WHERE IS IT?

“The words of the LORD are pure words...Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them... for ever”.

(Psa. 12:6-7)

The Journal was never intended to create controversy but rather, as the subhead on our blog reads, “Brief, Biblical Essays for Thinking People.” Its purpose is to get God’s people to think for themselves. Ravi Zacharias, I understand, has a radio program named, “Let My People Think!”

I realize, as the saying goes, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” An oldtimer commenting on this idiom said, “True, but you can make him thirsty.” Believing strongly in the priesthood of every believer, I stand with Paul when he wrote, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Rom. 14:5)

God promised to preserve His Word’s,’ not just His Word in general. Not something abstract but absolute; not generic but specific. He preserved Noah, He preserved Israel, He preserves us, and He preserved His Son.

A young preacher asked his Greek and Hebrew professor where God’s preserved Word was. The scholar turned to a shelf on his bookcase, waved his hand over some twenty-five translations and said, “They are in all of these translations.

He went on to say all translations were imperfect and it was up to each to “dig out the truth.” The problem with this reasoning is you may accept one part as authentic and I a different one. But one of us may choose a text that is not the true Word, thus putting our faith in error. There can be serious repercussions to such a belief.

To argue learned men are to search it out doesn’t change the above fact. Also if you trust another to what is and isn’t, you need to join the Catholic Church. They believe only the Church can interpret the Word. If there is not ONE BOOK then there is no absolute authority! When this happens, “...every man did that which [is] right in his own eyes.”

In closing let me say I will not be carrying on any controversial correspondence. After 60 years, believe me, I am more than familiar with all the arguments. I just wanted some of the younger generation to hear the other side. If you don’t agree, that is fine. Your position doesn’t bother me, as I hope mine doesn’t you.

In Christian Love,

An Old Disciple