The authority of the word of God : a treatise on the criterion of Christian faith and life

Front matter

Book_i

U-^q

PRESENTKI) m

Contents

Preface 7

Introduction 9

I. The Source of the Authority : God.

II Preliminary Remarks

THE Authority of the Word has its ground in the contents of Holy Scripture. What souls need to know in order to obtain salvation, is the information which the Word contains. Therefore, the authority of the Word of God has a definite foundation ; that foundation is the sum and substance of the subject-matter of Scripture. God has spoken the Word, revealed the mysteries of his kingdom, given the knowledge of his ways, shown his dealings with men, inspired the truths of redemption, — all for the reason that men should have clear, precise information by which to go in matters of faith, and on which to build.

Apart from the information recorded in the Word of God, there is nowhere any ground of equal authority in matters of the salvation of man. For, that which the inspired Word does not contain, include, and comprehend, is not a part of the Word of God, and does not share its authority, but is subordinate to Holy Scripture. And the divine guidance accorded to those of obedient faith in the Word, is something essentially different from the doubtful inspiration of those who are not obedient to the Word of Scripture. It is certain, that no one else than God could furnish like information of spiritual things — things past, present, and future. He, then, being the Author, the contents of Scripture alone forever constitute the authentic ground and rock of authority in the matters of which God's Word treats. And he that said, "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images;"^ the same also says, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word/" Through and in his Word, God ever from the beginning gave to men whatever information he wanted them to have. Therefore, the Word leads to the wells of salvation, as St. Paul tells Timothy: "From a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."*

Scripture is a treasury of information. Its contents are incomparably superior to those of any uninspired writings. Being the Word of God, it contains inexhaustible treasures of living faith, eternal life, and spiritual power. Into the Word, God has laid and enwrapped great depths, riches, and fulness of saving knowledge and divine wisdom. From the contents of Scripture, men learn truly to know God and rightly to know themselves. The Word mediates divine grace and spiritual life ; it teaches believers how to worship God in spirit and in truth. Unapproachable and hidden indeed is God, the eternal Fountainhead of life; but of them that seek him with their whole heart, he lets himself be found by the hearing and keeping of the inspired Word. The key enabling the seeking heart to find God by means of the Word, is enlightenment by the Holy Spirit.

THE GROUNDS OF THE AUTHORITY. 3I

By noting the contents of Scripture, the nature of the ground that constitutes the vital authority of the Word, will become plain. Spiritual truth is what Scripture inculcates; and that is the kind of truth which the world needs most of all. The Word of God reveals the true relation of God to man, and of man to God, and the relation to both of the Mediator between them. j\Ien are by the Word informed of the redemption with all that is implied therein, as seen in its doctrinal, historical, and prophetical development. The writings of Holy Scripture, accordingly, may be arranged into three divisions : doctrine, history, and prophecy. This classification, however, is not exclusive or separative; for in each kind of Scripture, the others also are more or less extensively represented. It is merely the main feature of the individual writings, which enters into consideration in this threefold grouping of Scripture. Doctrine expresses God's will, works faith, and guides believing men ; history shows the fate of the people, who, upon hearing the Word, either loved and accepted or disdained and rejected it; prophecy points to future events, offers promises, and strengthens the hope. The interrelation of doctrine, history, and prophecy is characteristic of the essential unity of Scripture.

In Scriptural religion, doctrine precedes history and prophecy. Doctrine constitutes the deepest foundation ground of the authority of Holy Scripture. "Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel ; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go."* Moses, already, had exhorted the people:

"Hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you."° By the Psalmist, the Lord declares : "I will instruct thee and teach in the way which thou shalt go.'" The writer of Proverbs says : "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed : but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a foundation of life, to depart from the snares of death.'" By Ezekiel, God said : "I am the Lord your God ; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them."* That knowledge of the truth precedes spiritual freedom is what Jesus taught his disciples when he told them: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'" And St. Paul directed Timothy : "Take heed to thyself and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee."" The priority of doctrine is thus plainly and fully taught.

I. — Doctrinal Contents.

Doctrinal principles are given first that the world may know God and obtain eternal life from him. On the basis of this knowledge is founded the life and development of godly people. The character of their life, so far as different from worldly life, is the effect produced by divine doctrines. Development in history of the people of God is conditioned upon the faithfulness with which they live according to the teaching of the Word. The degree attained in relative perfection of life, indicates how far doctrine has been assimilated. While history suffers changes, doctrine enjoys the permanence of revealed truth.

The presentation of Scriptural doctrine was progressive. Truth, as revealed by God, is embodied in this doctrine. For God "willeth that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth."" Spiritual truth comprises all things which are contained in the revelations of God as recorded in Scripture. As he gave them to his servants, by such degrees were the teachings of Scripture unfolded. It is by doctrine, that God informs the world of what his will is relative to the life of men; which implies the fact, that man received knowledge concerning God and his works, as well as knowledge of human nature with its need of redemption. The Scriptural doctrines show the way of life, which man is exhorted to seek ; and they expose the way of death, which he is admonished to avoid. They also enable all men clearly to judge and discriminate what is true, right, and good from what is false, wrong, and evil. In plain instructions and general directions, in laws and commandments, in promises and prophecies ; exhortations, admonitions, and warnings; hymns, psalms, and prayers, — the doctrinal principles of Scripture are promulgated. Since immeasurably important matters are involved in sound teachings, men are ever to treasure them. "With thee is the fountain of life : in thy light shall we see light."" And Jesus refers to the great reward of those that observe his doctrines, saying: "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me : and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself unto him.""

Again, Scripture says: "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies.""

Largely, but by no means altogether in a figurative style, doctrinal statements are presented by manifold parables, allegories, similes, metaphors, and other figures of speech. Figurative language serves to make more explicit and emphatic the truths that are thus expressed. Jesus, for instance, very frequently used parables, and St. Mark relates, "With many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it: and without a parable spake he not unto them : but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things."^'

What, now, are the most fundamental doctrines of the revealed religion, Christianity? They are, God created the world ; redeemed fallen man ; and sanctifies man redeemed.

God created the world. He is taught to be the Creator of all things. Man also is his creature — a creature originally in his very image. How inexpressibly magnificent are the works of creation ! What mortal mind can comprehend the vastness of the universe, the number of created things? Radiance of light and gloom of darkness, beauty of life and pallor of death; the countless living creatures inhabiting the earth and the myriads of stars of heaven, the happy hosts in heavenly realms and the sad multitudes in hell, who disobeyed their Maker; men and angels, worlds and heavens — all, all are the work of God. He himself declares, "I have made the earth and created man upon it : I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded."^' Truly: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork."" What marvelous evidence of the great-r ness and goodness and wisdom of God ! And by his providence it is, that all these things are upheld. He knows the needs of every creature, the least as well as the greatest, and he supplies the wants of them all out of his great abundance; for "The Lord shall rejoice in his works.'"*

Glorious as the works of creation are, yet who can adequately portray the transcending majesty of him that is the Creator and Lord of all? The most profound content of Scripture is none other than the testimony concerning God and the Savior. In the course of time, God himself by various servants progressively made known his nature and being. Scripture teaches, "God is a Spirit."" And he is thus taught to be triune and, among other attributes, almighty, eternal, omniscient, omnipresent, immutable, infinite, holy; and in relation to mankind he proved himself righteous, wise, just, true, as well as merciful, gracious, compassionate, good, loving. Knowledge of God is the highest information man can receive. Jesus says: "This is eternal life, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ."^ The Seraphim that circle about his throne with covered faces ever sing and say of God the Lord Jehovah: "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."*^

God redeemed fallen man. Redemption is the surpassing theme of Scripture doctrine and, in fact, of the entire Word of God. By redemption, the restoration of fellowship between God and man is purposed. On the ground of the information which the Scriptures give of the holy Triune God and of the sinful condition of man, the divine plan of the redemption of the world is unfolded with ever growing clearness and precision. It is only where the Word of God is heard and received, that men can learn to believe in God, and that they will begin to long for his mercy. Since the powers of human nature, which are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, can in no case by works of law or efforts self-designed attain the righteousness of God's law and the newness of spiritual life, therefore God gave his Son to be men's "wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." In the light of the divine Word, the unregenerate man learns what barrier is between him and God: sin with its curse. From the same Word, the believer gradually derives knowledge of the fact that there is but one divinely ordered way to fellowship with God : atonement with its blessings. So it is that all Prophets and Apostles witness the immutable truth that Christ by the sacrifice of his holy life, atoned for the sins of mankind. "While we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son."" Christ is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.'"^ The Lord Jesus himself says that his body and blood was "given and shed for many unto remission of sins ;"^ and consequently Jesus maintains, "He that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live."^ The Scripture furthermore declares: "To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins.'"" The redemption, so far as atonement and reconciliation with God is in question, is solely and exclusively the work of the Savior Jesus Christ. He is the mighty Redeemer whose righteousness endureth forever and whose infinite grace is abundantly sufficient for each and every believer. Faith in Christ obtains the eternal righteousness and with it the peace of God.

God sanctifies man redeemed. By regeneration, the redeemed are received into the kingdom of God. Renewed spiritual life in the image of God the Savior is thereby granted to the human soul. Regeneration with its consequent sanctification is the way in which God the Holy Spirit continues and completes the work of redemption. This doctrine is indeed of deep significance. For, could the natural man, even though reconciled and justified, enter into the kingdom of God? No : it is impossible for flesh and blood to appear in the spiritual world; therefore Jesus says, "Ye must be born anew."" Hence the Holy Spirit, in the washing of regeneration, gives new life to all who are justified by faith in Christ, "that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."^ It is by their spiritual nature, which is renewed in true knowledge after the image of God, that believers are enabled to do the will of God and to live the new life hid with Christ in God. But without Jesus, even the regenerate cannot live, walk, or work in the spirit ; as Christ reminded the disciples, "Apart from me we can do nothing."^ Ever to keep believers in communion with the Lord Jesus, is the loving, earnest endeavor of the Holy Spirit. Only on this condition, Christians can preserve unspotted and pure the newness of life in the earthen vessel. In one and the same person, the physical or carnal and the spiritual or regerf^rate natures exist together throughout the continuation of a believer's earthly life. After the death of the physical nature, the person and spiritual nature of the ransomed enter paradise. And on resurrection day, the elect are received into perfect fellowship with Christ and God in the kingdom of eternal glory.

What is true of these fundamental doctrines, applies to all other teachings of Scripture; that is, they describe the work of the Triune God in creating, and redeeming, and restoring the world. Many of these teachings which in the Old Testament are but partially developed, are presented with fulness and precision in the New. Especially the doctrines bearing on atonement and regeneration are more fully stated in the New Testament ; while the Old more amply brings out those dealing with creation. In short, the teachings of both Testaments are supplementary to each other : the Old foreshadows the New, and the New fulfills the Old. Having reached their complete and final presentation in the inspired writings, the doctrines of Scripture are of permanent authority in all matters of theology and confession of faith ; so that all Christian teaching must accord with the Scriptural ground.

2. — Historical Contents.

Among the contents of Scripture, history serves very salient purposes. Inspired history shows the real underlying causes of recorded events and the effects which follow upon those causes. It is to be considered not so much a naive recital of mere superficial circumstances and facts of events, as rather a true exposition of the marvelous way in which God, on the basis of his holy teaching, directs and molds the destiny of men and nations. Determined by the principles of divine doctrine, inspired history in its various stages frequently is at the same time the fulfillment of some previously given prophecy. Furthermore, inspired history clearly unfolds the plan and counsel of God concerning the redemption of the world. This history also proves that there is constant progress in the development of the kingdom of God ; even periods of seeming standstill or retrogression serve to further the general growth by maturing inward life or by gathering reserve strength for days of greater advances.

The course of history, of entire nations and of every individual life, is directed by God. In Proverbs, for instance, it is written: "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water : he turneth it whithersoever he will."^° And how expressive is the passage! — "The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought : he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."^^ God so guides events that the petition of his children may be fulfilled, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." The information supplied by Scriptural history brings to light the true, hidden causes of historical occurrences, such as the divine will and counsel, plans and purposes; it also exposes the contrary schemes, intentions, and aims of the kingdom of darkness : likewise the nature and kind of human motives, designs and devices are plainly unfurled. In truth,

40 THE AUTHORITY OF THE WORu.

God not only plans, but also works out everything after the counsel of his will : sustaining all that is in harmony with his will and counsel ; and overruling all that is contrary to his divine plans and purposes and that boldly defies him, thinking: "Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice P"^''

Seeing how complex the causes of history are, one may well ask, What man could give a faithful and adequate account thereof? Who could reveal the secret counsels, the divine and the human? "Produce your cause, saith the Lord ; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth and show us what shall happen: let them show the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them ; or declare us things for to come. Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods : yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together . . . Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say. He is righteous? Yea, there is none that showeth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words. "^* Surely, God alone, who searcheth the hearts and reins, to whom nothing is unknown, from whom no one can hide and nothing can be concealed, and who directs and orders all things, — ^he alone can know and present in truthful, perfect way the intricate causes underlying the history of the world.

In contemplating the general phase of history and its often so amazing developments, unsearchable happenings, and miraculous incidents, it should be remem-

THE GROUNDS OF THE AUTHORITY. 4I

bered that while God, as a rule, orders things after the general principles revealed in his Word, yet many, though by no means all, of his rules also admit of exceptions, where the circumstances or exigencies of a case justify special considerations to be made in the working together of his justice, mercy, and wisdom. That Satan, too, is a factor in history, because he has his work in the children of disobedience, ought be borne in mind by any one noting the complexity of human events. History, moreover, proves the wholesomeness of the divine laws and doctrines ; for it vindicates the correctness of doctrine as well as the truth of prophecy. The undeniable facts of history in connection with their true causes, enlighten and instruct men ; so that they may the more readily comprehend the truths of doctrine. Consequently, the ground of the authority of the Word of God consists not only of doctrine, but also inspired history with its richly illustrated information concerning especially the final causes of history controlled and ordered by the Lord of heaven and earth.

Scriptural history, then, shows how the life of individuals and nations developed in accordance with the revealed Word of God under the ever faithful guidance of the Holy Spirit. Whatever historical facts are recorded, have a connection directly or indirectly with the course of events that mark the unfolding of the plan of salvation. Foreseeing the attitude of men toward his Word, God planned most comprehensively the ways how to save and deliver his own; for "The Lord knoweth them that are his."^ At their appointed time, the events of redemption took place ; and no accident, that is, nothing unforeseen could occur and interfere with his eternal plans. While part of the historical record exhibits human unbelief as well as men's faith, still, those very things also were written to be for the learning and instruction, warning and admonition, comfort and edification of believers of subsequent ages. The course of history ever progresses. Inevitably, the last day is drawing closer, while one generation after another comes and goes.

The history recorded of the people who lived in the centuries from Adam to Moses, pictures the attitude which men at the beginning took toward God and his Word. The facts show that but few were believing, while the many were wayward and indifferent. Such men as Abel, Enoch ,and Noah are typical of the best class of primeval believers. The reason why God caused the flood to come and destroy all people except Noah and his family, is that the world in those days, deeply sunk into wickedness, universally refused to be admonished by the Holy Spirit.

With Abraham begins a new epoch. Following him, the number of believers ever grew ; and the prophecies of the Redeemer were being given with greater clearness. In the time of Moses, God still more perfectly revealed himself; fulfilled the promises of giving the holy land to the Israelites ; and, by giving his laws and commandments, prepared the way for the eternal redemption through Christ.

The history of the children of Israel differs radically from that of other nations before the Christian era. "What one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemest to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods ?"^^ The Israelites were the only nation selected by God to prepare men for the salvation by the one Mediator and Redeemer of all the earth. Israel's destiny, for weal or for woe, depended upon the covenant made with them by the Lord Jehovah. He the eternal God had made and chosen Israel ; not vice versa ! "This people have I formed for myself ; they shall show forth my praise. "^^ Other nations might indeed devise and make themselves gods after their several fancy ; but not so the Israelites : they knew and worshiped the only living true God, who so fully revealed himself to the covenant people, while to the other nations he remained "the unknown God." The children of Israel also had explicitly consented to be the chosen people of God and to comply with his words and statutes. On their fidelity to the Word, the laws and ordinances of God, their welfare was thenceforth conditioned. High as knowledge of the true God is above apprehension of humanly devised gods, so high was the inner life of the covenant people above that of the rest of the ancient world. Israel's leaders, judges, priests, kings, and prophets, notwithstanding the falling away of some and the desultoriness of others, were led by the Spirit of God in accordance with the divine counsel and will ; similarly were guided all believers of that nation. In explanation of his long-suffering toward them, God said: "I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for my holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went."" With the coming of Christ the Savior, God had fulfilled to the Jews all the Messianic prophecies given from Abraham to Malachi. The special calling of the Israelites was thereby solved ; for, all nations alike were promised to share the blessings of God in the divine Redeemer.

The details of the history of Israel point out the times of faithfulness as well as waywardness of the nation. They portray the faithful manner in which God by the prophets admonished them all and give a vivid picture of the causes whereby the backsliding nation of the Old Covenant forfeited the grace of God. By the Israelites' history, it is demonstrated, how manifold are the ways of the Lord; how glorious are his blessings and how terrible yet just are the judgments of God; who visits sin even upon his elect, and who rejects hardened transgressors, but guides repenting ones with long-suffering and kindness and crowns them with grace and mercy. Thus passed the centuries of the Jews. But the lessons conveyed, endure.

With Christ, an entirely new history begins on earth : the history of the new covenant people. Upon the dreary night of lonesome longing, there dawned the golden light that came from heaven. Jesus, the Savior of sinners, the Example of the regenerate, is the heart of New Testament history. "I am the light of the world," he says, "he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."'^ All the precious prophecies are fulfilled in him, which speak of the Annointed One ; as for instance : "Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise, with healing in his wings. "^* In person, Christ is transcendingly exalted above all mankind; for he is Immanuel, the only-begotten Son of the eternal Father. During his earthly life, he refrained from revealing the infinite fulness of the glory of his eternal godhood. His sole purpose was to do the will of the Father by fulfilling all the law and the prophets in saving and redeeming his people. To accomplish this and make atonement for men, Christ, anointed with fulness of the Holy Spirit, humbled himself in obedience to the will of God even unto death, the death of the cross, following upon his rejection and repudiation by the house of Israel. Different from the attitude of the Jews as a nation, was the bearing of many individuals of that people. A number of believing men and women received and worshiped Jesus as the Messiah of God and Savior of their souls. "But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name."*"

When Christ had ascended to heaven, he sent the Comforter the Holy Spirit to give new spiritual life unto his followers. The Spirit of God came to open the sealed door of the soul for the kingdom of heaven^ to implant the image of Christ into each believer, and thus to dwell in the heart of faithful ones. Constantly more and more people became persuaded and convinced of the Messiahship of Christ; so that within a few decades after his ascension, Christians in large numbers existed throughout a great part of the then known world. This period presents the facts of the beginning and early development of Christ's kingdom of grace, the Church. Being reborn of the Spirit of God, the members of the Church constitute the holy people of God.

The life and character of Christians are best exemplified by the Apostles of the Lord and others of his close disciples. They typify the followers of Christ. What a blessed life they lived! How true was their faith, love, and hope! Today yet, their light shines brightly before the whole world. The earliest Christians are exemplary to all later times ; for they were the first chosen and enjoyed in richest measure the grace of God, even apart from the special gifts of the Holy Spirit. What things are recorded of the various persons that accepted Christ, are such as indicate the course of life of Christian people, the faithful as well as unfaithful ones, the steadfast as well as the reprobate. Unto all, God manifested his mercy; upon all, he poured out his grace. They who treasured his grace, were sustained in faith till their end; but they who despised his mercy, were warned of God's wrath to come. "And this is the judgment that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light ; for their works were evil."" But every faithful hearer and doer of the Word is "likened unto a wise man which built his house upon the rock."*^ How precious the peace of divine forgiveness is and how abiding the joy of spiritual life, that is amply exhibited in what Holy Scripture relates of the early followers of Christ. Since the close of the Apostolic period, the Church has lived on under the guidance of God according to his Word : Christian people will continue on earth, till Christ appears in his heavenly glory ; for Jesus says, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world,""