We usually think of radio and TV commercials as being a nuisance to society, and I suppose, in some instances they are. Especially when they are false and misleading. Some commercials tell the truth, some a falsehood. I happened to be listening to the radio the other day and heard a local announcer make a commercial that reminded me of the Bible. "We know the past, and the future is guaranteed." These were the words of the announcer in reference to a popular make of automobile. I would like, however, to direct the readers attention to the truthfulness of that statement"We know the past, and the future is guaranteed"-as applied to the Bible.

The past history of the Bible is well known over the majority of the world today. It has left an impression wherever it has gone-as no other book could do. Wherever this grand old book goes, there is light and civilization, not to even mention salvation from sin.

Some people deny the existence of God, Christ, and the Holv Spirit, who gave us the book called the Bible and even those who deny the existence of the three, derive much benefit from its (the Bible's) presence, for instance, a safer place to live. I would not want to sleep too soundly at night in places where the Bible is not known. If one reads and adheres strictly to the teachings of the "Good Book" you could feel free to lie down at night with that person and be safe to sleep the night through, with no worries about being harmed in any way. Your body would suffer no harm and your property would be safe because the precepts and examples of the Bible forbid harming either. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God" (Mt. 5:9.) "Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." (Eph. 4:28.) No, other book affords such protection, for man and his property-not to mention the salvation of the soul, which, of course, is much more important.

We know the Bible's past in being a constant source of consolation to those who obey its teachings. In what other book could you find better words of advice than "Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thess. 4:18.) Again, where else could you find more joyous words than these? "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." (Ps. 23:1.) Or-"Behold, I see the Heavens opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God." (Acts 7:56.) This was spoken by men who believed the Word of God. The Bible, which is inspired of God, gives us the last words of a grand old soldier of the cross, which, when read soberly, are enough to touch or console any sane person. Listen to these words of a true Christian soldier: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day ; and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing." (2 Tim. 4:6-8.) Secular history also furnishes us with some information on how people have been consoled by the Bible. "Bring the Book," said Walter Scott upon his death bed. When asked what book, he replied, "There's only one book." Polycarp testifies to the consolation he had from the word of God when he said: "Six and eighty years have I served Him, and He has done me nothing but good; and how could I curse Him, my Lord and Savior." (Fisher, History of the Christian Church-48.)

Time and space, much more ability, would fail me to cite the statements from both inspired and uninspired men proving the consolation that people find in the Blessed Word of Truth. Therefore, knowing the past of the Bible, it's truthfulness is not to be doubted.

The future is guaranteed. This statement is so true when speaking of the Word of God. Automobiles or any man made product can only be guaranteed in a relative sense. Any of these things could last for millenniums and still not compare with God's Divine Word. The Bible is absolutely indestructible; it is infallible; therefore, it's future is guaranteed. The Bible is infinite while all manmade products are finite. Christ "the unique Son of God" guaranteed his word to us when he said "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Mt. 24:35.) Again the Savior said: "Sanctify them through thy truth - thy word is truth. (John 17:17.) The truth of God's word is sure and steadfast. His promises are faithful and true. Concerning this Peter said: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Pet. 3:9.) (Also see I Pet. 1 :25.)

Seeing then that the past of the Bible is known-and it's future is guaranteed-what manner of person ought we to be? We dare not tamper with it by adding to it (Rev. 22:18) nor by taking from it (Rev. 22:19). We do not need to add to his Word because He has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and Godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. (2 Pet. 1 :3.) Christ said his word is spirit and life (John 6:63) and what man can deny this?

The future of God's word is guaranteed not only to the faithful child of God, but also to those who insist on disobeying his word. "He that disbelieveth shall be condemned." (Mk. 16:16.) Again Jesus said: "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Mt. 25:46.) The condemnation in this passage is everlasting, just as the life eternal is everlasting for the righteous. Your future is guaranteed! Which promise will you accept for eternity? Remember this passage from the Word of God that tells in words that all can understand that we have two choices. One the road to damnation and the other to the Heavenly City of God. "Enter ye in at the straight gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matt. 7:13-14.)

Can you sing with the Spirit and with the understanding this grand old song? "Give me the Bible, Holy Message shining. Thy light shall guide me in the narrow way. Precept and promise, law and love combining 'till night shall vanish in eternal day."

Let us search our hearts and then ask ourselves this all important question-"WHAT IS MY GUARANTEED FUTURE?" The choice is ours. Will we enter the narrow gate or the wide one? Our future is guaranteed, regardless of which gate we choose. What is your choice today? May God help us all to make the right choice so that our future is guaranteed for joy and the bliss of living with Christ throughout eternity.

Truth Magazine II:10, pp. 23-24
July 1958