the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that
“the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”
John 1:14
.
Written in different ages, by men who differed widely in rank and
occupation, and in mental and spiritual endowments, the books of the
Bible present a wide contrast in style, as well as a diversity in the
nature of the subjects unfolded. Different forms of expression are
employed by different writers; often the same truth is more strikingly
presented by one than by another. And as several writers present
a subject under varied aspects and relations, there may appear, to
the superficial, careless, or prejudiced reader, to be discrepancy or
contradiction, where the thoughtful, reverent student, with clearer
insight, discerns the underlying harmony.
As presented through different individuals, the truth is brought out
in its varied aspects. One writer is more strongly impressed with one
phase of the subject; he grasps those points that harmonize with his
experience or with his power of perception and appreciation; another
seizes upon a different phase; and each, under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, presents what is most forcibly impressed upon his own mind—a
different aspect of the truth in each, but a perfect harmony through all.
And the truths thus revealed unite to form a perfect whole, adapted to
meet the wants of men in all the circumstances and experiences of life.
God has been pleased to communicate His truth to the world by
human agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy Spirit, qualified men
and enabled them to do this work. He guided the mind in the selection
of what to speak and what to write. The treasure was entrusted to
earthen vessels, yet it is, nonetheless, from Heaven. The testimony is
[vii]
conveyed through the imperfect expression of human language, yet
it is the testimony of God; and the obedient, believing child of God
beholds in it the glory of a divine power, full of grace and truth.
In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary
for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an author-
itative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of
character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience. “Every
scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness; that the man
of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
, R.V.