Sermon, Number Five by John Matteson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 21, 1866

Sermon, Number Five.

By John Matteson

Evidences of the Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures.

BY JOHN MATTESON.

“ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 2 Tim. iii, 16.

A number of able works treat largely on this subject, and even “The Bible from Heaven,” though its author has apostatized from the faith, is still a strong defense of the truth, as a compilation of evidences showing that the originator of the Bible can be none other than the great and eternal God, the Creator of heaven and earth. But many of our brethren, as well as others, cannot appreciate such works, not being able to understand or remember the arguments and facts stated. Yet, as we base our faith and hope entirely on the Bible, we ought all of us to be able to present plain evidences why we believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God.

This would both strengthen our own faith, and help us to lead others to a saving knowledge of the truth. In the following remarks we trust you will find a few arguments plain enough for all to understand and remember, if they will take pains to do so. Please therefore give this subject your undivided attention while we shall endeavor to present:

SIX EVIDENCES OF THE INSPIRATION OF “ALL SCRIPTURE.”

And may the Lord assist by his Holy Spirit and bless the word upon the hearts, that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

1. It is a true record. This is a characteristic of the greatest importance. Where there is any deviation from the truth in persons or records we can put no trust in them. But what a beautiful and connected chain of truth shines forth from the pages of the Bible; as well from its history as from its doctrines and exhortations.

1. The testimonies of all the different writers of the Bible agree. They lived in different ages and countries. Though Isaiah lived above 700 years before the apostles, yet he tells us of the “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,” who “was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities,” who “is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” He tells us that “he made his grave [or made ready for his grave] with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.” In perfect harmony with this, Paul declares that he “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin;” and John, “he came unto his own, and his own received him not.” He wept with those that wept and shared in their sorrow. “Jesus wept.” He suffered agony in the garden, and when the officers “struck Jesus” he answered mildly, “Why smitest thou me?” On Golgotha “they crucified him, and two other (thieves) with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.” According to Matthew “There came a rich man of Arimathæa named Joseph, who laid it (the body of Jesus) in his own new tomb.”

Of Jesus, Paul testifies that after his death, burial, and resurrection on the third day according to the Scriptures, “he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present; but some are fallen asleep. . . . And last of all he was seen of me also.” And the voice of John joins in perfect harmony, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. . . . declare we unto you.” David, “the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel” said, “The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me (speaking of Christ); they pierced my hands and my feet, . . . they part my garment among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” And more than 1000 years after, John beautifully responds, “Then the soldiers, when they crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part.” But his coat was without seam, wherefore they said, “Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.”

The same morals and principles of religion are taught throughout. “The faith once delivered to the saints” is not changed nor altered from Genesis to Revelation. Ezekiel cries out to a rebellious generation, “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” And 600 years later James lifts up his voice like a trumpet and proclaims the same gospel. “Draw nigh unto God and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye doubleminded.” And the perfect and royal law is everywhere made the standard and lifted up like a banner on high, while Jesus is the Saviour, the Advocate with the Father, and Prince of peace, to whose glorious reign all eyes are anxiously turned, while all hearts in unison beat with expectation of joy and glory in the coming kingdom of God.

2. The times and countries in which the sacred writers lived, together with many events then transpiring, and surrounding circumstances, are so minutely described as not to leave a shadow of doubt. This opens a large field of investigation, in which you may work at leisure while we only point out one instance. Luke iii, 1, 2. In these two verses no less than eight persons are mentioned who were in prominent offices at the time. The time is given definitely, “the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar,” while five countries or regions are named. This shows plainly that they had no fraud to cover up, and that they knew well the things whereof they assert.

3. Profane writers testify to the same facts. They tell us of one Jesus who went about doing good, and finally was crucified. They speak of the Apostles and first Christians, and Jews, with their temple, and law, and prophets, thus corroborating the record of the apostles.

4. Infidels themselves admit that the record as a mere history is true. Then all, both friends and foes, testify that the Bible is a true record.

II. The effect or fruits of the Bible are good. A tree is known by its fruit. Therefore if we can ascertain that the influence of the Bible has tended to make men wiser, better, and happier, we also prove that the Bible itself is good, and has sprung from the source of all good, the great Jehovah.

1. Effects in the world in general. From a small beginning, being deposited with a few poor and unlearned men, the principles of this sacred volume have withstood more than eighteen centuries of hatred, rage, persecution, and calumny of the whole heathen and Catholic world, with a host of infidels and atheists, all inspired and led on by the infernal powers of darkness. Why do they thus rage against the Bible, if it had not come from God whom they hate? But have they succeeded in undermining its authority and reputation? Are there now less Bibles, and is it less read and appealed to than centuries ago? No. Triumphantly the sacred volume lifts up its head and still presses the battle against the raging powers of darkness.

What multitudes are these marching up with great rapidity, swelling like a torrent from the mountains when the spring rains are melting the snow, eagerly rushing foremost in the battle, and fighting fiercely under the lewd banner of the libertines? They rap, and tip tables, and work wonders. Communicating with devils (pretending to be departed spirits,) they trample proudly on the sacred volume, and threaten boastfully to extirpate the same. But Michael, the prince of God’s people, stands on the side of the Bible, and his strong arm brings confusion to the ranks of its enemies, while his mighty voice, clothed with authority from the throne of Heaven, clear as a silver trumpet,

is heard above the bustle and din of the battle; “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away.”

Now please look for a moment at the different countries where Bible knowledge has been spread. When Asia and Africa stretched out their hands toward God, knowledge and civilization, industry and economy, progressed in those regions. But since they have departed from the Bible, how deep have they sunk into ignorance and barbarism. When the countries of southern Europe were filled with Christians how did those States flourish. Not only did believers receive the benefit of the gospel light, but the influence on others around them was such that agriculture, manufactories, arts, and sciences flourished, while principles of truth and honesty made people happy. But now go to Spain, Portugal and Italy, those countries that have sunk deepest into papal darkness and superstition, and departed furthest from the gospel, and behold a lazy, good-for-nothing race.

What was America before the gospel light shone upon its woods and prairies? A wilderness. But now behold the change. And where did the infidels of America learn those principles of right and wrong which even they consider sacred? Ah, from their grandmothers’ and grandfathers’ Bibles.

Compare with this, countries where other revelations are received, in opposition to the Bible, such as Turkey, Persia, China, India. What a vast difference. How far behind they are in every thing useful and commendable. Do you not see then the great superiority of the Bible over all other systems of religion? As much so as the living God is superior to dumb idols; or the mild and lovely Jesus to the fierce Mohammed.

2. In believers in particular. This is the best evidence that a follower of Jesus can have. What has the Bible done for you individually? Can you not tell, brother or sister? It found you in the miry clay, helped you out, placed your feet upon the rock, and established your going. It plucked you as a brand from the burning. Translated you from darkness to God’s marvelous light. Before, you loved the world, and its fashions and lusts, but now, those bonds are broken asunder, and you love Jesus above all others. You love to sit quietly at his feet, and listen to his sweet counsels. You love to hear of Heaven, and meditate on the glories of the promised land. Instead of cursing and murmuring, blessing and praise proceed from your mouth. Instead of anger and strife, you are developing patience and love. Instead of boasting and scoffing, you humbly bow your knee at the family altar. In short, you are being transformed by the renewing of your mind, instead of being conformed to this world.

Could the works of Voltaire or Shakspeare do this? Could skepticism or Spiritualism do it? Could any other system of religion in the world do this, except the religion of the Bible? No! But through the word of God you were convinced of sin, and found yourself to be a transgressor of God’s holy law. And by the same word you were led to the bleeding side of Jesus, to our Advocate on high, and you now rejoice that your sins are all forgiven. And not only so, but the exceeding great and precious promises of God’s word cause a living hope to spring forth, which you would not give up for all the treasures of the world. Oh, blessed hope! Soon we shall rejoice in its consummation, when death shall be swallowed up in victory, and this mortal put on immortality.

Then we know that the Bible has come from God, because it makes us more like him, and leads us home to our Father’s house.

III. Fulfillment of Prophecy. To write history correctly after the events have transpired is truly a great task, but to write history in advance is an utter impossibility for man. The knowledge of man with respect to the past and present time is very limited. But the veil of futurity makes the coming days dark as darkness itself. But the prophetic word shines as a light in a dark place. And as on its pages the future is pointed out so definitely and minutely with a never-erring hand, declaring events, and recording the history of kings and kingdoms and individuals, we cry out with wonder and admiration, “There is a God in Heaven that revealeth secrets,” and this book is none other than the word of God.

Fifteen hundred years the record of the destruction of the Jewish nation existed, and then it was fulfilled as literally as it was recorded. See Deut. xxviii, 49–65. Consider how minutely the kingdoms of this world have been described, remember the signs of the times, and see the fulfillment of prophecy before your eyes daily. Does not this strengthen your faith, and encourage you to lean with still more confidence on the arm of Him whose never-failing counsels have existed unshaken by the most terrible revolutions, untouched by the most cunning plots of an ever-planning and active enemy?

IV. Internal evidences. These consist in the excellent qualities of the divine word itself. These are more numerous than we can here present, but we will try to point out seven very prominent characteristics.

1. Simplicity. How this beautifies every book of the Bible. There is no studied art, no endeavor to make a show. “God said, Let there be light, and there was light,” is the exceeding brief and simple story of a most glorious work. If man had brought forth anything one-thousandth part as great and excellent, how many volumes they would have filled with all the particulars. But the work of God needs no recommendation. It speaks for itself. With this compare the language of Spiritualists (rather of devils): “In the beginning God, the Life in God, the Lord in God, the Holy Procedure inhabited the dome, which burning in magnificence primeval, and revolving in prismatic and undulating spiral, appeared, and was the pavilion of the Spirit; in glory inexhaustible and inconceivable, in movement spherical, unfolded in harmonious procedure disclosive.”

2. Honesty. How men in their writings will cover up everything that is bad, and exalt every little good act. But the Bible tells of the bad as well as the good. It presents a David, a Peter, in their true light, covering up nothing, taking no honor to itself, nor ascribing it to man, but giving God the glory and praise. It claims no more for itself, nor for any one than justice demands.

3. Authority. There is nothing creeping, or begging about the word of God. It does not court the friendship of the mighty, nor flatter the rich and the proud. It does not make apologies, and then ask men if they will be so kind as to obey. The Bible speaks with divine authority. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” “If any man worship the beast . . . the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” And when men have sometimes tried to imitate this style, how far have they come short. Read for instance the letter which the pope pretended came down from Heaven, commanding to keep Sunday.

4. Sublimity. Nowhere can you find such elevated conception, such morals, and heaven-born principles, such pure, holy, and consistent views of a coming kingdom, a world to come, a new earth robed in Eden glory, except in the Bible. Compare with this the spheres of Spiritualists, or seven heavens of Mohammed, or three spheres of Mormon. How inconsistent with itself, how gross and sensual is each of these views. With their spirit dogs, and spirit drunkards, and spirit harlots, with their carnal pleasures, or eternal torment. While the word of God brings to view a state where there shall be no more sin, or sorrow, or pain, where all intelligent creatures, and the whole creation with one accord will praise God.

5. Excellency of language. Milton has been justly celebrated as a poet; but where did he get his sublimest ideas and loftiest language? From the Bible. The poet has never lived who could compare with Moses in authority, David in sweetness, Isaiah in sublimity, Daniel and John in depth, both of wisdom and knowledge, and Paul in logic and holy zeal. “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken.” “Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else.” “Behold I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits; who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.”

“Holy Bible! book divine! Precious treasure, thou art mine!”

6. Conciseness. The Bible contains much in little. More so than any other book. We get more knowledge from the Bible than from all other books combined. Especially where it is studied and compared with nature, passing events, signs of the times, and the human disposition and character. The more you study it, the more you see the need of learning more. It is an inexhaustible fountain of knowledge and truth.

7. Sympathy. There never was a better comforter, nor friend more faithful, than the Bible. It weeps with you in your sorrow, and rejoices with you in your joy. Here you can find a healing balm for every wound. Are you secure and lukewarm? It thunders forth from the trembling top of a smoking mountain the perfect law of God, while the lightning blazes from the thick cloud, and the thunder roars. And above all, there the voice of the terrible trumpet waxes louder and louder. It points to the last plagues, the great and terrible day of the Lord, everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Do you tremble and fear, and want your sins forgiven? “The Spirit and bride say, Come, . . . and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Are you poor? Is it not yet a very little while, . . . and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Are you sick and weighed down with grief? Let not your hearts be troubled. Jesus comes quickly. Then you shall eat from the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Are you tempted and tried sorely? Fear not. Trust in God. “For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Are you persecuted for righteousness’ sake? “Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” Oh, how well adapted the Holy Scriptures are to inspire with patience, hope, and love.

“Thou truest friend man ever knew, Thy constancy I’ve tried; Where all were false, I found thee true, My counselor and guide.”

V. Evidence of comparison with nature. All nature around us, as well as our own frame, speaks of the great Creator. This mighty God who hath formed us is the God we ought and desire to worship. Now if the same God has revealed himself in the Bible, then the Bible is indeed the book of nature’s God.

1. The same attributes which the Bible ascribes to God, we find revealed in nature. The Bible declares that he is an almighty God, full of wisdom and love. The same we find clearly manifested in nature. The sun which goes forth every morning in majesty, the stars without number, the earth in its course, the mighty ocean and towering mountain, yea, every spire of grass, tell of the unlimited power of the great Creator. His wisdom is manifested throughout creation. Every organ of the human body, every vein and sinew, and motion of the heart and lungs, declare that man is fearfully and wonderfully made, that God is a God of infinite wisdom. Have you not heard how day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge? Do not seed-time and harvest, summer and winter, declare his loving kindness? Does he not cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man? Yea, all wait upon the Lord. He openeth his hand, they are filled with good. “O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”

2. The same harmony and order which are manifested in nature, we also find in the Bible. None can better realize this than those who have embraced present truth. What harmony, what consistency, what oneness and union, we behold throughout the Bible. And where the principles of the Bible are lived up to, we find the same union, harmony, and order, as well in churches as in families. Do you not admire the same union, harmony, and order in nature? Behold the planets in their orbits, how they move in perfect order. And though they roll forth with more than lightning speed, yet thousands of years gone by have not diminished their velocity, nor disturbed the harmony

and order of these heavenly bodies. On the earth the clouds that water the ground, the rivers in their course, the birds in the air, fishes in the sea, thousands of animals on hill and in valley, every plant, from the mighty oak to the tender and beautiful flower, prove and declare the order and harmony of nature. Everything is adapted to the other, so as to form link after link in the perfect, unbroken chain of creation. The God of nature is truly the God of the Bible, for the same divine mind, order, and harmony, run through both.

VI. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit follow the preaching of the word of God. This was eminently the case in the days of Christ and the apostles. How many hearts were made glad as the deaf heard, the blind saw, the lame walked, and the dead were raised unto life. But the Lord promised to be with his people, even unto the end of the world. And he has proved true to his word. Still many hearts are made glad as the Lord is raising up the sick, and the church is purified through the gift of prophecy.

Besides this we have also individual experience of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in our own hearts. How often as we pray, or listen to the truth, or try to comfort others, does the Spirit gently work and soften our hearts, and give us a foretaste of the joys of the world to come, a sweet assurance and blessed earnest of a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

And now, my brethren, as the pillars of truth look mighty, and its foundations indeed are seen to rest upon the eternal Rock of Ages, let us praise God for his blessed truth, and try to live it out, and have it interwoven from day to day in our personal experience. Let the Bible be the man of your counsel. Oh, despise it not. Turn not away from the kind voice of your Heavenly Father. Hearken to the gentle call of the lovely Jesus. Wash in his blood. Sup with him, and he with you. He will lead us on to glory, peace and immortality. Then we shall more perfectly ascribe all blessing, and honor, and glory, unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever.