It is impossible for any man to "believe" a statement, whether uttered by God or man, unless he understands its "meaning." He may not be able to appreciate the full significance of the statement, but he must understand the fundamental meaning of the terms used. The Scripture not only speaks of the cross, but of the "word (logos) of the cross"; it not only presents to us the fact of reconciliation, but also preaches the "word of reconciliation." The "cross," presented without explanation, can mean nothing; and [if] immediately we attempt to explain its place in the scheme of salvation we must call upon the whole intelligence to take part. Unbelief may be blind, but faith sees.
By the mere process of "reasoning" human nature cannot attain to the truth, because, first of all, God's truth is beyond the powers of human intelligence to attain, and secondly, because sin has robbed man of his birthright. He goes astray from truth like a lost sheep. He calls light darkness, and darkness light. When, however, man believes the Word of God, the entrance of that Word gives light to the simple. The mind is renewed, and this renewed mind functions as God intended. Faith is discovered to be most reasonable, the purpose of the ages most rational, and the plan of salvation demonstrates that God is not only "righteous" but "right." While, therefore, the Apostle warns the church at Rome against "doubtful disputations," it is quite untrue to suggest that reason and faith can ever conflict.
As we have mentioned the series entitled, With all thy getting, get understanding, we would draw the reader's attention to the fact that these articles were not prepared so that the reader should be able to sit in judgment upon the Word of God, but rather that he should be able to judge the writings of men. In any case, we trust that all readers of The Berean Expositor and any of its publications will "search and see" before accepting anything that is written in its pages.
- The renewed mind.
By the mere process of "reasoning" human nature cannot attain to the truth, because, first of all, God's truth is beyond the powers of human intelligence to attain, and secondly, because sin has robbed man of his birthright. He goes astray from truth like a lost sheep. He calls light darkness, and darkness light. When, however, man believes the Word of God, the entrance of that Word gives light to the simple. The mind is renewed, and this renewed mind functions as God intended. Faith is discovered to be most reasonable, the purpose of the ages most rational, and the plan of salvation demonstrates that God is not only "righteous" but "right." While, therefore, the Apostle warns the church at Rome against "doubtful disputations," it is quite untrue to suggest that reason and faith can ever conflict.
As we have mentioned the series entitled, With all thy getting, get understanding, we would draw the reader's attention to the fact that these articles were not prepared so that the reader should be able to sit in judgment upon the Word of God, but rather that he should be able to judge the writings of men. In any case, we trust that all readers of The Berean Expositor and any of its publications will "search and see" before accepting anything that is written in its pages.
- from pages 307- 308, The Just and the Justifier