The Purpose of the Scripture.
By Sel.
ALL Scripture was written for us that we might thereby be edified, growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. Paul says “all Scripture is profitable.” But some readers doubt the value of the Old Testament, yet the apostle says, “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” The very incidents against which infidelity raises its voice in protest, are the ones which the Lord Jesus Christ sanctions and presents to us for our admonition and learning. For instance, of the flood he says, “As it was in the days of Noah so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” Of her who was turned into a pillar of salt he says, “Remember Lot’s wife.” The uplifted serpent of brass he has likened to himself raised on the cross, and with the story of Jonah and the whale he links the great truth of the resurrection. Paul, after giving an outline of events in the history of Israel says, “All these things happened unto them for ensamples [or types] and they are written for our admonition.” We see, then, that these Old Testament histories have a present value for our souls. And as we read this “Book of Beginnings,” let us not consider it a mere history or biography, but remember that all these things happened unto them for types and were written for our admonition. All other Old Testament books have a present value to us, and are profitable for our instruction in righteousness. The purpose of the New Testament books is too evident to need comment. We may sum up the purpose of the gospels with the final words of the fourth evangelist: “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.” The purpose of the epistles is expressed by the same author, John: “These things, write we unto you, that your joy may be full,” and “that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” The value of the revelation is expressed by the same aged seer, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” And in proportion as we read and hear and keep, in that ratio will our blessing come.—Sel.