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The Testimony of Jesus

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    Chapter 1—The Sacred Canon

    The Foundation of Christian Doctrine and the Test of Christian Experience

    Rev July 6, 1983

    The Creator of the heavens and the earth has not left Himself without witness to the children of men. The book of nature and the Book of revelation both testify of His infinite power, His unsearchable wisdom, and His boundless love. The myriads of heavenly worlds moving in majestic splendor through the sky, all in orderly array, each in its own orbit; the earth with its towering mountain ranges; the restless and ever-changing ocean, held within its proper bounds by the decree of the Infinite—these exhibitions of His handiwork proclaim His power and majesty to the children of men. And the book of nature reveals His love as well. The life-giving sunshine, the smiling landscape, the joyous bird in the leafy bower, the beautiful flowers decorating the earth, all speak of His love and thoughtfulness for the inhabitants of earth, and the means by which He seeks their happiness and promotes their welfare.TOJ 5.1

    Added to this revelation in the book of nature is the witness of divine revelation in the Holy Scriptures. In this Book is found the expression of the sovereign will, a record of the history of the human family, the sad portrayal of the entrance of sin, the promise of the divine Saviour, a record of His life and ministry, the directions whereby this sacrifice may be made effective in Christian experience through repentance, confession, and regeneration, and finally the glorious heritage awaiting the children of God throughout the endless ages of eternity.TOJ 5.2

    There were many prophetic writings which for some good reason were not included in the Sacred Canon. The Bible mentions the book of Jasher (Joshua 10:13), the book of Nathan the prophet (2 Chronicles 9:29), the book of Gad the seer (1 Chronicles 29:29), the story of the prophet Iddo (2 Chronicles 13:22), the book of Jehu (2 Chronicles 20:34), the prophecy of Ahijah (2 Chronicles 9:29), the book of Shemaiah the prophet (2 Chronicles 12:15). Of these writings we know little or nothing today except the names. Nor can we be sure that there was included in the Sacred Canon all that Jeremiah or Isaiah or other canonical prophets wrote. Doubtless many of their prophecies had a merely local application. The wisdom of God preserved such instruction as would meet the needs of the church in every period, and which in every age would prove a groundwork “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.TOJ 6.1

    The Sacred Canon is unique in this, that in the providence of God it alone of all writings has come down to us bearing the divine credentials. It thus becomes the standard by which every other writing is tested. The writings and work of every succeeding prophet claiming divine inspiration must stand the test imposed by the Sacred Canon of Scripture.TOJ 6.2

    That the Holy Scriptures are an expression of the character and will of God is abundantly attested by many striking evidences. Consider first the testimony of the Scriptures themselves as to their divine inerrancy.TOJ 6.3

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