The Bible Still Stands!
By: Ivie Powell
Through the centuries many books have been written which challenge and uplift mankind. Yet the Bible and the Bible alone answers the most profound questions that probe the mind of man such as:
Where did I come from?
What is the purpose of life?
Is there life after death?
How did the earth come into existence?
Why is there evil and suffering in the world?
What must I do to be saved?
That which distinguishes the Bible from the Koran and other man-made books is its inspiration! "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While there are external evidences to support the Bible being inspired of God, the greatest proof comes from the Bible itself! Not only does the Bible answer man's most profound questions, it does so in such a way that proves itself to be the inspired Word of God!
Many efforts have been made to destroy the Bible. The church of Rome did everything she could to destroy the Bible from forbidding it to be read, to burning it, to the addition of uninspired books. The formation of creeds, manuals, disciplines, and prayer books have also contributed in destroying God's Word. These non-inspired books are cherished above the Bible with many.
Still other attempts to undermine and destroy the credibility of the inspired Word of God are perverted versions of the Sacred text. A reading of Galatians 1:6-9 and Revelation 22:18-19 reveals God's attitude toward any and all who would tamper with His Word! If you haven't, I would greatly encourage you to secure a copy of brother Gary Colley's excellent tract: New Translations "WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM". For an in-depth study of modern versions, I would highly recommend A Review Of The New Versions by Foy E. Wallace, Jr. and Challenging Dangers of Modern Versions by Robert R. Taylor, Jr.
Then there were infidels such as Voltaire, Ingersoll, and O'Hara who made unrelenting attacks upon God and His Holy Word. In spite of all the arsenal Satan has used to undermine and destroy the Bible, the Word has and always will be in existence. The words of our Lord echo forth: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35)!
Yes, the Bible and Bible alone addresses such profound themes as God, the creation and man, sin and salvation, heaven and hell. It indeed is the most challenging book in the world. Sir Will Jones stated, "The Bible contains more true sublimity, more exquisite beauty, more pure morality, more important history, and finer strains of poetry and eloquence, than can be collected from all other books, in whatever age or language they have been written." (Cecil N. Night, "The Bible Deals With Profound Themes," The Spiritual Sword, Vol. 1, January 1970, No. 2, p. 23). An unknown poet penned the following words:
THE BIBLE LIVES!
Generation follows generation - yet it lives.
Nations rise and fall - yet it lives.
Kings, dictators, presidents come and go - yet it lives.
Hated, despised, cursed - yet it lives.
Doubted, suspected, criticized - yet it lives.
Condemned by atheists - yet it lives.
Scoffed at by scorners - yet it lives.
Exaggerated by fanatics - yet it lives.
Misconstrued and misstated - yet it lives.
Ranted and raved about - yet it lives.
Its inspiration denied - yet it lives.One's attitude toward God's word should be that of the Psalmists, "Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end," "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven," "O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day," "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple," "Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me," "...my heart standeth in awe of thy word" (Psalms 119:33, 89, 97, 105, 130, 133, 161).
Unfortunately, many will reject the word of God for their feelings, family, and friends. Statements such as: "I know what the Bible says, but...," "I would not trade my feelings for all the Bible says in the world," "What was true for Paul and Peter may not be true for us. After all customs change and so does the word of God," and "Human beings cannot know God's truth." All of these statements are really saying one or all of the following:
1. I don't believe the Bible is the inspired word of God.
2. I don't believe the Bible can be understood.
3. I don't want to do what is right, and
4. I believe the Bible is subject to modification and change.
One must love God with all of their being, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matthew 22:37). Such love often entails going against family and friends (Matthew 10:34-39). The seeking of God first (Matthew 6:33) involves His truth, for only truth will make one free (John 8:32). Peter informs us that obedience to truth will purify the soul (1 Peter 1:22). When one rejects any part of the truth, they are in turn rejecting Jesus Christ (John 12:48). Without such a love for God and His Word, one will not "...receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21).
The world is lost in sin and only the soul-saving Gospel will give them the truth to save their souls. Let us, therefore, study the Word (2 Timothy 2:15), "Preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:2), and live according to the Word (James 1:21) that heaven may be our eternal home.