Overview of The Scriptures A Safeguard chapter
We are entering the time when the counterfeit looks like the true. Satan masters his method of mixing error with truth for sanctuaries.
It is almost impossible to distinguish between them, except by the Holy Scriptures.
Therefore, every statement and every miracle must be tested by God’s Word.
The Old Testament Book Of Isaiah confirms it:
To the law and to the testimony. If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20.
Christians need to understand the will of God as expressed in His Word to:
- Endure the trials before them and not be tossed by every wind of doctrine.
- Honor, glorify and serve Him the way acceptable to Him.
Satan constantly works to attract attention to people in the place of God. The Bible gives warnings against false teachers.
But many rely only on the instructions of their religious leaders. Soul’s salvation of everyone is at stake.
So, one should search the Scriptures for oneself. Furthermore, by the Holy Spirit’s aid one’s heart will be ready to:
- Comprehend God’s Word and be charmed with its beauty.
- Be admonished by its warnings and strengthened by its promises.
Since the time Christ walked on the earth
The leaders of priesthood and nation condemned His teachings. They felt the Divine power and wisdom of His words.
Nevertheless, they reject Him as the promised Messiah.
In a prophetic way Jesus outlined the work of exalting human authority to rule the conscience. He gave warnings to the people not to follow these blind leaders.
Later on, the Romish Church reserved to clergy the right to interpret the Scriptures. They claimed that ecclesiastics alone are competent to explain God’s Word.
Thus it was withheld from the common people.
The same principle prevents multitudes in many churches from searching the Bible for themselves. They are taught to accept its teachings as interpreted by the church.
So, they wouldn’t receive even plain truth if contrary to their creed or church doctrine.
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Scriptures are meant to be understood by everyone
We should study the Bible daily and diligently. With Divine help, we are to form our opinions for ourselves.
Some teach that the Scriptures have a mystical spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. To such class of teachers Jesus said:
Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God. Mark 12 :24.
The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is used.
Furthermore, Christ has given the promise:
If any man will do God’s will, he shall know of the doctrine. John 7:17.
This is the key point. Don’t close your eyes for truths which you don’t want to practice.
An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect. It does depend on the one’s earnest longing after righteousness.
There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 16:25.
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Asking the Holy Spirit’s aid
In the time of necessity, the diligent students will receive to their remembrance the very truths which are needed.
Thus when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19.
Jesus promised his disciples:
The Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things;
and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26.
But the teachings of Christ must previously have been stored in the mind. And then, the Spirit of God will bring them to our remembrance in the time of peril.
We are in the most solemn period of this world’s history. Therefore, we need to be guided by the Spirit of truth.
When the testing time will come, those who have made God’s Word their rule of life will be revealed.
He shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreads out her roots by the river;
Shall not see when heat comes, but her leaf shall be green;
And shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:8.
References:
- GC, 593-602, 1888 – The Ellen G. White Estate
- The Bible, King James Version (KJV)
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