IT IS a sad and disappointing thing to hear good men with great intellect expressing their endless doubts about the inspiration of the Bible. This ranges from questions about the whole of the Sacred Book to expressions of uncertainty about many particulars in the Book. The authorship of certain books or letters, the recording of certain miracles, the apparent lack of agreement between two authors of what is thought to be the same event, are examples, and there are many more that might be mentioned.
That such questions are raised by intelligent men is not surprising, but what is surprising is the extent of the influence of these men on intelligent and capable men among us. The ultimate impression is sometimes given that there are so many uncertainties about the Bible, its authorship, and its meaning, that there is little left upon which to safely build a solid faith. The great scholars, the various so-called authorities, the modern theologians, have doubtless done their best. They have searched and re searched for help and information. They must not be censored for what they believed to be the facts. We must extend to them a sympathetic understanding of their problem and, indeed, it is not a small one. But thank God we have answers and information that they do not have.
Where do we find the answers; where can we safely go for help? In the various types of Bible criticism prevalent in theological circles today and throughout modern history, higher, lower, form, and others that have and will come along, we have man's best efforts to understand and explain the deep mysteries of God and divine revelation. We have man's best thoughts about His Word and its true meaning.
But we have an advantage. In the writings of Ellen G. White, the Lord's chosen messenger to His remnant church, we have revealed not what man thinks about God and His Word and its meaning, but what God thinks about these things. The author of the Holy Bible thus reveals His purposes, intent, and meaning by the same kind of divine revelation that brought forth the Word in its original form. We need not be in doubt what the Author meant or why He stated what He did. This, in most cases, and certainly the vital ones, He has revealed to us Himself. He has not left it to chance and to human discovery. This is the precious advantage we have that others do not have. For it we should be humbly and sincerely grateful. For us it provides an authoritative, safe answer to most of the questions that are raised about the Bible today.
But you say, you take away the thrill of discovery by such a final and simple conclusion. This I challenge. There are always discoveries to be made in the study of the Word of God and will be until the end of time. The most thrilling discovery of all, however, is that God has given us an inspired, authoritative commentary on the Bible and its meanings. True, all problems are not solved. There will always be unanswered questions and room for doubt. But not on essential matters presented in the Word of God.
You may say this is great for an Adventist, but what about the rest of the world? I believe we have much to offer them in the writings of the Lord's messenger, and what is more, many will eagerly accept them and be satisfied by the beautiful, clear explanation of the truth about God, about Christ, about His Word, and the message that must be given to the whole world. Thank God the Holy Spirit, who inspired the writing of the Bible, has given to God's people in these last days answers that can satisfy the intellect, minister to the heart, and bring us into a richer fellowship with our Lord and Master.
