THE HOLY SCRIPTURES by X.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 6, 1898

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

By X.

1. The knowledge of salvation is found in the Holy Scriptures through faith.

“And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

NOTE.—The above refers to the writings which now compose what is called the “Old Testament;” the books composing the “New Testament” were not then written.

2. These Scriptures witness to Christ, and it is our duty to search them.

Proof: “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify [witness] of Me.” John 5:39.

3. These Scriptures or writings (not the men who gave them) were inspired of God.

Proof: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [literally, is God-breathed].” 2 Tim. 3:16.

4. The agency by which it is inspired is the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit.

Proof: “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

“Which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake.” Acts 1:16.

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His Word was in my tongue.” 2 Sam. 23:2.

5. Peter tells us that this Spirit was, as it is, the Spirit of Christ.

Proof: “The prophets have inquired and searched diligently, . . . searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify,” etc. 1 Peter 1:10, 11.

6. The New Testament writings were inspired by the same Spirit.

Proof: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth.” 1 Cor. 2:13.

7. The Scriptures contain all that is needed by the man of God.

Proof: “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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

8. In God’s word is life and power.

Proof: “For the Word of God is quick and powerful.” Heb. 4:12.

“The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.

9. That Word will work out righteousness in the heart of every one who will receive it as the Word of God.

Proof: “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.

10. It will keep from sin those who receive it.

Proof: “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Ps. 119:11.

“By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Ps. 17:4.