The New Testament Scriptures
1. In our last Bible reading we learned that the Old Testament Scriptures were inspired, as shown by claim, by record, by testimony of Christ and His apostles; of what did Jesus assure His apostles? “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and bring ALL THINGS TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE, WHATSOEVER I HAVE SAID UNTO YOU.” John 14:26. “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH: . . . and He will SHOW you THINGS TO COME.” John 16:13. 2. What did the apostle Paul say of his own writings? “I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is NOT AFTER MAN. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST.” Gal. 1:11, 12. “Which things also we speak, NOT in the words which MAN’S wisdom teacheth, but WHICH THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHETH.” 1 Cor. 2:13. 3. With what does Peter class Paul’s writings? “As our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also THE OTHER SCRIPTURES, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:15, 16. NOTE.—Either Paul was a base deceiver, was himself wofully deceived, or his writings came as he declares. Peter classes them with “the other Scriptures,” on the same basis. 4. To what evidence did Paul appeal as to the fruits of his message? “Forasmuch as YE are manifestly declared to be the EPISTLE of CHRIST ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.” 2 Cor. 3:3. “For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how YE TURNED TO GOD from idols to serve the living and true God.” 1 Thess. 1:9. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which EFFECTUALLY WORKETH also in you that believe.” 1 Thess. 2:13. NOTE.—One of the mightiest evidences of the truth and inspiration of the New Testament, and in fact of “the other Scriptures,” is the fruit borne, the results which followed. The New Testament Scriptures saved and regenerated souls. They turned men to the living God from dumb idols. They revolutionized the world. They are the same to-day.