But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14
"Written in different ages,
by men who differed widely in rank and occupation, and in mental and spiritual
endowments, the books of the Bible present a wide contrast in style, as well as
a diversity in the nature of the subjects unfolded. Different forms of
expression are employed by different writers;
often the same truth is more strikingly presented by one than by another. And as several writers present a subject under varied aspects and relations, there may appear, to the superficial, careless, or prejudiced reader, to be discrepancy or contradiction, where the thoughtful, reverent student, with clearer insight, discerns the underlying harmony.
As presented through
different individuals, the truth is brought out in its varied aspects. One
writer is more strongly impressed with one phase of the subject; he grasps those
points that harmonize with his experience or with his power of perception and
appreciation; another seizes upon a different phase; and each, under the
guidance of the Holy Spirit, presents what is most forcibly impressed upon his
own mind--a different aspect of the truth in each, but a perfect harmony through
all. And the truths thus revealed unite to form a perfect whole, adapted to meet
the wants of men in all the circumstances and experiences of life."
The Great Controversy - Introduction E.G.W.