The Scriptures thus prove themselves to be the product of a divine grace and power, that have so wrought through history in this world as to give God's word to man.
But this raises a further question. Is the critic right who seeks to interpret the meaning of Scripture by a “critical examination," or is the simple believer right who receives the Scriptures as speaking from God to him? Evidence, not prejudice must be allowed to decide the question. The evidence may be considered in two aspects:
(1). As to whether messages essentially and unquestionably divine in their power and authority have been delivered to man, by human lips and with human words.
(2). If divine communications are proved have been delivered, what is it that governs the rejection or acceptance of those messages at the time when delivered?
The Proof and Character of Prophecy
Both these inquiries will find an answer from the evidence in the matter of the claim to
prophecy that the Scriptures make.
In the first case, the claim to declare events that were to come will meet with definite and demonstrative proof of either its truth or its falsity, in subsequent events.
But this proof of prophecy in its fulfillment must not be confused with the proof of its character as speaking to man in God's stead. The acceptance or rejection of prophecy at the time it is delivered depends upon the proof of this character that it carries with itself.