The Written Word by E. V. Shackelford

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · May 29, 1907

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 22.

The Written Word.

By E. V. Shackelford

THE higher critics of to-day have questioned the inspiration and consequently the infallibility of the Holy Scriptures, but it would seem that a little reasoning on right lines would settle the question forever.

First, when we consider that man is sinful by nature and that the whole race is in a sinful, corrupt condition, the necessity of an infallible standard of right is at once apparent.

This very condition has called forth just such a standard. In the beginning, God conversed with man face to face. Gen. 1: 28. But man sinned, and while God has remained the same, sin has come between man and his Maker (Isa. 59: 1, 2; Gen. 3: 10), so that man can not stand in the presence of a holy God and live. So God, in love and mercy, has chosen to speak by His Spirit to His chosen servants who have written the communications, and they have been collected and preserved for man's guidance and help. Could not an all-wise God give an unfailing guide? Could He not see its necessity?

Among all the great religions of the world, and among all the warring sects of the Christian religion, each declaring to the world that their own set of doctrines is the true and sufficient guide to faith and morals, the mind becomes bewildered and the honest heart cries to God for a sure foundation and a safe guide to life eternal. If God our Saviour would have men come to Him, He must show them the safe and sure way. This He has done in His inspired and infallible word. Inspired if infallible, and infallible if inspired. In this alone can we place our trust. E. V. SHACKELFORD.