LET us now consider some of the symbols or figures under which the Bible is set forth, and we shall see here, as in every other branch of Bible study, marks of its divine authorship.
These symbols are most significant and full of teaching. May the Holy Spirit aid our consideration of them.
This is what God says of His Word. It is the only place in the Bible where the word “critic” occurs. How presumptuous, then, for men to dare to call themselves critics of the Bible, when the Book has been given to criticize them and us. Until we realize this we can never approach the Bible aright. Happy are they who, refusing to sit in judgment upon the Word of God, yield themselves up with humble spirits to its mysterious searching power!
As, however, it will be necessary for me, in some of the following pages, to refer to these critics and to test some of their criticisms, I should like to make it perfectly clear at once that biblical criticism is of two kinds—one which is lawful and of inestimable value, and the other which is unlawful and is fraught with the most soul-ruining and God-dishonoring consequences.
The first is that of the Hebrew or Greek scholar, who, with immense labor and patience, searches the ancient manuscripts in order to ascertain for us, as nearly as possible, what were the actual words used in any particular passage by the inspired writers.
To these we owe a debt of gratitude which can never be adequately repaid, and concerning whose work no words of praise can be too high.
The other kind of critic is the man who, being unable to reconcile certain parts of Scripture with his own idea of what inspired writings ought to be, even when no question is raised as to the accuracy of existing documents, would, nevertheless, have us strike out such passages as uninspired, leaving us with nothing but a fragmentary Bible, which might be suitably entitled, “The Book of God revised and improved by man.”
Incredible as it may seem, there lies before me as I write a specimen page of what is called “The Polychrome or Many-colored Bible,” indicating, by the various tints with which it is colored, what the critics have decided was inspired and reliable and what was not, converting our Holy Bible into nothing better than a piece of patched-up forgery.
The work of these men is wholly destructive; they never show us any new beauty in the Scriptures, nor help us to grasp more firmly any of its truths.
These are the critics to whom we refer in some of the following pages, and whose writings we unhesitatingly condemn.
There is probably no fact more evident to the child of God, and certainly nothing more clearly taught in Scripture, than that of the darkness of the natural mind and heart. It is under “the power of darkness” (Col. 1:1313Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:13)). It is controlled by “the rulers of the darkness of this world” (Eph. 6:1212For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)). Its works are “works of darkness” (Eph. 5:1111And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11)). It cannot see “because that darkness hath blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:1111But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:11)); and unless enlightened, it will, like Judas, go to its own place, “the blackness of darkness forever” (Jude 1313Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. (Jude 13)), to spend eternity with him whose “kingdom is full of darkness” (Rev. 16:1010And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, (Revelation 16:10)).
This darkness of the natural heart is likened to the chaos that existed on the earth before light, life, and order were established (2 Cor. 4:66For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)); and because of it “the things of God knoweth no man” (1 Cor. 2:1111For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:11)). This darkness, moreover, is so gross that no light of earth can dispel it. But God has provided an unfailing light, and that light is His Word. Like the star in the East, it can enlighten those who seem to be furthest away, and will lead any honest seeker to Christ; like the seven-branched candlestick in the Tabernacle of Moses, it shines with a perfect light upon divine things; and like the fiery pillar, it lights up the whole pathway of the Child of God throughout his wilderness journey.
Oh, if men did but realize this, they would more readily turn to the Bible and hear a voice saying, “Let there be light,” and in grateful response would look up to the Source of all light and say, “The entrance of Thy words giveth light.”
This can be said of no other book. Like a mirror it shows me myself, not as I think I am, but as I really am, “Guilty before God” (Rom. 3:1919Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Romans 3:19)). And this is why the natural heart of man shrinks from looking into it, and even the backslider fears to face it. Yet, to see one’s self as revealed in this mirror is the first step in the true way that leads to God.
I may be proud, self-righteous, and far from God in every way, and yet not know it. But when I turn to the Bible I see myself depicted in its mirror-like pages as God sees me, and cry, “O, wretched man that I am!”
A missionary in China once read to a large audience Romans 1. When he had finished, a Chinaman came and said he thought it very wrong and unfair for this foreign devil (as missionaries are called) to come and find out all their secret sins, then write them down in a book, and read them out in public in that way!
Yes, the Bible is a mirror— “mine to teach me what I am.”
Thank God the very Book that shows me myself and my sins is the Book which provides the remedy and tells how every stain that has been revealed may be cleansed “with the washing of water by the Word.”
Of old the laver stood between the Tabernacle and the worshipper, providing a means of cleansing from that defilement which would otherwise render the worshipper unfit for God’s presence.
As there is no other book that can reveal to me my inner self, so there is no other that can tell how those inward parts—all defiled—may be cleansed. But this is what the Bible does.
As water cleanses by separating from the body those outward stains which defiled it, so the Word of God, applied by the Holy Spirit to the heart, has a cleansing effect, by teaching that heart to abhor and shrink from every form of sin, which would otherwise stain and defile the inner life. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee” (Psa. 119:1111Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)). “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:33Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (John 15:3)).
The moment an awakened soul cries, “I perish with hunger,” he may find in the Bible food convenient for him. Oh, that the perishing multitudes did but know this! Those who do know it can, or at least ought to, say, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”
Now this food is of very varied kinds. Observe:
Oh, how blessed it is to know that there are parts of the Bible so simple that, like milk, they are suitable for little children; and yet a minister of the gospel in the northwest of London quite recently told some children he was addressing that the Bible was too difficult for them, and recommended them to learn some other book instead!
“Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.” This bread, like the wine and milk, may be had without money and without price.
It should never be forgotten that the Bible is no mere milk-and-water Book, for while there are parts of it which are so simple that a little child may understand them (2 Tim. 3:1515And 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 Timothy 3:15)), there are, nevertheless, depths so profound that, although they have engaged the attention of the mightiest intellects of all ages, they have never yet been fathomed.
God furnishes a rich table in His Word—not merely plain fare for our necessary food, without which we must perish, but sweets also—luxuries! There are such delights to be found in the Bible that cause those who find them to cry out, “How sweet are Thy words unto my taste, yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psa. 119:103103How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103)).
God’s children are often called upon to part with much of that which the world values very highly, and as a rule they are certainly not rich. But God will never be debtor to any man, and so He has provided in His Word such real and lasting wealth that all the riches of this world are in comparison as nothing. Even as David said, “The Law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (Psa. 119:7272The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. (Psalm 119:72)). To the Christians at Smyrna, who loved and kept His Word, the Lord said, “I know thy.... poverty: but thou art rich” (Rev. 2:99I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. (Revelation 2:9)).
Now, up to this point it will be observed that the symbols so far dealt with indicate what the Bible may, and indeed ought to, be to every man for his own personal use and benefit. While those that follow suggest not only what the Bible is to us, but what, by earnest and prayerful study and diligent use, it may be through us, to others.
God’s promise to Abraham was twofold: first, “I will bless thee”; and then, “Thou shalt be a blessing” to others (Gen. 12:22And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (Genesis 12:2)). And this is the rule throughout the Bible. We are enjoined, first, “To receive with meekness the engrafted Word” (James 1:2020For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)) and to hold it fast (Titus 1:99Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:9)) for ourselves. Then we are to rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:1515Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)) and to hold it forth as the Word of Life (Phil. 2:1616Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. (Philippians 2:16)) to others. Thus may we ponder the remaining symbols.
This Book, which shows us our sins, then cleanses us, lights up our pathway, feeds and enriches us, now becomes a fire within; so that we cannot keep the good things to ourselves. “The fire burned, then spake I with my tongue” (Psa. 39:33My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, (Psalm 39:3)).
Oh, for burning Christians! Cold words, however logical and refined, will never reach human hearts. But with the fire within and upon our lips (Isa. 6:77And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. (Isaiah 6:7)), we become fit messengers of God to a dying world.
Some hearts are very hard and need all the spiritual strength of the true workman, if he is to wield this hammer successfully. The work at times may seem to be slow and the results uncertain; but let us not be discouraged, it is the steady, regular blows that tell in the end. A Christian was once reasoning with an unbeliever; the latter continually protested that, as he did not believe in the Bible, it was quite a waste of time to quote passages of Scripture to him. The Christian, however, continued to wield this hammer by quoting texts, until at length the hammer did its work and the unbeliever’s heart was broken.
“Is not My Word... like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?”
Some natures are very cunning, avoiding every blow of the workman’s hammer. To such the Word is needed as a sharp sword in the hand of a skillful soldier. Such skill, however, can only be acquired by patient and prayerful study; and much of our usefulness as witnesses for Christ will depend upon the way in which we wield this Sword of the Spirit (2 Tim. 2:1515Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)). With what reverent awe should we discharge our commission as soldiers of Jesus Christ, as we remember that, when rightly used, this sword pierces the conscience and leads to an awakening (Heb. 4:1212For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)). It pricks the heart (Acts 2:3737Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37)) and leads to conversion (Acts 2:4141Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)). It cuts the heart (Acts 7:5454When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. (Acts 7:54)) and sometimes leads to increased bitterness (Acts 7:5151Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51) and 57); and finally, it will smite, with an eternal stroke, those who continue to rebel against its divine authority (Rev. 19:1515And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (Revelation 19:15)).
“Being born again... of incorruptible seed by the Word of God” (1 Peter 1:2323Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:23)), it should be said of us, as we go forth to our ordinary avocations day by day, “Behold, a sower goes forth to sow” (Matt. 13:33And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; (Matthew 13:3)). And although we may often be discouraged as the seed seems to fall on uncongenial soil, and at times we may be tempted in our folly to select our own time for the sowing, nevertheless, we should remember it is written:
(1) That we should sow in all places.
(2) That we should sow at all times,
(3) That the ground should be duly prepared by the warmth of our love and the tears of our compassion, when fruit will be assured.
Here we get in symbol:
(1) The silent but unanswerable testimony of the Scriptures to God.
(3) Its warm, life-giving rays melting hard hearts with the story of the Cross, or burning the unrepentant sinner with unquenchable fire; for it shall yet be seen that “there is nothing hid from the heat thereof” (Psa. 19:66His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (Psalm 19:6)).
Here are wonderful symbols for the Bible, rising like vapor from the mighty ocean of God’s eternal love; wafted by the breath of His Spirit over this world of ours; regarded by men as a dark cloud which only seems to mar their enjoyment; yet falling on barren hearts at all seasons with enriching showers from the bounteous hand of Him who “sendeth rain on the just and the unjust” (Matt. 5:4545That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:45)). How beautiful also to remember that the sun and rain together make the rainbow of God’s covenant promise.
How cold and barren must be the heart that excludes the Book with such blessed influences!
13. The Word of God.
There is yet one other symbol, which we mention with profound reverence. We read of One in the apocalyptic vision—One to whom all others bend the knee— “and His name is called the Word of God” (Rev. 19:1313And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Revelation 19:13)); and, seeing that God has Himself associated the Living Word and the Written Word, it would be impossible to complete this part of our subject without calling attention to the fact.
Both are the expression of the mind of God.
Both partake of the human and the divine.
Both have an eternal existence.
Both are likened to the light.
Both came as God’s message to bless a lost world
Both are despised and rejected of men.
Both will judge us at the last.