Romans 4:1-25 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found?… I. AS A REVELATION. On some subjects it is the sole authority. Without it man has no light whatever, or only the dimmest light, on the nature of God, His relations to man, the method of reconciliation, immortality. On these subjects its testimony is full, clear, authoritative. How important, then, that man, a spiritual being, with an immortal destiny, should ask, "What saith the Scriptures?" II. As A COUNSELLOR. Man is a traveller in an unknown way, and needs a guide, or the chances are he will go astray. There are many candidates for the office — many sincere, and desirous only to secure his good; many insincere, seeking their own advantage: all fallible, and liable to give the wrong advice. The Scripture alone is infallible; it displays every step of the way, so that a wayfaring man, if he accepts its guidance, though a fool, will not err. How important, then, that as regards the path of duty and the way to heaven, young and old should ask, "What saith the Scriptures?" III. As A STANDARD. Weights and measures in ordinary use may be right or may be wrong. Some are wrong, being too heavy or too light, too long or too short, too large or too small. So it is necessary again and again to apply the "standard" test of weight, measurement, etc. So the Churches, theological schools, etc., may be right or may be wrong in their enunciation of doctrine, and moralists in their statement of ethics. But the Scripture is the authoritative standard of faith and practice, and to it all teaching is to be referred. The Thessalonians received or rejected Paul's doctrine without referring to the standard; the Bereans were "more noble," in that they "searched the Scriptures whether these things were so." IV. As A JUDGE. The Scripture will judge those to whom it has been given at the last day. The Books will be opened, and this amongst them. It will be in vain then for man to plead that he has consulted the Church, human opinion, etc. What will Scripture say then? "Come, ye blessed," or, "Depart, ye cursed." (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?WEB: What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh? |
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