Answering Questions

by QUARTUS | Category: For Young Believers | Jan 1954

It is quite a natural thing for young people to ask questions. Moses, through the Spirit, is quite definite,

"Ask thy father, and he will shew thee;

Thine elders, and they will tell thee" (Deuteronomy 32.7).

That the young folk in Israel were confidently expected to question their parents, is obvious from the following:

"When your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?" (Exodus 12.26).

"When thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this ?"

(Exodus 13.14).

When their sons and daughters enquired as to the origin and meaning of certain religious happenings, the parents were pleased to discern an intelligent interest in what was going on. And they were expected to reply with informative accuracy and experimental appreciation of what God had done for them.

In this matter of asking questions, the Lord Jesus Christ set His usual excellent example. When Mary and Joseph found Him sitting in the midst of the teachers in the temple, He was " hearing them, and asking them questions." But He did not ask only: He also answered, for "all that heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers."

It does seem, then, that the method of teaching by question and answer has divine approval. So we propose, as helped and guided by the Holy Spirit, to use this method to point out quite clearly the salient features of the doctrine of the Lord.

(1)THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

In what way does the Bible differ from all other books?

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were written at the direct bidding of God, and under the immediate and full direction of the Holy Spirit. "Men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit " (2 Peter 1.21).

What is the meaning of the "plenary inspiration " of the Scriptures?

The original Scriptures were inspired of God (God-breathed) in a full and entire sense, quite distinct from what men describe as inspiration. They were, and still are, the absolute and unqualified Word of God, the verbal breathings of God by His Spirit through men.

"All scripture is given by 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 A.V.).

Does this mean that the authority of Scripture is absolute, that from it there is no appeal?

Very definitely, yes. The Lord Jesus Christ frequently referred to what was written as the direct revelation from God to man (e.g. Matthew 22.29, 31). Both Peter and Paul support this. The Bible claims the authority to control the actions of men: this authority is unique. The idea of" continuous revelation" since the completion of the canon of Scripture is an indirect but formidable attack on the distinctive authority of the Bible.

Why does the Bible never become obsolete?

Because it is a living Book; the Word of God never dies. "For the word of God is living, and active " (Hebrews 4.12). "The word of God, which liveth and abideth... - The word of the Lord abideth for ever" (1 Peter 1.23, 25). It has a spiritual life which is inexhaustible and which no power can ever extinguish. It is eternally fresh the one living object in this world of dying things.

What are our responsibilities towards the Bible?

We should study the Scriptures by the help of the Holy Spirit, seeking to be prayerful and humble in our approach. We should be exercised to know the mind of God, in order to do His will. It is wise to avail ourselves of the best means of arriving at what the original manuscript Scriptures stated. (John 5.39; Acts 17.11; 2 Timothy 3.14, 15; 1 Timothy 4.13).

QUARTUS | Jan 1954
For Young Believers