05.03.09 - Concluding Observations
(9) Concluding Observations
Consider, then, what is meant by the authority of the Scriptures as the rule of faith and conduct; consider what is meant by the supremacy of the Scriptures as being the record of Divine revelation and of the promise and scheme of human redemption; consider also what is meant by the Scriptures as the source of truth, the fount of knowledge, and the grounds on which they are claimed to be so. When ever you are asked to give a reason for these beliefs and to supply an answer as to why you accept the Scriptures as the Word of God and the rule of faith and life, say with Professor Robertson Smith: “I answer in the language of the Fathers of the Protestant Church because the Bible is the only record of the redeeming love of God; because in the Bible alone I find God drawing near to man in Christ Jesus, and declaring to us in Him His will for our salvation; and this record I know to be true by the witness of the Spirit in my heart, whereby I am assured that none other than God Himself is able to speak such words unto my soul.”
Consider further, I pray you, what is meant by accepting the Scriptures as the completed and final record of the Divine revelation to man, and as the true and authoritative record of the way and plan of salvation for the race. In an age when evolution, and development are sought and found in all God’s ways and works: in an age when change seems to be written on all that is, when books of history, science, philosophy, theology, and religion, continue only for a few years, and are being constantly replaced by new text-books adapted to the requirements of in creasing knowledge, discovery, and improved methods of interpretation and teaching: consider, I say again, what it means to have a completed, final, and adequate record of Divine revelation and redemption.
Think of what this means in the face of all the light and criticism and revelation that come streaming in upon the minds and thoughts and souls of men generation after generation. Think, I say, that after all this increase of knowledge, progress, and acquirement for centuries, no attempt has been made to give us a new Bible, another and improved revelation of God’s will, and purpose, another way of salvation, an other rule of faith and conduct, another guide-book from earth to heaven. Consider, I beg of you, what it means that the one we have is never challenged or disputed, never questioned or denied on its main issues and teachings, by all the acquired knowledge, the cumulative experiences, the developments, growths, and advancements made in Christian knowledge and holiness, in spiritual life, faith, and experience. No criticism, no philosophy, no discover), no religion, no Christian life or experience knows anything about God and Christianity, faith and religion, a future state and life eternal, but what is found in these Scriptures of truth. Think again of what this means to scholar and student, to commentator and interpreter, to preacher and teacher of Biblical truth. Think, I say, oh think what it means to Christian Church, and school and missions, to preacher, teacher, evangelist and missionary; to the aged saint who has accepted and trusted it so long, lived and walked by its teachings so far until he has come upon the shores of eternity, and is going down to his grave leaning upon it for support and comfort in the hour of death.
Think of what it means to the strong man in the bustle, conflict, and worry of life’s business; think of what it means to the young child just learning his A B C to commence his search for truth, the truth able to make him wise unto salvation. Think, I say, what it all means that we have in this Bible, this book of God and Book of books, the perfected, completed final record of God’s revelation to man, accredited and sealed by the “ Verily, verily, I say unto you “ the Amen and Amen of God and which is to be known, kept, and handed on to the end of time! In the light of such considerations as these, we may fittingly close this Lecture by adapting the solemn words of John the Divine: “ I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book: If any man shall add unto them, God shall acid 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 from the Tree of Life, and out of the Holy City, which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Yea, I come quickly. Amen, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints.
Amen.” * 1 Revelation 22:18-21.
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