ABSOLUTELY RELIABLE

Some years ago. a book was published with the title, Can a Young Man Trust his Bible?. Is this question’ being asked today—not only by the young, but by the elderly as well? Is the Bible still worthy of trust? In verse 160, the psalmist had no doubt about this. Concerning God’s Word (an overall description), he says that it is true “from the beginning”, v.160, and then, speaking of the separate commandments comprising that Word, he says that they endure for ever. This surely is because of what he had already said in verse 89, “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven”. He is thinking of where it comes from—the throne.

As we take the Bible in our hands today, we can do so with complete confidence that not one of God’s utterances will ever be repealed. We can be assured that the last book is as true as the first, and that this also applies to every book in between. We may read it as searching for history—in that realm we shall find it reliable. We may be looking for guidance in the matter of morals—we can have complete confidence in what we find. Our searching may be for the purpose of finding out where we came from—we shall find an authoritative answer there.

To the young man at the beginning of life, the assurance in verse 9 is still true, namely that by taking heed to the Word of God there will be ensured a clean life; this can be tested in everyday experience. To those advancing in life, the words of Psalm 23. 6 can still be trusted, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”. And for those at the end of life’s journey, Psalm 23. 4 will come with comfort and conviction, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me”.

When the Lord Jesus rose from the dead, messengers from heaven said to the women visiting the tomb, “he is risen, as he said”, or “because he said so”, Matt. 28. 6. Because He said it, it must be true. This is so of every utterance of God, whether it be in warning or in comfort. Finally, let us note Matthew 5. 18, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”. It can be relied upon utterly.