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Writers Impressed by Different Aspects, August 3
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 1:21
.
As presented through different individuals [in the Bible], 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 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 authoritative, 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
, RV.).—
The Great Controversy,
vi, vii
.
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