Book Reviews

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WHY TAKE THE BIBLE SERIOUSLY?


Several years ago, I authored the first of a series entitled Why Take the Bible Seriously? Fallowing are several representative excepts, graphically described as a short read. While the topic seems especially relevant at a time when the Scripture appears to be increasingly neglected.
An orthodox rabbi assured me, “Morris, you do not have to explain to me how you feel about Scripture. I have a similar appreciation.” That is, we both take it seriously (p. 5).
Still, there are many who do not share our high regard. Such as the case of a librarian, who insisted that the Bible be catalogued under myth. Since he considered it nothing more than a collection of antiquated fables, not worthy of deliberate attention.
In this regard, Blase Pascal allowed: “I would have far more fear of being mistaken, and of finding that the Christian faith was true; than of not being mistaken in believing it true” (Penses, p. 83). He further reasoned that if one believes that God exists, and he does, we have much to gain. Whereas if one does not believe that he exists, and he does, we have much to lose. However, if we believe he does, and he does not, we have still lived the best of lives. So that we must choose among the options.
In any case, the apostle Paul confidently affirms: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16). If Scripture is God-breathed, then it is true and trustworthy. In this regard, the psalmist insists: “All your words are true, all your righteous laws are eternal” (119:160) (p. 8).
Whereas the best of human mentors invariably fail us, not uncommonly at the more critical moments; God never fails—not even in lesser matters. He is altogether dependable.
If Scripture is God-breathed, then also authoritative. As the pronouncement of a sovereign deity, it is not negotiable. The Mosaic Covenant serves as a prime case in point. It resembles a vassal treaty between the Great King and those who are subject to his benevolent rule. As God’s people, they were inevitably obligated to obey; while as their Sovereign, God conditionally pledged to intercede on their behalf (pp.9-10).
If Scripture is God-breathed, then irrevocable. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus assured his disciples, “until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of the pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Matt. 5:18). In this regard, they resemble a continuing point of reference whereby we must evaluate our subsequent deliberations.
The modern age especially stands indicted by Jesus’ uncompromising standard. That is, it would readily write off the wisdom of the past as irrelevant for its contemporary agenda. Such will no doubt prove to be its undoing, since God’s word will ultimately prevail (pp. 10-11).
If Scripture is God-breathed, then irrepressible. In this connection, the apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin to give an account of their behavior. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” the Chief Priest observed (Acts 5:28). “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”
“We must obey God rather than men!” the apostles resolutely responded. “The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom your hand killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone!” Gamaliel appealed to his fellow members of the Sanhedrin. “Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
If Scripture is God-breathed, then instructive and edifying. As noted above, it “is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Scripture contains both encouragement and warning, and this double aspect is always present. On the ethical plane, the Scripture provides both correcting and training, again both negative and positive aspects” (Donald Guthrie, The Pastoral Epistles, p. 176).
We travel this way but once. There are pitfalls to be avoided. There are rigors to be endured. There are pleasant asides to be enjoyed. Scripture guides us in these regards and others. As a result, the man of God may likewise be equipped for every good work (p. 12).
Finally, if Scripture is God-breathed, then imperative. “Come, follow me,” Jesus enjoined Simon and Andrew, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). At this, they left all and followed him.
On another occasion, a teacher of the law came to Jesus and assured him: Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go” (Matt. 8:19). Perhaps caught up in the enthusiasm of the moment and/or desiring to set a precedent for others.
“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head,” Jesus replied. Thus with regard to the cost of discipleship.
“Let us not be weary in doing good,” Paul urged his readers, “for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9).While the apostle never tires from warning persons that good works will not save them, he is no less diligent in reminding them that they are called to do good. Such was the character of their calling, and they must remain faithful to their calling (p. 13).
It remains to succinctly summarize. If Scripture is indeed God-breathed, it is both true and trustworthy, authoritative, irrevocable, irrepressible, instructive and edifying, and imperative. In negative terms, it must not be taken lightly. In positive terms, it must be approached with utmost seriousness. Wager we must, since our destiny is at stake.
One final time, why take the Bible seriously? So as to fulfill our calling to serve this present age. As such, to take up our task, persevere in the face of obstacles, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. One should not ask for more or settle for less (p. 118).

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