Frank Winters
We think it must be evident to any student of spiritual conditions today that there is a widespread tendency to ignore and set aside the authority of the Bible.
One of the unique characteristics of this Book is that it claims the right to control the actions of men. It speaks “as one having authority.”
It speaks to men, not from the standpoint of human wisdom or morality, but from a plane far above the most exalted human standards and with an attitude demanding unqualified submission. This assumption of authority over men rather contradicts the “democratic spirit of our times that brooks no authority higher than the people,” which is to say man himself.
The great mass of men, including most of the leaders of our age, are completely absorbed in the activities of the world and are utterly indifferent to the claims of the Bible. But this Bible nevertheless still has a hold on the consciences of the few, and by its influence wields a mighty power. In some quarters the Bible is assailed and its divine origin disputed in the name of “scholarship” and of “science;” though there is no known principle of science which the Bible contradicts. Sometimes the attack may come from those who concede the inspiration of the Bible, but claim that other writers were also equally inspired. There is no practical difference in these two positions; the result is the same. The unique authority of the Bible is set aside.
We believe that it is of the very highest importance to insist unceasingly upon the sufficiency, finality and completeness of this revealed word of God, and with this attitude the Bible is a chart and compass, “a lamp unto our feet,” and an anchor of the soul. With any other attitude the Book is bereft of its power to bless and save mankind, leaving humanity lost and groping in darkness and despair.
