 |  |
When one perceives this character of revelation, while grateful for the condescension
that stoops so low, one will be humbled by the recognition of human weakness. Truly,
even with the inspired book we must still say `we see through a glass darkly' and it ill
behooves any of us to speak as though we were at present `face to face'. What we see
and what we know we must hold fast. If we believe we must also speak and speak
plainly; but with it all let our readers and hearers ever remember that, like the Queen of
Sheba, we shall all have to confess the half had not been told us.
Let us at the same time glory in the figures of faith. Let us be thankful for the fact that
sin is explained as `missing the mark', that forgiveness means `a loosing from' bondage
or from penalty, that sanctification is expressed in the terms of separation both from the
world and to God and that "Hope" is an "Anchor". Let us realize moreover, that every
figure of speech that speaks of God in the terms of man, cries out in the Scriptures for the
Son of God, Emmanuel, God with us, Who in the days of His flesh said:
"He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father."
He is THE Word pre-eminent.
"The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us . . . . . no man hath seen God at any
time . . . . . He hath declared Him" (John 1: 14, 18).
In the written Scriptures we learn of God analogically, and we see the glory of God in
the face of Jesus Christ.
No.17.
Scope and Structure.
pp. 65 - 67
Rule #6. The scope of a passage often determines the
exact meaning of a word that has several shades of
meaning. The scope is determined by the structure. Put the
structure therefore in the forefront of your investigations.
A word has a meaning by reason of its etymology and origin. It has a meaning by
common usage which modifies the original meaning, and it has a special meaning which
is decided by its context and by the scope of the passage which contains it. The scope of
a passage is determined by its structure, and the structure is found by noting outstanding
items that balance, and that carry the theme on in definite logical steps. In searching for
the evidences of structure do not think that of necessity only important looking words
will be used. Sometimes it is the reverse. The scope of Gal. 1: is determined by its
structure, and the structure hinges upon three simple words, `not', `neither', `but'. Yet
the sense of independence these three words bring to the one who has made their message
his own must be experienced to be appreciated. Divested of all subsidiary matter, Gal. 1: