LightGrams
January 5, 2023
Volume 27, Number 1
A December 30, 2022 article published by the Associate Press noted that several significant literary and musical works would officially enter the public domain on January 1, 2023. Among the works was the last Sherlock Holmes mystery, works by Agatha Christie, Willa Cather, William Faulkner, and Ernest Hemingway. Entering the public domain means that the average consumer can now enjoy these works at (hopefully) a more affordable price than before.
When these works were first published in 1927 the copyright laws only applied for 75 years. A Copyright Term Extension Act was passed in 1998, and that’s why these works are only now becoming public domain. Of course, not all published works attract great interest, but the copyright laws still guard them from free use.
Fans of these famous authors will rejoice to be able to access these works more freely after so long a time. I’m among those fans, appreciating the works of Christie, Cather, Hemingway, and more.
The greatest work of all time, however, has been free for centuries. God’s word, aka “the Bible”, was given to humans for free consumption, and that’s due to the grace of God. True, Bible publishers still charge varying amounts to purchase their different translations in several formats, but anyone who wishes to know what God has revealed can easily obtain a copy of the Bible. “Free” applies to the Bible, while “finally free” does not. God’s intent has always been for us to know His will.
Habakkuk 2:2 states the principle well: “Then the Lord answered me and said, ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.’” God had a message for His people about the looming judgment, and He wanted it to be understood. The New Century Bible renders that verse in this way: “Write down the vision, inscribe it clearly on tablets so that it can be read easily.”
Why did God want to make His word so available to all mankind? Romans 1:16 gives the answer: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” God wants all to be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9), and this Book contains the straightforward guidance to rescue us from the destructiveness of sin.
The Bible closes with this invitation in Revelation 22:17: “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Hundreds of years earlier that same plea was made in Isaiah 55:1: “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
The best humanly authored books which are still under copyright are sometimes out of my price range; their wisdom is locked away from people of meager means. But the Book with wisdom that everyone needs has been free from the outset. And if you don’t have your own copy, just ask. We’ll be glad to supply one to you – without charge.
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2023, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “[email protected]” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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