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I. THEIR LEADING CHARACTERS.

1. Absolute truth and wisdom. The word "oracles" signifies a "Divine speech or answer." Words professing to be from God ought to have strong evidence; and how mighty and commanding is the evidence — attested by miracle, ratified by the fulfilment of prophecy, continuing when they have for ages reproved the world, giving life and salvation to this hour. If, then, they are from God, the question of their wisdom and truth is settled. And here is the advantage of possessing these oracles. There is not a question relating either to duty or salvation to which there is not here an answer. Are you an inquirer? There is the oracle. Consult it; for "it shall speak, and shall not lie."

2. Infinite importance. On those questions which are merely curious the oracle is silent, but on no subject which it behoves us to know, e.g., the character of God; the laws by which we are governed; the true state of man; rescue and redemption; the practical application and attainment of this mercy.

3. Life. Hence they are called "lively" or living oracles, or as our Lord says, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." No other book has this peculiarity. Show me one which all the wicked fear; which cuts deep into the conscience, and rouses salutary fears; which comforts and supports; and whilst its blessed truths quiver on the lips of the dying, disarms death of its sting. Show me a man who, when he discourses, awakens souls from deadly sleep; who to a trembling spirit says, "Believe, and live," and he actually believes and lives; whose counsel effectually guides, quickens, and comforts; and you show me one who speaks only as the oracles of God. Among all who have been celebrated for oratory, who ever professed to produce effects like these? Nothing explains this but the life which the Spirit imparts. With the oracles of God the Author is present. You cannot avoid this power. It will make the Word either "a savour of life unto life, or a savour of death unto death."

4. They make all other oracles vocal.

(1) Nature has its solemn voice, but it is not heard where the gospel is not. In heathendom the very heavens are turned into idols, and God is excluded from the thoughts of men. But whenever the living oracles come, then every star, and mountain, and river, proclaims its glorious Maker: "day unto day uttereth speech."(2) The general providence of God in the government of nations is intended to display the wisdom, power, goodness, justice, and truth of God; and terminate in the conversion of all nations to the faith of Christ. Yet all this is unknown to those who are destitute of the Divine oracles. To them it appears that one event happens to all. Every occurrence is either attributed to chance, to blind fate, or to the caprice of deities without Wisdom, and without mercy. The living oracle gives a voice to all this. Instructed by it we mark the design of God, "who worketh all in all." We see all things tending to one end, "the glory of the Lord shall be revealed; and all flesh shall see it together."(3) There is also a particular providence which appoints us our station in life, our blessings and our sorrows. Many lessons this providence is intended to teach us. "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." But till the living oracle speaks, all is silence; and we derive no lessons of true wisdom from the events of life. When we acquaint ourselves with God in His Word, then everything ministers to our "instruction in righteousness."

5. Variety. Here we have history, proverbs, poetry, examples, doctrine, prophecy, parable, allegory, and metaphor.

6. Fulness of truth. Great as are the revelations, nothing is exhausted. As in Christ the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily, to be eternally manifested; so in His Word there is a fulness of truth. And hence the Bible is always new.

(1) In regard to morals, we have principles, as well as acts, applicable forever.

(2) Who can exhaust the doctrine of Holy Scripture? Doctrines especially relating to God, and Christ, and the depth of all-redeeming love.

(3) The effects of the whole scheme will be developing forever. In a very important sense the Bible will be the oracles of God to the Church above.

II. THESE ORACLES ARE "COMMITTED" or entrusted To You.

1. To be read and understood, consequently there is great guilt in treating them with indifference and neglect.

2. To interpret honestly. They are "the oracles of God"; and it is a sin of no ordinary magnitude to pervert their meaning.

3. To make them known to others. It is a great sin to restrain the Scriptures.

III. THEIR ADVANTAGE.

1. Instruction.

2. Direction.

3. Salvation.

(Richard Watson.)

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KJV: What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

WEB: Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision?