All Scripture Is Profitable.
By A. M. Lindsley
Such is the testimony of the inspired penman. It does not, however, seem to be the generally received opinion of people nowadays. They like to use their liberty in regard to this. While one thinks a certain portion is more essential than others, another person or party ignores almost entirely the portion regarded so essential by the first, choosing some other doctrinal point to be the chief, without which salvation is impossible. And so among so many discordant views, it is conceded that we have a right to differ. People think, as a friend wrote me recently, “we are made to differ.” We hardly think our Saviour ever granted such liberty; and if he did not, those who cry, “Christ, Christ,” to the ignoring of the Old Testament, the law, and the prophets, should use the argument sparingly. That all Scripture is profitable is the testimony of Paul, and it would be hardly worth while to enter into controversy with him on this point. It would be well to notice that he had direct reference to the Old-Testament Scriptures, as they were the ones that Timothy had understood from a child, the ones to which he referred, and the only ones then extant. If the disciples and the early Christian church could derive so much profit from them, why may not we? They were given to serve various purposes, the first of which was for doctrine. Then there are fundamental points upon which to base our faith. We should understand these, so that we may build upon the same foundation that the apostles and prophets did, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Then, again, they serve for reproof. Looking into the perfect law of liberty, we see ourselves as we are, and our evil deeds coming to the light, we are reproved. We are liable to get out of the way—drawn into forbidden paths. Here, again, we find the Scriptures, the Old Testament as well as the New, a guide to our feet and a lamp to our path. David said, “Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips, I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Finally, as an instructor in righteousness, every part of the divine word is needed. How often we find just the help we need in opening to various portions which are applicable to our condition and adapted to our poverty and wretchedness in times of trial and distress! And in times of rejoicing the sweet psalms of David express better than we can express them our ground of hope, joy, and trust. Even the examples of wicked and apostate men, and the failures of God’s professed people, become a source of most valuable instruction to us, that we may shun the dangers and pitfalls into which some of them fell. We find that all the difficulties and degradations into which men and nations have been plunged has resulted from a disregard of the principles of righteousness which have been placed before them; so that, if they had clung to God and his testimonies, they would have had their feet firmly planted on a foundation which neither floods nor flames could have moved. The subject of the Holy Scriptures, and their power to profit and save the believer, is an inexhaustible one. Our feeble thoughts cannot express, nor pen describe, the halo of glory that shines from the entire word of inspiration. when, with our hearts illuminated by the Holy Spirit, we are able to comprehend something of their inestimable value and magnitude. For such a precious gift, with David let us say, “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” A. M. Lindsley.