The All-Sufficiency of the Bible
BY many it is thought necessary to make a study of the various religions of the world, that from them may be obtained those truths, lacking in Christianity, which make up the whole truth. It has been suggested even that the Christian may find deeper and fuller truths in the other faiths than in Christianity, truths which lead to a deeper insight into spiritual things. To the believer in the word of God we know of nothing which represents greater impossibilities. Nothing could be more the opposite of the teaching of Christ, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” That we may have before us the teaching of the Scriptures on this point, we will devote a little space to the consideration of the subject. There is no truth which has not its origin in the Almighty One, and no truth which has not its fulfilment in Christ. Should we start with the creation, the psalmist exclaims, “Thy word is true from the beginning.” Ps. 119:160. And, again, “Thy word is settled in heaven.” The word of God, the revelation of the truth of God—“Thy word is truth”—is from eternity, is the revealed will of God, and in the words of David, “Every one of Thy righteous ordinances endureth forever.” The truth of God, like its author, is not only for to-day, but will be for to-morrow; even as it has been from God’s great yesterday. It never has changed, never will change, and is an absolute essential to Christian living. In proof of the statement that God’s word is the source of all truth, we may read the following scriptures: “If ye continue in My word, . . . ye shall know the truth.” John 8:31, 32. “Thy word is truth.” John 17:17. “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26. It is evident from these scriptures that our Saviour taught that the source of all truth lay in God’s word and in its revelation in His own life. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, . . . full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. And He Himself says, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6. The source of truth is God; the revelation of truth, Jesus Christ and the word of God. Our duty in the search for truth is to seek it from the original source, from which the promise is given that if we seek we shall find—we shall know the truth. “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col. 2:3. It is very apparent from the scriptures quoted—and there are hundreds of others of like import—that the source of truth is God, that our hands hold the revelation in the word of God, and that if we would know the truth and be made perfect by it, we must study the Word. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroly furnished unto all good works.” These words being true—and to the Christian there can be no question—then the seeking of perfection in spiritual things is alone in the Word. Let none lead us from our assurance that in Christ Jesus are all things, and that the Bible is the rule of faith and doctrine.—The Oriental Watchman.