The Bible is a gift from God encompassing His revealed will for Creation, establishing the declaration of salvation from “kiver to kiver” as the lofted Marshall Keeble once declared. Every word is essential in ordering the redemption of mankind from their Savior before the essence of nature could have been revealed. Notice the Apostle Paul states, “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NKJV).
In this singular regard, mankind must determine to understand God and how He chose to reveal His will, His character, His meaning, and most imperatively, His love toward mankind based on WHAT and HOW it has been revealed. For example, Our Lord reveals some of His desires poetically. “O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your wrath” (Psalm 6:1). Some religious authorities illustrate this as an example of “parallelism” or “thought rhymes.” In other words, one thought reinforces a previous thought to strengthen the overall ideal.
Additionally, the Bible includes figurative language to further God’s message to mankind. For instance, the psalmist states, “My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:2b). Does this REALLY mean that the God of Heaven is an actual rock? Of course not! It is figurative language. Information designed to assist us in increasing our understanding of His provision to us as our Protector and Safeguard against destruction.
My point is this: the Bible uses poetic writing but is not a poetry book. Also, the Bible uses figurative language but is not a work of fiction. However, many in and out of the Church hold this position. Regardless of the literary method, one thing MUST be understood: God loved us enough to leave us with EVERYTHING we need to escape sin and the wiles of the Devil, which lead to hell (2 Corinthians 11:3). Furthermore, it is incumbent to grasp why the Bible is NOT just a history book either. History influences human wisdom, not God (Colossians 2:8). Collegial references, forums, and academic reflections often confuse us. God demands we prove Him true because we cannot disprove His love by earthly mandate (1 John 4:1). Poetry has its place, symbolic writings benefit us in overall comprehension, and historical references truly enlighten the entirety of salvation.
Why didn’t God use one communique? Not certain (Deuteronomy 29:29). Here is what is known, “but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). From “kiver to kiver”, God gave us what we NEEDED, we should not, and prayerfully will not, continue to believe we are wiser than the author of all salvation (Isiah 55:8-9).
Think on these things,
Archie R. Green
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