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 When
the Biblical concept of “word of God” is conceded we are
mightily compelled to acknowledge that this message sent from
God, framed by His Spirit, intended to instruct His creatures,
is certainly capable of accomplishing its purpose. To say it is
not understandable, or is ambiguous and contradictory, is to
reflect upon its author. (We are here considering the original
writings. We believe the message is reliably preserved in
current versions, but that is a separate subject we cannot here
discuss.)
To
say that latter day hearers must have some immediate
assistance of the Holy Spirit in order to understand, is to
reflect upon the Spirit’s first work in assisting the Bible writers.
Much of this error stems from the sacerdotal view of “church”
as an institution which “alone makes known the light of
revealed truth”; or, the evangelical doctrine of election and
grace, directly bestowed. Both positions deny the true Biblical
teaching re. the word of God — and both encourage men to trust
in traditional “history of theology” to the detriment of
reliance upon the work of God.
Then
why is there so much misunderstanding? The wide influence of the
above Catholic and Protestant concepts has greatly affected
Bible Study. Major portions of those interested in Christianity
are divided into “church” or creedal camps, and do little
serious investigation fir themselves. Others seem to think that
the freedom to study means freedom to draw whatever conclusion
they please, and each man becomes a law unto himself. There is
no genuine submission to divine authority is such an attitude. Modern theologians
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encourage the idea that TRUTH is wholly relative to the beholder, and has
no fixed quality. This is purely subjective, and denies the most
basic principle of a God who speaks. The Bible is no Ouija board
with messages for the mystics and occult.
Although
it is a library, a compilation of the literature of people of
God, it is more than that. It has a central theme, despite its
66 books, some 40 writers, and 1,500 years in the making. God
loved his creatures, even when they rebelled against Him. He
promised redemption! (Gen. 12:1-3) He developed a people by whom
He revealed Himself “at sundry times and in divers manners,”
and through whom He sent His Son (Gal. 3:16-29). His dealing
with the “children of Abraham” is the basis for types and
shadows which prefigure His deliverance from the bondage of sin
all who will put their trust in His Son. By the resurrection of
His Son from death, He instilled hope in mortal man and lifted
his eyes to eternity. And in the vivid apocalyptic flashes of
the last book He shows us “Victory”! This theme gives a
unity to the Bible such as is found in no other literature.
The
word of God should not be read “piecemeal.” While obviously
one can not read it all at once, the theme and framework can be
recognized in early lengthy readings, and then each part can be
studied intelligently. As its message unfolds, and we are led
down its halls of duty, mercy, grace, truth and life, we will be
pointed toward heaven by the word of God.
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