The Book of Books
INTRODUCTORY WORDS
It is said on one occasion, when Sir Walter Scott was sick, he called his son requesting him to bring him the book. His son said, "Your library is filled with books. Which book do you want?" He is said to have replied, "My son, there is but one Book, bring me the Book."
From the above story we have taken our theme: The Book of books. The Bible contains everything needed in the way of spiritual instruction. It proclaims prophecies, which will illumine us in the hour of present darkness. It gives us courage and strength for the daily conflict.
One Scripture says, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word." So the Bible cleanses us. Another Scripture says, "The Word of God is quick, and powerful." So the Bible is our strength in service and soul-winning.
As we approach this Book of books, we must recognize it as Divinely inspired. We must seek to receive its message by the illuminating Spirit. We must apply its message to our own individual lives, preparing ourselves to obey its precepts. We must rightly divide its truth, proving ourselves workmen that need not to be ashamed.
The Book of books is the most practical of all books. It touches every phase of human life. It gives instruction in morals, in the conduct of governments, and of households. It presents laws of conduct, laws of diet. It opens up the way to Heaven, and tells us the things to come.
The Book of books is indestructible life. No book has ever been hated as this Book has been hated; maligned as this Book has been maligned; and yet, the Book lives on. No book ever stays fresh and virile like this Book. It is never obsolete; it always presents vital truth, for every age, every clime and for all periods of life. No people can ever say that the Bible has grown old or lost its testimony. Its message through Malachi or through Moses is just as vital to the people of today as it was to the ancients.
The Book of books is the only infallible book. It speaks the truth along every line. Historically it is true; theologically it is true. Its ethics are unimpeachable; its science is absolute.
Every time the spade of the archaeologist digs into the ruins of ancient cities, it seems to verify the historicity of the Scriptures. Every new discovery in science that is real and unchanging, verifies the Word of God.
What a wonderful Book is the Bible. It is unchangeable, inexhaustible and incomparable. Let us become its devotees.
"Oh, wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord!
True wisdom its pages unfold;
And though we may read them a thousand times o'er,
They never, no, never grow old.
Each line hath a treasure, each promise a pearl,
That all if they will may secure;
And we know that when time and the world pass away,
God's Word shall for ever endure."
I. THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK OF BOOKS (1 Peter 1:11)
Every time we get a letter, the first thing we do is to see what name is signed at the bottom. We want to know who is writing to us. Thus, as we open the Bible our first question naturally is, From whom has this message come? Our key verse says that the Spirit of Christ was in the Prophets and it was He in them who signified and testified.
There is another Scripture which says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God," and there is yet another which says, "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
In the Book of Hebrews we have abundant proof as to the authorship of the Scriptures. For instance, in Hebrews 3:7 there is the statement, "Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith," and then follows a quotation from Psalms 95:1-11
In Hebrews 4:4 we read, "For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise," and then follows a quotation from Genesis.
In Hebrews 4:7 we read, "Again, He limiteth a certain day, saying in David," and then follows once more a quotation from the Psalms.
In Hebrews 5:6 we read, "As He saith also in another place," and then a quotation is made concerning Melchisedec, which is written in Psalms 110:1-19
In Hebrews 9:8 are these wonderful words, "The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest." This quotation looks back to the tabernacle as set forth in Exodus and Leviticus.
In Hebrews 10:15 this is written "Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He hath said before," and then follow quotations from Jeremiah 31:1-40, and Ezekiel 11:1-25
In Hebrews 13:5 we read, "For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This quotation is from Deuteronomy 13:7
All of these statements in Hebrews refer to the Holy Spirit as the author of the Scriptures quoted. No marvel then that in the last chapter of Hebrews and Hebrews 13:7 are these stirring words, "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God."
As we open the Bible we are preparing to read a message from God, sent by the Holy Ghost.
"Thanks for Thy Word. O blessed Redeemer!
Open our eyes its beauty to see;
Grant us Thy grace to study it wisely,
Close every heart to all but Thee.
Thanks for the Bible, offering so freely
Pardon and peace to all who believe;
Help us, O Lord, its counsel to follow,
Meekly by faith its truth receive,"
II. THE NAMING OF THE BOOK OF BOOKS (1 Peter 1:23; 1 Peter 1:25)
When we receive a book, the first thing that interests us is the title of the book. The title of a book goes a long way toward insuring the sale of the book. The Book of books is commonly known as the Bible. The word "Bible" is from "Biblos" which simply means book. Another name given to God's Word, is the Holy Scriptures. We, however, like the names given in the verses chosen for our theme. In 1 Peter 1:23, the Bible is called "the Word of God." While in 1 Peter 1:25, it is called the "Word of the Lord" and again it is called, the "Gospel."
There is no other book that we can open which we can call the Word of God. These words belong exclusively to the Bible. Other books may contain much truth but not all the truth. Other books may be approved of God, but they are not written of God.
It is because the Bible is the Word of God that it is for ever established in Heaven.
There are some who would defame the Bible, calling it no more than legendary; than a compilation of old wives' fables, fit only to be relegated to the scrap pile of ancient dogmas. Such talk is mere twaddle. No one who really knows the Bible fails to recognize in it the finger of God. It carries on every page the marks of its inspiration. It is called the Word of God simply because it is not the word of man, although God spake and wrote through men.
"Whence but from Heaven,
Could men unskilled in arts,
In several ages born in several parts,
Write such unerring truths? Or how or why,
Would all conspire to cheat us with a lie.
Unasked their aim, ungrateful their advice,
Starving their gain and martyrdom, their price?"
III. THE MESSAGE OF THE BOOK OF BOOKS (1 Peter 1:10-11)
The Prophets of old searched the Scriptures relative to salvation. This salvation, which is mentioned in 1 Peter 1:10, is enlarged upon in 1 Peter 1:11, for the Prophets were seeking to know first, the sufferings of Christ, and secondly the glory that should follow.
We believe that we can take this expression as the twofold general message of the whole Bible. The Bible centers of course in Christ, but the two great messages are concerning Christ in His sufferings, and again, in His glory.
The sufferings of Christ include His being made flesh as He took upon Him the. form of man. They include His life of humiliation and His death of expiation.
All of this the Prophets saw but this is not all they saw.
The Prophets also saw and prophesied the glory of Christ. That glory was to follow His suffering. The glory of Christ included His empty tomb, His appearing unto the saints; His rapture and entrance into the third Heaven, taking His seat at the right hand of the Father; His Coming Again, and His reign on David's throne. This is the dominant theme of the Book of books. This is the message which the Spirit of Christ did signify and testify. This is the chief word which each of us should seek to discover as we study the Bible.
No matter where we are reading, whether in the books of history, of poetry, or of prophecy; whether in the Gospels, in the Epistles, or in Revelation, the central figure sought should always be Christ; and, the chief message concerning that Christ, should be His suffering and His glory, No matter of whom we are reading whether of Adam or of Enoch; whether of Abraham or of Jacob; whether of prophet or of seer, of priest or of king, we should always be looking in them for striking types of Christ, His sufferings and His glory.
"Father of mercies! in Thy Word
What endless glory shines!
For ever be Thy Name adored
For these celestial lines.
Here may the wretched sons of want
Exhaustless riches find;
Riches above what earth can grant,
And lasting as the mind.
Here the Redeemer's welcome voice
Spreads Heavenly peace around;
And. life and everlasting joys
Attend the blissful sound."
IV. THE ETERNITY OF THE BOOK OF BOOKS (1 Peter 1:23-24)
These are words that cannot be said of any other book ever written. Other books may live for a day, or a year, or even a century or more; here is a Book that "liveth and abideth for ever."
Other books are destructible, this Book is indestructible. Other books fade away, they grow old, they become obsolete; this Book never fades, never is old, never is out of date. Other books, all other books are for time, this Book is for eternity.
A book, in the realm of science, which is the word of authority today, will more than likely be repudiated tomorrow. The Bible is authoritative and final in all ages. Men seek to bury it under the debris of their denials, every now and then, but soon it springs forth from the rubbish as a shoot from a buried seed, and grows with ever enlarging beauty and glory.
The Bible never dies. Heaven and earth may pass away; they may perish, as a vesture God may fold them up, but the Word of God liveth and abideth for ever; it remaineth, it is ever the same, the unchangeable, ever-enduring, never-failing Word.
How good it is in this world of vanishing things, where death and decay mark all around us, to find one thing that never dies, never decays!
How good it will be, when we leave all else, or when all else leaves us to find the Word still with us! When we behold the heaven and the earth flee away, and there is no more room for them; we will then clasp with new joy that Word of God to our hearts.
"Oh, wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord!
The lamp that our Father above
So kindly has lighted to teach us the way
That leads to the arms of His love!
Its warnings, its counsels, are faithful and just;
Its judgments are perfect and pure;
And we know that when time and the world pass away,
God's Word shall for ever endure."
V. THE FUNCTIONINGS OF THE BOOK OF BOOKS (1 Peter 1:22-23; 1 Peter 2:2)
When we first reach out our hand to take a new book and we open its pages to read, we should stop a moment to ask, "What will this book mean to my life?" Some books are pernicious, some are useless, some are read for mere pleasure, some for profit, some for instruction, some for their literary value, some for history, some for science.
What will the Bible do for us? What will it bring into our lives? Is it a book that will impart knowledge? Will it illumine the mind? Will it reveal the secrets of God? Will it tell things to come? Will it impart wisdom to those who read it? What will it do to the earnest soul that ponders its pages?
A volume might now be written. However, we wall hold ourselves to three things suggested by our key verses.
1. The Word of God imparts life. 1 Peter 1:23 says, "Being born again * * by the Word of God." Here is a remarkable thing. It is only life that can beget life. Therefore if the Bible begets life, it must itself be living. That is just what God says it is "For the Word of God is quick (living), and powerful."
James writes of receiving "with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your soul."
No marvel then that the man of God is told to preach the Word. No wonder that the words of the Lord are described as the snow and the rain that cometh down from heaven, and causeth the earth to bring forth and bud. No marvel that God says, "What is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord? Is not My Word like as a fire? * * and like as a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?"
God has said, "My Word * * shall not return unto Me void." Let us then "sow" the Word, for that Word placed into good ground will spring forth unto eternal life bearing much fruit.
2. The Word purifies the soul. In line with our key text are these statements: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word." "Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you."
3. The Word causes growth. Not only are we born again by the Word, but we are to desire the sincere milk of the Word that we may grow thereby.
The Word is our daily food.
"Cling to the Bible, though all else be taken;
Lose not its precepts so precious and pure;
Souls that are sleeping its tidings awaken:
Life from the dead in its promises sure.
Cling to the Bible! cling to the Bible!
Cling to the Bible Our Lamp and our Guide!
Cling to the Bible this jewel and treasure
Brings life eternal, and saves fallen man;
Surely its value no mortal can measure:
Seek for its blessing, O soul, while you can!
Lamp for the feet that in byways have wandered.
Guide for the youth that would otherwise fall;
Hope for the sinner whose life has been squandered,
Staff for the aged, and best Book of all."
VI. OUR DUTIES TO THE BOOK OF BOOKS (1 Peter 1:10)
There are four things that express our attitude toward the Bible in these Scriptures:
1. We should search the Word, That is the expression of our verse. The Prophets of old not only searched, but they searched diligently. It must have been interesting to see the Prophets sitting quietly, and pondering their own writings, which they had recorded under the Holy Spirit's power. They not only searched their own writings, but they searched the writings of the other Prophets. Let us do the same. We have a whole Bible filled with revelations of God and of His will toward us in Christ Jesus, let us pore over its pages.
2. We should desire and taste the Word. This is suggested for us in 1 Peter 2:2,1 Peter 2:3. Hunger is the forerunner to tasting. Unless we "desire," we will hardly "taste." One wrote of old, "I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." May God create in us a hunger and thirst for the Book of books!
3. We should obey the Word. This is found in 1 Peter 1:22, where it reads: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth."
In Joshua 1:8 we read; "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein * * that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein."
James speaks of being "doers of the. Word, and not hearers only."
4. We should proclaim the Word. In 1 Peter 1:12, we read, "That have preached the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven."
He that hath God's Word should preach it faithfully. Timothy was admonished, "Preach the Word."
"Where'er it goes its golden light,
Streaming as from an unveiled sun,
Shall dissipate the clouds of night,
Undo the work that sin has done.
It shows to men the Father's face,
All-radiant with forgiving love;
And to the lost of Adam's race
Proclaims sweet mercy from above.
It offers rest to weary hearts;
It comforts those who sit in tears;
To all who faint, it strength imparts,
And gilds with hope th' eternal years."
VII. A FINAL ADMONITION (1 Peter 1:13 and 1 Peter 2:1)
We close with God's two great "wherefores," which are our final admonition concerning all that has been said of the Book of books.
1. "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind." Christians are in danger of being wearied with the continued trials and testings that come to them by the way. As the end of the age hastens on, we need to grip the dear Book of books the tighter, and encouraged by its messages of life and love and light, we need to gird up our loins and press on our way.
In the Book of Hebrews we have a similar admonition. After we are told to run the race that is set before us with patience, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; and after we have been urged to endure hardness, and necessary chastisement, then the Spirit adds: "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees."
God help us never to cease the fight until victory is won!
2. "Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings." Unless the Book of books leads us to obey this admonition of the Lord, and unless we do lay aside those weights which beset our way, and desire the sincere milk of the Word, that we may grow thereby, we have missed God's best in our lives.
Great God, with wonder and with praise
On all Thy works I look!
But still Thy wisdom, power and grace,
Shine brightest in Thy Book.
The stars that in their courses roll
Have much instruction given;
But Thy good Word informs my soul
How I may rise to Heaven.
Here are my choicest treasures hid,
Here my best comfort lies;
Here my desires are satisfied,
And hence my hopes arise.
Then may I love my Bible more,
And take a fresh delight
By day to read these wonders o'er,
And meditate by night.
AN ILLUSTRATION
"I'M GOING BY THE BOOK"
Two men, the one a foreman, the other one of the carpenters under him, were standing on the deck of a steamship then on the stocks, in one of the shipbuilding yards on the Clyde.
"Well, S," said the foreman, "I have been anxious to have a conversation with you. I'm told you are one of those people who say they know for certain that they are saved. Is that true?"
"Yes," said S, "quite true; thank God, I know I'm saved; in fact, there is nothing I'm more sure of, than that I'm saved."
"Well, now," said the foreman, "that is something I cannot see through, how any man can say that he is saved as long as he is in this world. I think it is rather presumptuous for any one to say so.
"I used to attend Mr. 's place of worship, a good many years ago, and several of the leading men in it pressed on me to become a member, but I could not, for I knew I was not a Christian, and told them so. In fact, I was disgusted with them. I knew so many who went to that place, and pretended to remember the death of Christ, who were just as bad as I was. I left them, and have never gone to any place since, for I concluded the whole thing was a sham, and that there was no reality in Christianity at all"
"Well," said S, "I'm not at all surprised at you, but there is a reality in being saved, in being a child of God, and in knowing it. What is the breadth of this waterway?" The foreman, astonished at the apparently sudden change in the conversation, said, "Why, 14 inches all round, to be sure; what makes you ask that, when you know?"
"But are you quite sure that it is to be 14 inches?" said S
"Certainly."
"But what makes you so sure?" asked S
"Why, I'm going by the book," and as he said so, he pulled a book out of his pocket, in which were marked the sizes and position of the various things on the deck. "I'm sure it Isaiah 14:1 inches, for it is here in the book, and I got the book from headquarters."
"Oh! I see," said S; "now look here; that is exactly how I know I'm saved. I'm just going by the Book. It came from headquarters it is God's Word. I found in here that I was a lost, condemned sinner, worthy of nothing but the lake of fire; but I also found that 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life' (John 3:16). I took God at His Word, and I'm saved; and you, too, may be saved if you will, simply as you are, a lost, condemned sinner, believe in Jesus; that is, trust Him as your Saviour, and you are saved; and then you can say without presumption, I know I'm saved, for I'm going by the Book."
Reader, can you say, on the authority of God's Word, "I know I'm saved?" Profession without the new birth will never take you to Heaven. Before it is too late, hear the voice of Jesus calling, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). "He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life" (John 5:24).