SCRIPTURES
INSPIRE FAITH IN GOD. Much information and knowledge concerning God may be
found in the Holy Scriptures. The reliability, accuracy, and dependability of
such material is important. The New Testament was written comparatively soon
after the events which it records occurred. Jesus’ life was so spectacular, and
unusual; his teachings were so clear and forceful; and they were heard and seen
by such multitudes of people that little difficulty was had in remembering and
recording. As an oral tradition, its accuracy was preserved as it was checked
and doublechecked by eyewitnesses as it was recited in the synagogue service.
The harmony which exists between the different accounts recorded in the four
separate Gospels is remarkable. Much of the data is recorded by persons who
personally saw and heard that they wrote. Note what Peter said,
For
we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the
power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his
majesty.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a
voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased.
And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the
holy mount.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take
heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the
day star arise in your hearts:
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:16-21.)
Jesus,
speaking to the Twelve Apostles, said,
Search
the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they
which testify of me. (John 5:39.)
It
was predicted that John the Baptist whose life is recorded in the scriptures
would bring knowledge of salvation and show the path to peace. Zacharias said
of him, “And thou, child, . . . [shalt] give knowledge of salvation. . . . To
give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide
our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:76-77. 79.) And Paul, writing of the
scriptures, said to Timothy:
And
that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make
thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Tim. 3:15-16.)
(Franklin L. West, The Apostles and the Primitive [Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book Company, 1964], 158-59)