Human Reason

Dictionary of Biblical Words:

All earthly subjects are within the compass of our reason if properly trained and educated, but things Divine, which form the essential character of the Word of God, being largely of an infinite nature, cannot be fully grasped by a finite understanding. It has been well said that “if finite could reach to infinite, there would be neither finite nor infinite.” Those who recognize the infinite must not, therefore, be surprised to find that there is much in the Word of God beyond the compass of their reason, though there is nothing within its bounds that is contrary to it. It is one thing to be beyond human reason, another to be against it. It is principally from want of a recognition of this fact that so many earnest controversies have been continued respecting truth, both clearly stated, and yet seeming to human reason each to exclude the other. The doctrine of the Trinity, the mysteries of God manifest in flesh, of sovereignty and responsibility, are among these. The sober Christian will, however, feel the absurdity of attempting to judge a revelation of subjects confessedly beyond him, and can only reverently accept the plain statements God has made upon these subjects, leaving the reconciliation of any apparent contradictions to that day when we shall know even as we are known.