The objectivity of Scripture

 Professor Paul Helm has written a helpful little book about the doctrine of Scripture: Just Words? Special Revelation and the Bible (Evangelical Press, 2019). 

One of the things he stresses is the objectivity of the Bible. To be sure there are parts of the Bible which focus on inner feelings. But much of the Bible is concerned with public history. This sets it apart from some other religious texts which largely pass on teachings. The Bible is about real events, indeed, the Event of the cosmos which changes everything: the incarnation, death and resurrection of the God-man. The Bible is thus a true story of this world from creation to New Creation with Jesus at its origin, centre and climax. 

And, in our somewhat post-modern relativistic context, where truth is sometimes claimed to be subjective, it is useful to emphasise that the Bible claims to introduce us to The Word who is The Truth, not to someone who might prove to be true for me. One of the marvels of the Bible, in fact, is that although it was addressed to particular people at particular times about particular issues, all God's people around the world and down the centuries have found that it speaks to them with convincing and life-changing power. This is more than the experience of millions. It is because the Bible is True, objectively and subjectively and if not exactly timelessly, then at least for all times and places and people.  

The Bible offers an objective solution to the objective problem of all people: salvation from sin. The Bible may well, eventually, make us feel better, it should help us to be better, but it is first of all a message of the good news of rescue for sinners because of what God has done. It calls for a subjective response, but also a clear, observable change of allegiance which is more than a matter of something going on in my heart. It transfers me to a new kingdom and makes me a member of a new people with a new life and a new destiny.