The Inspiration of the Bible 29 and quote what suited his purpose from the Greek poets. But on this supposition we feel justified in asking Dr. Farrar whether a lexicographer in searching Greek authors for the meanings they attached to spermata, the Greek for “seeds,” would not be inclined to add “human offspring” on so good an authority as Paul ? Nor indeed would they be limited to his authority, since Sophocles uses it in the same way, and Aeschylus. “I was driven away from my country by my own offspring” (sper mata)—literally by my own seeds, is what the former makes one of his characters say. Dr. Farrar’s rendering of spermata in Galatians 3 :16 on the other hand would make nonsense if not sacrilege. “He saith not unto various kinds of grain as of many, but as of one, and to thy grain, which is Christ.” “Granting then, what we thank no. man for granting, that spermata means human offspring, it is evident that despite all opinions to the contrary, this passage sustains the teaching of an inspiration of Holy Writ extending to its very words.” 3. But the most unique argument for the inspiration of the words of scripture is the relation which Jesus Christ bears to them. In the first place, He Himself was inspired as to His words. In the earliest reference to His prophetic office (Deut. 18:18), Jehovah says, “I will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak * * * all that I shall command Him.” A limitation on His utterance which Jesus everywhere recog nizes. “As My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things;” “the Father which sent Me,' He gave Me a commandment what I should say, and what I should s p e a k “whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak;” “I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me;” “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” (John 6 :63; 8 :26, 28, 40; 12:49, 50.) The thought is still more impressive as we read of the relation of the Holy Spirit to the God-man. “The Spirit of
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker