Adam’s rib, that is; and the Episcopalians are doing the ribbing. A recent issue of popular "Time"
magazine reports this in a brief article under the above caption.
"Time" keeps in sight that "literal acceptance of such Biblical statements" (as "Eve was made out
of Adam’s rib") "is the hallmark of fundamentalism, and southern Georgia is a stronghold of it."
To break down the "stronghold" of such literal acceptance of the Bible was the obvious objective
of not one, but twelve, Episcopalian bishops, from as far away as Montana, who came to southern
Georgia earlier this year.
"It’s time to sweep away old stories and make the Gospels intelligible against the background of
today," boldly scoffs Montana’s Episcopalian Bishop Sterling. (And "Time" admiringly dubs him
"a hearty churchman"!)
"The problem of fundamentalism is that it cannot withstand critical Biblical scholarship and
scientific facts," derisively echoes "Time."
"No person with any knowledge of history or archeology could possibly buy this fundamentalist
stuff," sneers Archdeacon Mead, challenging the intelligence of his southern hearers. And,
referring to small-town boys going to college, he adds, "they take a course in biology and their
faith is gone. Our great sin is never having offered them a real alternative."
Bishops (so-called), spokesmen of the church (professedly), shepherds of the flock, regard as sin
("our great sin") teaching youth that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable" (II Tim. 3:16)!
Citing this, however, is merely a case hi point to the similar attitude toward the Bible which is
rapidly permeating Christendom.
Perhaps most, if not all, of our readers accept, unquestionably and reverently, the entire Bible as
inspired of God; and profess sincerely to love it "above gold; yea, above fine gold" (Psa.
119:127). Surely, we ought to turn away from such as regard it other than divinely inspired.
We very properly react with alarm and resentment to such a report as that brought to us by
"Time." But is there not in it very much more for us than that? Is it not an appeal to our
consciences and a challenge to our lives?
How much time do we devote to the reverent reading of and prayerful meditation upon that Book
which we jealously contend is the infallible Word of God?
To what extent do we submit to its authority, in our day-by-day lives?
Do we honestly endeavor to "adorn the teaching which is of our Saviour God in all things" (Titus
2:10, J.N.D. Trans.)?
These questions relate to the practical response in our lives to the desire of our Lord Jesus Christ
that we be sanctified by the truth, and should search us to the depths.
Our blessed Lord, as a Man here upon the earth, perfectly exemplified complete subjection to the
Word, testifying, "I do always those things that please him" (John 8:29).
When tempted by Satan to renounce the place of dependence upon and obedience to God His
Father, the Lord Jesus rebuffed him with the authoritative Word of God, saying, "It is written,
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God"
(Matt. 4:4). Do not our hearts bow in adoration before Him who was "obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:8)? "Faithful amidst unfaithfulness, ‘Mid darkness only light, Thou
didst Thy Father’s Name confess, And in His will delight."
Doubtless such words as these strike a responsive chord in the heart of every child of God; and
praise and worship ascend from our redeemed hearts to Him, who in every detail of His life
exemplified perfect obedience to the will of God.
But how about ourselves? Is it our delight to do His will? Is it a deep concern of ours to be subject
to His Word? Do we hear and heed when our blessed Lord and Saviour says, "This do in
remembrance of me" (I Cor. 11:24,25)? Beloved child of God, you know this Scripture; you
believe it; do you obey it?
We know that the Lord is one day (and perhaps very soon) coming to take His own to be forever
with Himself. We read the many Scriptures that affirm that He is coming again. We believe this;
we teach it; we "earnestly contend" for this truth; but do we live as though we believed it? Are
we waiting for Him (I Thess. 1:10)? Are we looking for Him (Phil. 3:20 and Heb. 9:28)? Are we
watching for Him (Luke 12:37)? Is the stupendous fact that He has said, "I will come again and
receive you unto myself" having its delivering, separating, stimulating, purifying, and comforting
effect upon our daily lives?
Shall not we who unhesitatingly accept the Bible as the inspired, unerring, authoritative Word of
God, and bow in adoring worship as we contemplate our blessed Lord in His dependent obedience
to the will of God, realize that He has left "us an example" that we "should follow his steps" (I
Pet. 2:21)?
Will you allow the Scriptures we have been considering, as well as every such Scripture, to appeal
to your heart and conscience, "working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through
Jesus Christ" (Heb. 13:21)? Will you be "doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your
own selves" (James 1:22)?
The Word was "heard" and brought forth "fruit" in the Colossian saints (Col. 1:5,6). Even so
shall the Word produce fruit in our lives as we learn to know the grace of God in truth, revealed
in His blessed and only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. May God grant it for the honor and glory of
His holy Name!