How to Study the Bible
LET the seeker for truth who accepts the Bible as the inspired word of God,
lay aside every previous idea, and take that word in its simplicity. He should
renounce every sinful practice, and enter the Holy of Holies, with heart softened
and subdued, ready to listen to what God says.
Do not carry your creed to the Bible, and read the Scriptures in the light of
that creed. If you find that your opinions are opposed to a plain "thus
saith the Lord," or to any command or prohibition He has given, give heed
to the Word of God rather than to the sayings of men. Let every controversy or
dispute be settled by "It is written."
The mistake made by the Roman Catholic is that he reads the Bible in the
light of the priests and rulers of the church, the early fathers, or other
Catholic expositors. Laying aside all creeds or articles prescribed by any
church we are to read the Bible as the word of God to us. The Light of the world
will enable us to distinguish between truth and antagonistic errors.
Let the heart be softened and subdued by the spirit of prayer before the
Bible is read. Truth will triumph when the spirit of truth cooperates with the
humble Bible student. How precious the thought that the Author of truth still
lives and reigns. Ask Him to impress your minds with the truth. Your
searching of the Scriptures will then be profitable. Christ is the great Teacher
of His followers, and He will not leave you to walk in darkness.
The Bible is its own interpreter. With beautiful simplicity, one portion
connects itself with the truth of another portion, until the whole Bible is
blended in one harmonious whole. Light flashes forth from one text to illuminate
some portion of the Word that has seemed more obscure.
Those who with humility of heart search the Scriptures, with a sincere
desire to know and obey the truth will not be left to walk in darkness. Jesus
says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” The whole Bible is a revelation of
Christ. But you may read the Scriptures from morning till night, and unless you
humbly submit your will to the will of God, you cannot receive a saving
knowledge of, the gospel. As you see the truth plainly stated, lay aside every
false position, however dear it may be to the selfish heart. Some will take a
text, wrest it from its true bearing, and force it into service to sustain some
preconceived opinion. By linking together isolated passages of Scripture, they
may deceive others. But what appears to be Bible proof for their position is no
proof whatsoever; for the Scriptures are not used in their true setting. In this
way error is often magnified, and truth diminished. Those who thus wrest the Scriptures to sustain error, greatly dishonor God, and in the day of judgment,
they will be held responsible for the disobedience of those who through their
sophistries have been led to disregard the divine law.
May the Lord help us to seek Him with the whole heart, that we may find Him.
He will not be trifled with. Those who, though having opportunity to find the
true path, presumptuously depart from it will some day when too late, realize
their terrible mistake. Eternal life is for those only who continue to obey God.
For them Christ has purchased salvation. "As many as received him, to them
gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his
name" ' (John 1: 12).
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and
they are they which testify of me (John 5:39).
When Jesus told His followers to search the Scriptures, He referred to the
Old Testament Scriptures; for the New Testament was still unwritten The Bible is
made up of many parts history, biography, song and praise, prayer, and prophecy.
But all is inspired of God, and "is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness." In the term
"scripture" is included the whole treasure house of revelation and
knowledge, in whatever form it is given.
[ Up ] [ Next ]
|
