cross of Calvary the heart of man was fully exposed, and it has never changed. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ in all its horror was the act of the human heart. All were represented- the whole world-around the cross (compare Acts 4:26, 2726The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, (Acts 4:26‑27)). The cross presented man's fullest hatred, and there this was met by God's fullest love.
Why then will men not look at the crucified One and live? Why do they utter the words of the fool, "No God"? Because they are the captives of Satan, the "god" and "prince" of this world (compare 2 Cor. 4:3, 43But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:3‑4); John 12:3131Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. (John 12:31)). To be sure, he has carefully portrayed himself as a comic-like character with horns, tail, and pitchfork; but he is as really a living person, as is anyone.
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world bath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Cor. 4:3, 43But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:3‑4). An opened heart (compare Acts 16:1414And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. (Acts 16:14)) would surely grasp quickly and gratefully the freedom God offers. But men—the willing dupes of Satan -serve him effectually by doing their own will.
If this letter should fall into the hands of an unbeliever, may he see his desperate need of the Savior of sinners, and call upon Him; and He will deliver him from the power of darkness, and cause the light of the glorious gospel of Christ to shine into his heart.
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)); "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28). Why not call upon Him now? Jesus loves you. He has never refused a seeking soul. His words are still, "Come unto Me." One day soon this gracious invitation will no longer be given. Then His word will be, "Depart from Me."
My dear Christian friend, may you and I be more aware of the power of Satan and his malevolent intent to undermine the faith of the people of God.
"Keep us, Lord, 0 keep us cleaving
To Thyself and still believing,
Till the hour of our receiving
Promised joys with Thee."
Affectionately in the Lord,