There are many fields of communication, the most important of which is God's Word handed down to us over many generations in the written form of the Bible. In this day and age, Higher Criticism, Modernism, and Infidelity are making great strides and inroads into the schools, and into the young minds of America. As a result, the Bible is being given up as the inspired Word of God. In the following paragraphs, the defense of the Scriptures will be taken up, and proofs will be given to establish the Bible as the infallible Word of God. Yet, there is not much the writer can do to defend the Book, because the Bible defends itself. The external evidence of the divine authenticity of the Scriptures is very weighty. As H.H. Snell points out so very clearly in his book, On the Inspiration of the Scriptures:
The attempt to prove by human reasoning and external evidence that the Scripture is God's Word would be just as absurd as lighting a candle to look at the sun. Everyone knows, except he be blind, that the sun gives light and heat. We know nothing of the sun without these effects. So every honest mind that has cars to hear and gets before God, finds Scripture so searching that it commends itself to his conscience as being the Word of God.
“The Word of God is quick [living], and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword." Heb. 4:1212For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12). As a test for good cooking is in the eating, so, the test for the Scriptures is in the reading of them intelligently. Before the surface of our subject is scratched, a workable definition of inspiration must be given. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [literally, God-breathed], and is profitable for doctrine [teaching], for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16). This verse places all Scripture on one basis as to inspiration, whether it be historical, doctrinal, or prophetic. We learn from this passage that not simply the persons who wrote were divinely motivated, but the writings themselves were divinely inspired. All writings are composed of words, and if these writings are God-breathed, the words are inspired. This is what is commonly called verbal inspiration.
Many of the attacks made upon the Book of books are not directed at verbal inspiration, but the difficulty arises as to what has been called the human element in inspiration. If the words of Scripture are inspired, it has been asked, how is it that the style of the writer is so manifest? The Apostle John's style, for instance, is clearly distinguishable from that of the Apostle Paul. The simple answer is that it is as if one used, so to speak, different kinds of pens to write with. God made the mind of man as well as his body, and was surely able to use the mind of each of the writers He employed, and yet cause him to write exactly what He wished.
Today, many people believe only those Scriptures which were spoken by the Lord Himself to be inspired. This is not the case. In the Gospel of John, it is recorded that our Lord recognized certain writings which He called Scriptures, and which testified of Himself. Again, according to H.H. Snell:
The Lord quoted from them constantly and especially taught that Moses wrote of Him. But more than that, He also recognized that Moses wrote them not by his own will, but by the Holy Spirit, and that He ranked Moses’ writings as of equal authority with His own words.
Our Lord, however, does not stop at the book of Moses, but goes on further to recognize the rest of the Old Testament. "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:2727And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27). Later in the same chapter, He said, "All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me." Luke 24:4444And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 24:44). R.A. Torrey states that, "The Jews divided the Old Testament into three parts—the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms—and Christ takes up each of these parts and sets His stamp of authority upon it." John N. Darby said, "Christ owned, then, what we call the Old Testament, and owned it as we and the Jews have it." Taking a quote from W. Kelly, we see that, "divine authority belongs equally to both the Old and New Testaments. Its authority is because God speaks in both through His instruments.”
You may ask, what composes the Scriptures? Our English Bible is composed of sixty-six books, thirty-nine of the Old Testament, and twenty-seven comprising the New. Although the Bible was written by many different writers (some thirty in number), and at different times, it is complete in the full sense of the word. The life span of many writers did not reach into that of another. Some books were written hundreds of years apart. Yet, the plan, unity, theme, completeness, and freshness of Scripture are clearly seen.
It must be acknowledged that the order in which the books appear in our Bible is very remarkable. Some regard it as having been divinely overruled, for there seem to be distinct traces of design in the arrangement, which it is not only impossible to ignore, but which is in itself a constant source of admiration and wonder to the thoughtful Bible student. Sidney Collet testifies that, "the more the Scriptures are studied, the more one is convinced that they are self-contained and absolutely complete, revealing a perfect plan throughout." Mr. Collet also goes on to say that:
The Bible is certainly a complete organism. For on a careful study it is found to contain in itself a well considered plan throughout, showing that each part belongs to, and contributes toward the beauty and perfection of the whole, the correspondence of its various parts, each to the other being strikingly apparent, the whole being pervaded in every part by the Spirit of Life, and manifesting in itself such completeness, that no single part can be dispensed with while there is neither need nor room for any additional part or parts.
In fact, it is most significant that the Bible contains three solemn warnings against any attempt to add or detract from the words of God, and this significance is greatly enhanced by the fact that the first of such warnings was written by the first of all writers of the Scripture. The second warning is found near the middle of the Book, while the third was written by the last of the writers. These references are important and worth looking at. "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it." Deut. 4:22Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2). "Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee." Prov. 30:66Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:6). "I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Rev. 22:18, 1918For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18‑19).
Upon further discovery, the Holy Scriptures are found to have a theme. What is its theme? Mr. Snell says. "The one grand absorbing and paramount subject throughout is Jesus, the Son of God, who is Lord of all and the Savior of sinners that believe." He goes on to say:
The bright line which runs from Genesis to Revelation, and gives the whole Book a unity which nothing else could, is its testimony to infinite glory of the Person of the Son, the eternal efficacy of His one sacrifice for sin, His moral worth and excellency beyond all thought, and the glorious offices in our account He now sustains, as well as His glories yet to be revealed.
A. J. Pollock goes on further to state in his book, Why I Believe the Bible:
The whole of the Scriptures revolve around the Person of the Son of God. The Pentateuch gives us the figures of Christ, the Psalms, the feelings of Christ, the Prophets, the foretellings of Christ, the Gospels, the facts of Christ, the Epistles, the fruits of Christ, and Revelation, the final judgment of Christ.
Indeed, when we come to see that the Book testifies of this wonderful Person, and the Person testifies of the Book, and that these testimonies stand or fall together, it must be concluded that we either must receive both the Book and the Person, or refuse both the Book and the Person. There is not any middle ground. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:11In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1). It is shown in this verse that both the Book and the Person are interwoven, as they are one.
The pages of this wonderful book are alive and fresh. Scripture though old, is always new. It carries with it a freshness and power to the heart and conscience as no other book does. All the changes in the world and in mankind never seem to affect it. This is surely not true of any other book. The Bible is the only book that we do not judge; it judges us. If this book were written by man, it certainly would not condemn mankind, but tend to exalt the human race.
You may ask, “If the Bible is God's book, why didn't He write it in plain language so an ordinary person could understand it”? According to H.E. Hayhoe, "There is nothing in Scripture contrary to reason, yet it does contain what is beyond reason, and must necessarily do so, because it comes from God." The Bible is the only book that the natural man cannot understand. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:1414But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14). Again quoting from H.E. Hayhoe, "This book teaches a religion of faith, not reason, for reason can never travel beyond the realm of ideas—facts are always the fruit of testimony or experience." The Apostle Paul could say with certainty, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 2 Tim. 1:1212For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12). It presents the truth of salvation simply enough for a child, yet contains heights and depths for the meditation and instruction of the most spiritual believer. "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:33And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3).
It has been said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old revealed. A quote from A. J. Pollock will bear this out:
So it is with the Old Testament in relation to the New. For instance, the prophecies of the Old Testament in relation to the coming of Christ into the world, the place and manner of His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection, are all answered in the New Testament, with their fulfillment to the very letter. Again the sacrifices, sin offerings, burnt offerings and peace offerings, offered century after century on Jewish altars were prophetic in their character. They emphasized that there is no approach to God except through the offering up of the life of a victim, spotless and without blemish.
Prophecy is a very deep and complicated subject, and it is not the writer's purpose to enter into it very deeply in this paper, but only to cite those events which stand out.
He was to be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:22But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2).) Fulfillment: Luke 2:4-64And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. (Luke 2:4‑6).
He was to be born of a virgin (Isa. 7:1414Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14).) Fulfillment: Matt. 1:18-2518Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (Matthew 1:18‑25).
His hands and His feet were to be pierced (Psa. 22:1616For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. (Psalm 22:16).) Fulfillment: John 20:24-2924But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:24‑29).
His side was to be pierced (Zech. 12:1010And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10).) Fulfillment: John 19:34-3734But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 36For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. 37And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. (John 19:34‑37).
His garments were to be divided among the soldiers who crucified Him, and for His vesture they cast lots (Psa. 22:1818They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. (Psalm 22:18).) Fulfillment: John 19:23, 2423Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. (John 19:23‑24).
He was to be buried in a rich man's tomb (Isa. 53:99And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. (Isaiah 53:9).) Fulfillment: Matt. 27:57-6057When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. (Matthew 27:57‑60).
Today, the Scriptures have been translated into thousands of languages and are being carried to every corner of the globe. All types and conditions of men come under its influence; men of high degree and lowly birth, men whose skin is white or brown or black—all come under the mighty influence of the Book of books. No other book in the world can boast of an influence like this.
Scripture itself furnishes a test from which it emerges triumphant. In the Gospel of Matthew we read of this test:
There could be no finer test than this. The fruit of the Bible is good and only good, for wherever a life is molded by the Word of God you get purity, honesty, truthfulness, goodness, and kindness.
Words carry a peculiar weight when an opponent of Christianity pays tribute to the Bible. The late Professor Thomas W. Huxley, a declared agnostic said:
I have always been strongly in favor of secular education without theology, but I must confess that I have been no less seriously perplexed to know by what practical measures the religious feeling which is the essential basis of moral conduct, is to be kept up in the utterly chaotic state of opinion on these matters without the use of the Bible.
What a tribute to the Book of books! When an enemy of Christianity can write like this, it constitutes a more powerful testimony to the Bible than could be rendered by even the best of its friends.
Is there still a question in the mind of the reader as to whether or not the Bible is without doubt the Word of God? Surely, if we have not the words of God, we have no basis for faith, and must therefore, be tossed about with irremediable uncertainty. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Rom. 10:1717So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17). But we are not left in this state; having divinely given communications, we have on their authority divinely given certainty as to eternal salvation. By it also we have present assurance, founded on the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ, that our sins are forgiven, that we have eternal life, that we are the children of God, and that we shall not come into judgment.
What precious promises these are, and the reader may now, too, know that he has the present assurance of eternal life. If you have never read the Bible before, you have surely missed much. It would greatly enrich you to unfold its pages and discover its many hidden treasures. "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in 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 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). As was previously mentioned, as the proof of good cooking is in its eating, so the proof of the Bible is in the reading of it, and that in a spirit of submission. Oh that you, too, may be able to say as the Psalmist of old, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart." Psa. 119:1111Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11). You may now be able to trace out the subject further for yourself, and thus discover whether what has been stated is according to the Word of God. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess. 5:2121Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21). B. Christensen
"We Know" — "We Know Not"
One is deeply struck with the divine certainty with which God has certified to us, and revealed what is beyond this life, while at the same time He has hidden all that is of the path that is before us here. He has given us to say in words of His own providing, "We know" as to all beyond. He has also said for us (though it is only individual faith that accepts it and knows it; one cannot know it for another), "We know not what shall be on the morrow." The next half-hour is not sure to any of us—nor is anything here below. The next world (as men say) is as sure as His love can make and has made it. Our place with Christ, to see Him and behold His glory, and all that shall be our portion forever, is sure. He has graciously drawn a veil over the future of this scene—only folding it back as each step requires, and as each moment passes— while He has unveiled all that is beyond, making it a present reality, whether to faith in His people, or to the sinner who only lives for the present, while that solemn future exists for him.
Inspiration of the Scriptures
The Bible—Its Unity
If a friend handed to us a ponderous volume consisting of sixty-six books, written by thirty or forty persons, and at different times extending over fifteen hundred years, would we not be astonished? Notwithstanding all their differences, there is a remarkable unity throughout. As a matter of fact, there is no book like the Bible in this respect, nor could there be, unless all the writings it contained had been under the guidance of One mind, and its communications throughout given by the One Spirit.
One thing which would be likely to strike some persons in considering the principle of unity in a book would be to compare the end with the beginning and see if there were any connection as to similarity or contrast. In the Bible it is written, "Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world." Acts 15:1818Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:18). Let us examine a few scriptures as to this.
The first words we find in the Bible are, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." As a matter of fact, much of the Bible is about God's heavenly and earthly people. It also concerns things in connection with the present heaven and earth, and in the end of the Book we read of "a new heaven and a new earth." (Gen. 1:11In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1); Rev. 21:11And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (Revelation 21:1).) In the beginning of the Book it is said, "Let there be light: and there was light." Afterward we are told that Christ is "the light of the world" and in the end of the Book we read that "the Lamb is the light thereof.” In the beginning, we read of a tree of life in the Garden of Eden, from which man was afterward excluded through his sin. In the end we find "the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits," and are taught that the faithful will "eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." (Gen. 2:99And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:9); Rev. 22:2; 2:72In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2)
7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7).)
The Beginning and the End
A river, too, was in Eden, and at the end of Revelation we read of "a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." (Gen. 2:1010And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. (Genesis 2:10); Rev. 22:11And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Revelation 22:1).) In Genesis we see the first man (figure of Him that was to come) and his help-meet, of whom he could say, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh." In Revelation we have presented to us "the bride, the Lamb's wife.... having the glory of God" of whom it has been said, that He "nourisheth and cherisheth it," and that "we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones." (Gen. 2:2323And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. (Genesis 2:23); Rev. 21:9, 119And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. (Revelation 21:9)
11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; (Revelation 21:11); Eph. 5:29, 3029For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Ephesians 5:29‑30).)
Liberty of Glory
In the earthly paradise, man was in dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, and every creeping thing. Man gave to every living creature its name. Toward the end of the Book the Lord Jesus, the last Adam, will bring this groaning creation into the liberty of the glory of the children of God, and have His rightful place as Lord of all, having subdued all things unto Himself. (Gen. 1:28; 2:1928And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:28)
19And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. (Genesis 2:19); Psa. 8; Phil. 2:10, 11; 3:2110That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10‑11)
21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21).)
In the beginning we have Satan tempting, then sin and the curse, and in the end we see Satan in the lake of fire, sin taken away and righteousness dwelling and no more curse. In the beginning there is sorrow and death; in the end we find, "no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Gen. 3; Rev. 20:1010And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10); 2 Peter 3:1313Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13); Rev. 21:1-41And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:1‑4).)
Surely, then, we find a remarkable unity of thought in the beginning and ending of the Bible, though the contrasts are most striking. The Son of God had come meanwhile to:
•Accomplish redemption.
•Destroy the works of the devil.
•Take away sins.
•Make good the promises.
•Vindicate God in all His ways.
•Honor Him in perfect obedience as Man.
•Glorify God in clearing us from all iniquity, and bringing us to God to share the inheritance with Him who is Heir of all things.
Another mark of unity is found in the truth it sets forth throughout. If early in the Old Testament it is said of man, "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually," it is said in the New Testament that "the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." (Gen. 6:55And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5); Rom. 8:77Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7).)
A prophet of long ago said, "All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field....The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever." An apostle, seven hundred years after, writes the same only adding, "the word of the Lord endureth forever.
If the Psalmist exclaimed, "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven," our Lord said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away." (Psa. 119:8989LAMED. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89); Matt. 24:3535Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 24:35).) If the testimony of a prophet was, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts," an apostle informs us that "the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." (Zech. 4:66Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6); 1 Cor. 2:1111For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:11).)
Moses was inspired to write, "It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." We read in Hebrews, that "without shedding of blood is no remission." (Lev. 17:1111For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11); Heb. 9:2222And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22).) An Old Testament writer warned the people not to "add unto the word" which he commanded them, "neither shall ye diminish aught from it." The ancient writings are not closed without enforcing the exhortation by saying, "Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." Nor can the canon of Scripture be concluded without the last of Revelation giving us the most solemn warning concerning it. (Deut. 4:22Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2); Prov. 30:66Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:6); Rev. 22:18, 1918For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18‑19).)
Take another subject. All through the entire Volume, from Genesis to Revelation, we find that since man became a sinner, he has been accounted righteous before God on the principle of faith and never on the principle of works, a fundamental truth of vital importance.
Nakedness Covered
We read that God clothed Adam and Eve with coats of skins. That is, their nakedness could only be truly covered up from the eye of God through the benefit derived from the death of a sacrifice. Abel's offering shows out the same.
Also in Gen. 15 we read, Abram "believed in the Lord: and He counted it to him for righteousness." David, who lived nine hundred years after, described the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord imputed righteousness without works, saying. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity." Psa. 32:1, 21<<A Psalm of David, Maschil.>> Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. (Psalm 32:1‑2). These scriptures are quoted by the Apostle Paul (Rom. 4:6-81 to make clear to us that the principle on which all are justified from all things, is that of faith without the deeds of the law. Hence, "the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe." Rom. 3:22, 2822Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22)
28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:28).
The typical instruction in the Old Testament having its accomplishment in the New Testament, gives a remarkable complexion of unity to the whole Bible. Take, for instance, Abraham's offering up his loved and only son. Isaac. What an accurate fulfillment of this type we have in God's delivering up His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for us! In this one instance we have shadowed forth divine love and grace in laying our iniquity on Him, divine righteousness in judging unsparingly our sins on Him instead of on us, and divine power toward us in raising Him up from the dead and giving us risen life in association with Him.
Covered Union
Believers are now, by the Holy Spirit, in union with Christ ascended, for "by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." “He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." All this most blessed workmanship of the Holy Spirit, His present ministry through gifts bestowed by Christ ascended, all the affection and care of Christ for His assembly, the perfection of the Father's love to His children, loving them as He loved His Son, are richly and blessedly brought to us through the apostolic writings. This is especially true of the writings of Paul who was emphatically a minister of the Church or assembly (Col. 1:2323If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (Colossians 1:23)). This, therefore, gives them a unique charm to the believer, and through faith they necessarily produce a walk of separation and devotedness to the Lord. The important question for us is, am I living in the enjoyment of communion with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ? How can this be if His Word is not loved, received, and meditated on by us as the treasury of His thoughts, affections, purposes and ways? Jesus said, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words.... He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me." John 14:23, 2423Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (John 14:23‑24).
Young Christian
Editorial
Money is a powerful motive for most people. In these modern times we see God allowing even this motive to cause a grand distribution of the oldest book in the world. Men are using the Harvard Business School approach to marketing in this decade, to produce major changes in the 200 million dollar a year retail market for Bibles.
Both the Protestant and Catholic translations are selling well. More Bibles are in more people's hands than ever before. This surely is something to be thankful about. Now, if only the possessors of these Bibles will read them, we can be assured of much blessing. Yes, there is money in selling Bibles, but there is enduring wealth beyond measure from the infinite blessing found in that precious Word of God.
Jeremiah wrote, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." Jer. 15:1616Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16). We too, shall find it to be the very same if we just take it in and assimilate it—think upon God's Word.
Paul, who dearly loved the gospel, wrote, "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Eph. 3:88Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (Ephesians 3:8). He tells us still more in Col. 1:25-27: "I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill [or fill full] the Word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Another marvel about the Bible is its permanence. The enemy has tried for centuries to get rid of it but could not and never shall. "The Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever" and "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven," are two scriptures that attest to its enduring character.
The first writing that Scripture records is in Ex. 17. Before that God spoke orally to His people. Since that time, about 3500 years ago, God has by His written Word communicated more and more through the law of Moses, and in the prophets and in the psalms. Lastly, the New Testament was given and as we have already quoted from Col. 1:25,25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (Colossians 1:25) we now have all God has to communicate to us. The Word is complete, that is, filled full.
Besides all the Bibles in print today, we are thankful that also many copies are on tapes that can be listened to and so reach the hearts and consciences through the ear as well as the eye. "The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them." Prov. 20:1212The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them. (Proverbs 20:12). These two avenues to the soul God desires to use to speak to us. Do we want to hear and to see? Ed.
Treasure
In the fifteenth chapter of Proverbs and the sixth verse, we read, "In the house of the righteous is much treasure.” An aged Christian had an old Bible, which he kept with great care in a corner of a chest of drawers. A visitor observed him, one day, putting his Bible away, and said to him, "Now I know where your treasure is, and, yet," said he, "how strange it is, that, much as you value that book, no thief would think it worth his while to rob you of it, were he to search your home.” God must be known before His Word can be valued by the soul. Now, I would ask my reader two questions: First, How much did your Bible cost? Second, How much is it worth? It may have only cost a dollar or two, but, if you love the Lord, and prize His Word, you will, like the Psalmist, say, "The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." Psa. 119:7272The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. (Psalm 119:72).
The Lord give both to reader and writer a growing desire for and delight in His blessed Word.