A Jot From John
The Bible, strictly speaking, is not a book, but a library of brief writings, some of which constitute histories, some codes of laws, some prophecies, some collections of religious songs and proverbs, and some epistles.
This library is divided into two parts, the one containing records of the history and religious development of the Jews before the time of Christ, the other the distinctive Christian literature produced by the followers of our Lord during the first century after his appearance on earth.
Compared with all other literary productions, the Bible stands singularly and peculiarly alone. The earliest part of it is the old-history. It traces that history back to the very beginning, and develops it from the religious standpoint, throwing a divine light upon it all. As a whole it bears the impress of inspiration, by which its authors were divinely guided to tell the Divine shaping of events
The Jews were the chosen people of God. From the very earliest time, he was in constant communication with them. Individual and tribal responsibilities were the ever-present and dominating ideas; and while all were not invested with the prophetic gift, he chose, from among them, such as were fitted to receive the Divine communication, and they became the real teachers of the race.
This process of revelation culminated in Jesus, in whom the indwelling of the Divine Spirit was perfect, unchecked by any sin or imperfection of his own being, so that every act and word of this Light of the World became a word of God to men, and his whole being with the Word of God.
The proof that this collection of literature is the Word of God is that it possesses the qualities and powers that belong to such a Word. It is true; and being true, it appeals to our sense of the truth, and approves itself to us. The truth that the Bible conveys being of the highest order, it kindles the minds that speak it to high and great expression; and the minds that receive it, to respond to its greatness. But above all, being moral and spiritual truth coming from God himself, it is an instrument by which the Spirit quickens those “dead in trespasses and sins,” and imparts spiritual life to men.
Onward Rejoicing, John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
