| Christian Life and Doctrine | December 1974 |
The Inspired Word of God
“EVERY scripture inspired by God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”—II Tim. 3:16,17 RSV, footnote
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.”—II Tim. 2:15
“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”—John 8:32
“And … take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”—Eph. 6:17
“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.”—Deut. 8:3
“And God spake all these words. … And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord.”—Exod. 20:1; 24:4
The Bible annually is the world’s best seller, and is recognized by millions as the torch of civilization. Many of its friends have unintentionally beclouded the clear message of the Book by claiming that it supports the traditions of Dark-Age religion, which it does not.
The light of our own intelligence leads us to expect God to give a fuller revelation of his purpose in our creation than is found in the laws of nature. This he does in his Word, which presents our Creator to us as a God of love.
The Bible is the oldest book in existence and has survived unparalleled efforts to destroy it, which is circumstantial evidence, at least, that God, who is its Author, has also been its preserver. It is the message which the Book contains that makes it precious. It is not merely to be read, although those who do read it in the spirit of humility and devotion are blessed. But the richest treasures of truth concerning God’s purposes for the family of man do not lie upon the surface, but are found by those who study the Word carefully and thoughtfully.
The message of the Bible concerning human destiny begins in Eden, with our first parents enjoying fellowship and communion with their Maker. Through disobedience to God’s law this favored position was lost, and every generation from Eden until now has felt the sting of death, for it is written, “in Adam all die.” But the message of the Word of God does not forecast man’s ultimate end to be death. Throughout its pages the Book speaks of blessings to come through the “Seed” of Abraham. (Gen. 22:15-18) It then presents us with the true understanding that the Seed of Abraham was Jesus Christ, the Son of God. His work of redemption on behalf of all mankind, including all who have gone down into death, will result in the promised blessing of “all the families of the earth.”
The Bible speaks of the true church of God—not a building made by human hands, but composed of his true followers who become the “temple of the living God.” His true disciples have been prepared, one here, one there, since Jesus Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the chief cornerstone of his temple. The Bible shows that when the members of the true church, as “living stones,” are all made ready to be part of his temple, then the kingdom of God shall bring about the restoration of all things. This message of divine goodness toward the human family is spoken of by God’s “holy prophets since the world began.” The theme that is common to all of them is a grand and noble one, which emphasizes the greatness of God and his attributes of goodness.