Meaning: The quote, "The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, said an eminent scholar, have God for their Author, the Salvation of mankind for their end, and Truth without any mixture of error for their matter," by Adam Clarke, a theologian, encapsulates the belief and significance of the Bible in the Christian faith. This quote highlights the three fundamental aspects of the scriptures: their divine origin, their purpose, and their absolute truth.

Firstly, the quote emphasizes that the Scriptures have God as their author. This notion is central to the belief in the divine inspiration of the Bible. Christians believe that the words contained within the Scriptures were inspired and guided by God, making them not merely human writings but also divine revelations. This belief is rooted in passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16, which states, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The understanding that the Bible is the inspired word of God shapes the way in which it is revered and interpreted within the Christian tradition.

Secondly, the quote asserts that the salvation of mankind is the end or purpose of the Scriptures. This highlights the redemptive narrative that runs through both the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament lays the foundation for the coming of the Messiah, while the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are seen as a guide for individuals seeking reconciliation with God and understanding the path to salvation. This aspect of the quote underscores the central role that the Bible plays in shaping Christian beliefs and practices related to salvation and redemption.

Lastly, the quote affirms that the Scriptures contain truth without any mixture of error. This reflects the belief in the infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible within many Christian traditions. Adherents hold that the Scriptures are entirely trustworthy and free from falsehood or mistake in all matters they address, including theological, historical, and moral teachings. This conviction has been a point of theological debate and discussion throughout history, with various perspectives on the nature and extent of biblical inerrancy. Nevertheless, the idea that the Scriptures convey truth essential for faith and practice remains a foundational belief for many Christians.

Adam Clarke, the theologian from whose writings the quote originates, was a prominent figure in the Methodist movement of the 18th and 19th centuries. His commentary and exegesis of the Bible continue to be influential, particularly in Wesleyan and Methodist circles. Clarke's perspective on the Scriptures aligns with traditional Christian understandings of the Bible as the inspired word of God, oriented towards salvation, and characterized by its truthfulness.

In conclusion, the quote by Adam Clarke succinctly captures the core beliefs about the Scriptures within the Christian faith. It reflects the understanding of the Bible as having divine authorship, being oriented towards the salvation of humanity, and embodying absolute truth. These aspects continue to shape the way in which the Bible is revered, studied, and interpreted within Christian communities around the world.