These types of diseases and defects occur because of the sin of Adam; however, Louis Berkhof notes that the image of God “still remains in man even after his fall in sin.”
Critics, however, observe that age does not necessarily equal faithfulness. Some point out that these manuscripts, though ancient, were found in regions where the Scriptures may have been less widely used in public worship and more prone to private copying. The very fact that they survived could indicate they were not used as much, making their lack of use due to less trust placed in them.
Toby’s metaphor of the Jews as an “apostate older brother” is sentimental but misleading. Not only is it misleading, but to make the claims he does necessarily distracts from those whom God has declared are actually the true Israel: the church.
In 2025, we celebrated our fifth year together! We praise God for his mercy and grace for this accomplishment!