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Key Text
"Remember
the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else;
I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from
the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not
yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all
my pleasure: " Isaiah 46:9-10 |
The Bible and History (Page
1 of 4)
The Bible is the most ancient and the most comprehensive history
that men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth,
and throughout the ages a divine hand has preserved its purity.
It lights up the far-distant past, where human research in vain
seeks to penetrate. In God's word only do we behold the power that
laid the foundations of the earth and that stretched out the heavens.
Here only do we find an authentic account of the origin of nations.
Here only is given a history of our race unsullied by human pride
or prejudice.
In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires,
appear as dependent on the will and prowess of man. The shaping of events seems,
to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in
the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, behind, above, and
through all the play and counterplay of human interests and power and passions,
the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels
of His own will.
The Bible reveals the true philosophy of history. In those words of matchless
beauty and tenderness spoken by the apostle Paul to the sages of Athens is set
forth God's purpose in the creation and distribution of races and nations: He "hath
made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,
and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find
Him." Acts 17:26, 27. God declares that whosoever will may come "into the bond
of the covenant." Ezekiel 20:37. In the creation it was His purpose that the
earth be inhabited by beings whose existence should be a blessing to themselves
and to one another, and an honor to their Creator. All who will may identify
themselves with this purpose. Of them it is spoken, "This people have I formed
for Myself; they shall show forth My praise." Isaiah 43:21.
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