|
"The superlatives of the Bible"
Scripture Readings:
Day
1 Hosea 8:12; 1Cor. 2:13
2 Ps.119:18, 129; Ps.12:6
3 Acts 10:43; Acts 26:22
4 Rom 3:19, 27; Acts 18:28; Heb. 4:12
5 James 1:18; Rom. 15:4; Acts 20:32
6 John 16:13-14; 1 John 2:27; John 20:31
_____
How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the word of God?
The scriptures manifest themselves to be the word of God, by
their majesty [1] and purity [2], by the consent of all the parts
[3], and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God
[4]; by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to
comfort and build up believers unto salvation [5]: but the Spirit of
God bearing witness by and with the scriptures in the heart of man,
is alone fully able to persuade it that they are the very word of
God. [6]
_____________
Commentary
"In vain were the authority of Scripture fortified by
argument, or supported by the consent of the Church, or confirmed by
any other helps, if unaccompanied by an assurance higher and
stronger than human judgment can give. Till this better foundation
has been laid, the authority of Scripture remains in suspense. On
the other hand, when recognizing its exemption from the common rule,
we receive it reverently, and according to its dignity, those proofs
which were not so strong as to produce and rivet a full conviction
in our minds, become most appropriate helps. For it is wonderful how
much we are confirmed in our belief, when we more attentively
consider how admirably the system of divine wisdom contained in it
is arranged _ how perfectly free the doctrine is from every thing
that savors of earth _ how beautifully it harmonizes in all its
parts _ and how rich it is in all the other qualities which give an
air of majesty to composition. Our hearts are still more firmly
assured when we reflect that our admiration is elicited more by the
dignity of the matter than by the graces of style. For it was not
without an admirable arrangement of providence, that the sublime
mysteries of the kingdom of heaven have for the greater part been
delivered with a contemptible meanness of words. Had they been
adorned with a more splendid eloquence, the wicked might have
caviled, and alleged that this constituted all their force. But now,
when an unpolished simplicity, almost bordering on rudeness, makes a
deeper impression than the loftiest flights of oratory, what does it
indicate if not that the Holy Scriptures are too mighty in the power
of truth to need the rhetorician's art?
Hence there was good ground for the Apostle's declaration, that
the faith of the Corinthians was founded not on "the wisdom
of men," but on "the power of God," (1
Corinthians 2: 5) this speech and preaching among them having been
"not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power," (1 Corinthians
2: 5.) For the truth is vindicated opposing every doubt, when,
unsupported by foreign aid, it has its sole sufficiency in itself.
How peculiarly this property belongs to Scripture appears from this,
that no human writings, however skillfully composed, can affect us
in a similar way. Read Demosthenes or Cicero, read Plato, Aristotle,
or any other of that class: you will, I admit, feel wonderfully
allured, pleased, moved, enchanted; but turn from them to the
reading of the Sacred Volume, and whether you will or not, it will
so affect you, so pierce your heart, so work its way into your very
marrow, that, in comparison of the impression so produced, that of
orators and philosophers will almost disappear; making it manifest
that in the Sacred Volume there is a truth divine, a something which
makes it immeasurably superior to all the gifts and graces
attainable by man" (John Calvin, Institutes I.viii.i).
Calvin rightly nails this one very early in his systematic work,
in that all the external proofs of man for us to either affirm or
deny the Bible as God’s word pale from the testimony of the Bible
itself, and more especially the witness of the Holy Spirit within
the heart of man.
It appears at first glance the reformers are mixing answers here,
and move from the proof of the Bible as the word of God to
salvation. Again we see the insight granted by the Holy Spirit to
those assigned the task of developing this Reformed theology. What
could bring more glory to God than the conversion of sinful man? For
what purpose did God send His Son (the Word manifest in the flesh)?
All the blood of all the beasts slain for the Jewish altar could not
cause the salvation of one soul, yet the blood of one heavenly lamb
is sufficient for all humankind, past, present, and future, and most
efficacious for those to whom the Holy Spirit applies it. We see
this in the references chosen for this question. The real force of
the
argument lies in these verses that
point to the power of the Bible in the life of man.
Thus we see the most simple write
words that appear crude as noted by Calvin, soar to heights attained
by no work of man. We watch several score men writing over several
centuries attain a continuity and consistency seldom reached by a
single author when trying to cover such a scope of material. We see
a superb unity in the purpose as the whole points to God’s glory
being manifested in His salvation of His elect for His own purpose.
Nay, the reformers rightly point to the real proof of the Bible
being the very word of God, for no other could begin to manifest
such power. Last perhaps we could point to the very presence of the
Bible as proof of its heavenly origin. No other document has been so
preserved from the past. Even when we turn to relatively modern
writings of men, few if any traces of the originals exist. Despite
the efforts of many in several ages to eradicate this word, it has
prevailed against edicts of king and prelate throughout the ages.
This is a question that is hard to
tie to any particular petal of the TULIP, which has been a goal of
this series. Yet, we can rightly say that without this sure
authority of the Bible as God’s word, our precious tulip would
wither and die. So, it can be said to be the life of all five
classic points and sustainer of the Reformed faith. It is here then
we must turn for all matters of faith and life. While there is great
value to tradition and the teachings of the fathers, it is only
where they are in harmony with Scripture, we can accept them without
fault nor debate.
The so-called methods of the "higher critics" fail
because they attempt to explain and interpret the Bible as all other
literature of man. This is a divine Word, it is alive and vital, it
is life. Thus while the internal evidence alone is enough to set the
Sacred Volume apart, it is only the testimony of the Holy Spirit
that will convince the heart of man of the power and authority of
the Bible, as God’s own Word. Granted God used human beings, and
in a multitude of condescensions to His creation, used the words and
customs of those He chose to record His Word to pass along His Holy
Word to us, this in no way reduces it to just another book.
The mixture of genre or literary styles from dramatic narrative
to some of the most beautiful poetry, and even portions of mere
history all testify to one thing, Jesus Christ the Son of God and
the salvation of man, all for the sole purpose of God’s glory.
As you study the Bible and watch the God of glory reveal Himself
to His created, never lose sight of the first question the reformers
of the 17th century began their creeds with, what is the
purpose of man? Apply the answer to that question to any
illumination you believe God has given you concerning His Word. This
is the test of the spirits, does the understanding glorify God? If
not, with prayer look again, you have missed the purpose God caused
the passage in question to be written and preserved for His
children.
For further thought: How does the works of man apply to the
Bible and the testimony of the Bible being the Word of God? Can we
use such external proofs to support the Bible’s own claim to being
God’s Word? Why is it the Bible alone to which we must turn for
all questions of faith and practice?
For further study: What is the error of the higher critics of
the 18th century as they attempt to provide the correct
hermeneutic for understanding the Bible? What weight should be given
the culture and economy where the human writer existed? Did the
context of history form the Bible, or does the Bible form history?
__________
[1] I have written to him the great things of my law, but
they were counted as a strange thing. (Hosea 8:12 AV)
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the
wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to
nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the
hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our
glory: (1 Corinthians 2:6-7 AV)
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual
things with spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:13 AV)
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy
law. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul
keep them. (Psalms 119:129 AV) {Open: Heb. Reveal} (Psalms 119:18
AV)
[2] The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver
tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalms 12:6 AV)
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
{pure: Heb. tried, or, refined} (Psalms 119:140 AV)
[3] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name
whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts
10:43 AV)
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,
witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than
those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (Acts 26:22
AV)
[4] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith
to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and
all the world may become guilty before God. {guilty...: or, subject
to the judgment of God} (Romans 3:19 AV)
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of
works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (Romans 3:27 AV)
[5] For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly,
shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. {Christ: or, is the
Christ} (Acts 18:28 AV)
For 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
AV)
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we
should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18 AV)
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope. (Romans 15:4 AV)
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his
grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20:32 AV)
[6] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide
you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will
shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive
of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:13-14 AV)
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
(1 John 2:20 AV)
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you,
and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing
teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as
it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. {in him: or, in it} (1
John 2:27 AV)
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life
through his name. (John 20:31 AV)
|
