THERE are some points connected with this volume, that is so justly styled The Book which are seldom brought forward, and which, consequently, escape the observation of many.
One of these points is, its COMPLETENESS. Now, no work of man is complete. Especially is this the case with those books which treat of the history of mankind. Excepting in those cases in which the events of a brief period only are related, every production of the kind is deficient either at the beginning or at the end. The writer is either unable to ascertain the truth as to the origin of his subject, or he is obliged to break off his narrative at the time present, confessing that of the future he knows nothing.
Contemplate the Bible from this point of view. When we first take it up, it appears to present a collection, or, rather, a bundle, of unconnected writings of different ages. Some of its stories were written by Moses at a very early period; a period, in fact, of which no other writings remain. Then we have some writings of Samuel; some of David; some of Ezra; and sixteen books of different prophets, of a variety of rank and character, from a prince to a cowherd, which were written about the time of the great Assyrian and Persian empires. These writings were doubtless preserved, on skin rolls, in the Jewish temple. Subsequently we have a fresh series, the works of the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, most of whom were fishermen or mechanics. These were produced during the time of the Roman emperors, since which date we have no writing that we can believe to be inspired.
From this hasty glance at the origin (the apparent or outward origin, at least) of the Bible, could we have the least expectation of finding, in such a collection of writings, that wonderful completeness which exists in it? Observe, however, a few circumstances in illustration of this one point. The history of the earth on which we live is here given entire. We reckon the life of a man to be contained between his birth and his return to the dust. The first page of the Bible tells us of God’s forming this earth for man, and almost the last page informs us of its passing away. The annals of Time, then, are here included. At the commencement of the book we read of “the first day,” and, at the end, of the moment when all distinction of days cease.
One of the earliest events recorded in the history of man, is that which introduced death. One of the latest events which close the slime history is the casting of death and hell into the lake of fire, and the proclamation, “There shall be no more death.” The first sentence passed upon a human being ran thus, “I will greatly multiply thy sorrow.” But amongst the final words are, “There shall be more... sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” Revelation 21:44And 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 21:4).
But the perfection of the scheme is more complete than it is in the power of man to describe. A few outlines only are visible to the human eye.
Six days ended the work of creation; then followed the Sabbatical rest. “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:88But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (2 Peter 3:8). The world now approaches the close of its six thousandth year; and most believers in God’s word are now looking forward to a Sabbath of a thousand years.
Immediately following the first Sabbath there occurs, as the Scripture narrative, that Temptation by which man fell into the power of the old serpent; and immediately after the close of the millennial Sabbath, there follows a like temptation of man, by the same powerful seducer, and with a like success. In the first case God Himself came down to judgment, and passed sentence on the transgressors; in the second, the same consequences follow, and as immediately.
The Tree of Life is given to man in paradise, at the commencement of the history. He loses it by transgression; but when He that sits upon the throne saith, “Behold, I make all things new,” the tree of life is again given. And as at the beginning, the Lord God walked in the garden, and talked with Adam, so at the end, the “restitution of all things,” “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.” Revelation 21:33And 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. (Revelation 21:3).
It may not strike others with equal force; but I confess that this view of the entireness, the completeness, the perfection exhibited in this book, which, at first sight, appears like a bundle of old writings, casually tied together, but which is found to contain a regular history of the earth, from its formation to its re-formation; of time, from its first day to its last; and of man, from his creation to his re-creation: I say, this view of The Book is one which often furnishes matter for admiring contemplation, and seeming to bring out its divine character into stronger and higher relief.