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| March 21, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White. |
| I. God’s Word Our Guide. |
| The one book that is essential for all to study is the BIBLE. Studied with reverence and godly fear, it is the greatest of all educators. Its pages are filled with truth. Would you gain a knowledge of GOD AND OF CHRIST, whom the Father sent into the world to live and die for sinners? An earnest, diligent study of the BIBLE is necessary in order to gain this knowledge. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 1} |
| THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ALONE SHOULD BE ECHOED FROM THE PULPITS OF OUR LAND. This book is our great director, given us by God. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It flashes its light ahead, that we may see the path over which we are traveling, and its rays are thrown back on the past, showing the most perfect harmony in that which, to the mind in darkness, appears like error and discord. In that which seems to the worldling an inexplicable mystery, the student of GOD’S WORD sees light and beauty. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 2} |
| We all need a guide through the many straight places of life, as much as the sailor needs a pilot over the sandy bar or up the rocky river; and where is this guide to be found? We point you to the BIBLE. INSPIRED OF GOD, written by holy men, it points out with great clearness and precision the duties of both old and young. It elevates the mind, softens the heart, and imparts gladness and joy to the spirit. The BIBLE presents a perfect standard of character; it is AN INFALLIBLE GUIDE under all circumstances, even to the end of the journey of life. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 3} |
| Compared with Words of Men. |
| Had it been essential for us to study the writings of the early fathers, Christ would have told us to do this. But the fathers do not all speak the same thing. Which of them shall we choose as a guide? There is no need for us to trust to such uncertainty. We pass by the fathers to LEARN OF GOD OUT OF HIS WORD. This is life eternal, to know God. O, how thankful we should be that the inspired WORD OF GOD has been placed in our hands. Holy men of old wrote this WORD as they were moved by the Spirit. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 4} |
| The commentaries written about the WORD do not all agree. Often they come into collision with one another. God does not ask us to be guided by them, but by HIS WORD. All can search the SCRIPTURES for themselves. And they may know that the teaching of THIS PRECIOUS BOOK is unchangeable. The opinions of human beings differ, but the BIBLE always says the same thing. The WORD OF GOD is from everlasting to everlasting. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 5} |
| God did not leave HIS WORD to be handed down from generation to generation by oral transmission and traditional unfolding. Had He done this, the WORD would gradually have been added to by man. LET US THANK GOD FOR HIS WRITTEN WORD. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 6} |
| The BIBLE is the key that unlocks the mysteries which it is essential for human beings to understand in order TO GAIN ETERNAL LIFE. The BIBLE is its own expositor. Its bright beams are to shine into all parts of the world, that sin may be revealed. The BIBLE is a chart, pointing out the waymarks of truth. Those who are acquainted with this chart will be enabled to tread with certainty the path of duty, wherever they may be called to go. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 7} |
| He who will search the BIBLE with a humble, teachable spirit will find it a sure guide, pointing out the way of life with unfaltering accuracy. This book contains nothing that is non-essential, nothing that has not a bearing upon our lives. It teaches man how to simplify life’s complicated experiences. It is an educator, endowing the simple-hearted followers of Christ with the wisdom that comes from THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF THEIR FAITH. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 8} |
| If you would be strong, if you would have the integrity and wisdom of a Joseph or a Daniel, study the SCRIPTURES. Parents, if you would teach your children to serve God and do good in the world, make the BIBLE your textbook. It exposes the wiles of Satan. It is the great elevator of the race, the reprover and corrector of moral evils, enabling us to distinguish between the true and the false. There is a rich mine of truth in this HOLY BOOK. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 9} |
| The sailor who has in his possession chart and compass, and yet neglects to use them, is responsible for placing the lives of those on board his vessel in peril. The vessel may be lost by his neglect. WE HAVE A GUIDE-BOOK, THE WORD OF GOD, and we are inexcusable if we miss the way to heaven, for plain directions have been given us. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 10} |
| Whoever will PRAYERFULLY STUDY THE BIBLE, desiring to know the truth, that he may obey it, will receive the divine enlightenment. He will understand the meaning of the words,”If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.” As he endeavors to reach the highest standard, the BIBLE is as a light to guide his footsteps homeward. By studying it, he finds that he is a joint-heir with Christ to an immortal inheritance. The GUIDE-BOOK points him to the unsearchable riches of heaven. Day by day the peace of God is his reward, and by faith he sees a home of everlasting sunshine, free from all sorrow and disappointment. {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 11} |
| Every means of grace should be diligently improved, that the grace of God may abound in the soul more and more. We must have spiritual knowledge that we “may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ,” that we may “be filled with all the fulness of God.” {ST, March 21, 1906 par. 12} |
| March 28, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White. |
| II. What Saith the Scriptures? |
| When a question was brought to Christ, His answer was, “Have ye not read?” “What saith the SCRIPTURES?” Christ could have answered every perplexing question brought to Him, but He did not do this. He directed His questioners to the great store-house of knowledge. He knew that He could not always be with them in human form, and He desired to teach them to make the WORD their dependence. “SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES,” He said. He referred them to HIS OWN INSPIRED WORD, that when tempted by the enemy they might meet him as He had done, saying “It is written.” Thus the enemy could be repulsed; for he has no power over the one who relies on the testimony of GOD’S WORD. {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 1} |
| Of the WORD OF GOD, the psalmist writes, “The entrance of THY WORDS ‘giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.” It is a light shining in a dark place. As we search its pages, light enters the heart, illuminating the mind. By this light we see what we ought to be. {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 2} |
| Our Counsel and Guide. |
| We see in the WORD, warnings and promises, with God behind them all. We are invited to search this WORD for aid when brought into difficult places. If we do not consult the GUIDEBOOK at every step, inquiring, Is this the way of the Lord? our words and acts will be tainted by selfishness. We shall forget God, and walk in paths that He has not chosen for us. {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 3} |
| GOD’S WORD is full of precious promises and helpful counsel. It is infallible; for God can not err. It has help for every circumstance and condition of life, and God looks on with sadness when His children turn from it to human aid. {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 4} |
| He who through the SCRIPTURES holds communion with God will be ennobled and sanctified. As he reads THE INSPIRED RECORD of the Saviour’s love, his heart will melt in tenderness and contrition. He will be filled with a desire to be like his Master, to live a life of loving service. {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 5} |
| Great light shone forth from the patriarchs and prophets. Glorious things were spoken of Zion, the city of God. Thus the Lord designs that the light shall shine forth through His followers today. If the saints of the OLD TESTAMENT bore such a bright testimony of loyalty, should we not today, upon whom is shining the accumulated light of centuries, arise and shine? The glory of the prophecies shed their light on our pathway. Type has met antitype in the death of GOD’S SON. CHRIST has risen from the dead, proclaiming over the rent sepulcher, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He has sent His Spirit into our world to bring all things to our remembrance. By a miracle of His power He has preserved HIS WRITTEN WORD through the ages. Shall we not, then, make this WORD our constant study, learning from it God’s purpose for us. {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 6} |
| Why “More Noble.” |
| THE BEREANS were commended as being more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the SCRIPTURES daily. They did not search the BIBLE from curiosity, but that they might learn in regard to Christ. Daily, THEY COMPARED SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE; and as they searched, heavenly intelligences were beside them, enlightening their minds and impressing their hearts. {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 7} |
| We are to open the WORD OF GOD with reverence, and with a sincere desire to know the will of God concerning us. Then the heavenly angels will direct our search. GOD SPEAKS TO US IN HIS WORD. We are in the audience-chamber of the Most High, in the very presence of God. Christ enters the heart. The Holy Spirit takes of the things of God, and shows them to us. We see more clearly the greatness of God’s love and the fullness of His salvation. We appreciate more fully His gracious design to make us partakers in the heavenly firm. We are drawn into full sympathy with the plans of God. His secret is with us, and He shows us His covenant. {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 8} |
| The life of Christ, that gives life to the world, is in HIS WORD. It was by HIS WORD that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons; by HIS WORD He stilled the sea and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that HIS WORD was with power. He spoke THE WORD OF GOD, as He had spoken through all the prophets and teachers of the OLD TESTAMENT. The whole BIBLE is a manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour desires to fix the faith of His followers on the WORD. WHEN HIS VISIBLE PRESENCE SHOULD BE WITHDRAWN, THE WORD MUST BE THEIR SOURCE OF POWER. Like their Master, they were to live by “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 9} |
| The Word Our Food. |
| As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by THE WORD OF GOD. As we must eat for ourselves in order to obtain nourishment, so we must receive the WORD for ourselves. We are not to obtain it merely through the medium of another’s mind. We should CAREFULLY STUDY THE BIBLE, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand HIS WORD. WE SHOULD TAKE ONE VERSE, AND CONCENTRATE THE MIND on the task of ascertaining the thought that God has in that verse for us. We should dwell upon the thought until it becomes our own, and we know “what saith the Lord.” {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 10} |
| In the BIBLE we have in clear lines the revelation of God’s character, of His dealings with men, and the great work of redemption. Here is open before us the history of patriarchs and prophets, and other holy men of old. They were men “subject to like passions as we are.” We see how they struggled through discouragements like our own, how they fell under temptation as we have done, and yet took heart again and conquered through the grace of God; and, beholding, we are encouraged in our striving after righteousness. As we read of the precious experiences granted them, of the light and love and blessing it was theirs to enjoy, and of the work they wrought through the grace given them, the Spirit that inspired them kindles a flame of holy emulation in our hearts, and a desire to be like them in character,–like them, to walk with God. {ST, March 28, 1906 par. 11} |
| April 4, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| III. The Incarnate Word. |
| Should the angel Gabriel be sent to this world to take upon himself human nature, and to teach the knowledge of God, how eagerly men would listen to his instruction. Supposing that he were able to set us a perfect example of purity and holiness, sympathizing with us in all our sorrows, bereavements, and afflictions, and suffering the punishment of our sins, how eagerly we would follow him. What exaltation he would receive. Men would desire to place him on the throne of David, and to gather the nations of earth under his banner. {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 1} |
| If, when this heavenly being returned to his home, he should leave behind him a book containing the history of his mission, with revelations regarding the history of the world, how eagerly would its seal be broken! How anxiously men and women would seek to obtain a copy! Thinking people would store up the precious instruction for the benefit of future generations. Thousands from all parts of the world would copy the words of this book. With intense interest they would read and reread its pages. For a time all other interests would be subordinated to a study of its contents. {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 2} |
| One Above the Angels. |
| But one surpassing all that imagination can present came from heaven to this world. Nearly two thousand years ago a voice of strange and mysterious import was heard from the throne of God, “Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me. . . . Lo, I come . . . to do Thy will, O God.” {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 3} |
| A prophet said: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 4} |
| Of Himself Christ declares, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” “I and My Father are One.” “As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 5} |
| As Paul beheld Christ in His power, he broke out into exclamations of admiration and amazement: “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” “By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him, and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. . . . For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell.” {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 6} |
| The Voice of the Infinite. |
| THE BIBLE IS GOD’S VOICE speaking to us, just as surely as if we could hear it with our ears. If we realized this, with what awe we would open GOD’S WORD, and with what earnestness we would search its precepts. The reading and contemplation of the SCRIPTURES would be regarded as an audience with the INFINITE ONE. {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 7} |
| Christ reproached His disciples with their slowness of comprehension. They were influenced by maxims and traditionary lore, so that the truths spoken by THE GREATEST TEACHER the world has ever known were often lost truths to them. Christ led them to realize that He had put them in possession of truths of which they little suspected the value. After His resurrection, as He was walking to Emmaus with two of the disciples, He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the SCRIPTURES, so explaining the OLD TESTAMENT to them that they saw in its teachings a meaning that the writers themselves had not seen. {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 8} |
| Life and Light in the Word. |
| CHRIST’S WORDS ARE THE BREAD OF LIFE. As the disciples ate THE WORDS OF CHRIST, their understanding was quickened. They understood better the value of the Saviour’s teachings. In their comprehension of these teachings they stepped from the obscurity of dawn to the radiance of noonday. {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 9} |
| So will it be with us as we study GOD’S WORD. Our minds will be quickened, and our understanding enlarged. Those who receive and assimilate this WORD, making it a part of every act, of every attribute of character, grow strong in the strength of God. It gives vigor to the soul, perfecting the experience, and bringing joys that abide forever. {ST, April 4, 1906 par. 10} |
| April 11, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| IV. God’s Word a Perfect Whole. |
| No other study will so ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration, as the study of the SCRIPTURES. No other book can satisfy the questionings of the mind, and the craving of the heart. By obtaining a knowledge of GOD’S WORD, and giving heed thereto, men may rise from the lowest depths of ignorance and degradation to become the sons of God, the associates of sinless angels. {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 1} |
| A clear conception of what God is, and of what He requires us to be, will give us humble views of self. He who studies aright THE SACRED WORD will learn that human intellect is not omnipotent; that, without the help which none but God can give, human strength and wisdom are but weakness and ignorance. {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 2} |
| As an educating power, the BIBLE is without a rival. Nothing will so impart vigor to all the faculties as an effort to grasp the stupendous truths of revelation. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. If occupied with common-place matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeebled. If never required to grapple with difficult problems, it will, after a time, almost lose the power of growth. {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 3} |
| Something for All. |
| In its wide range of style and subjects, the BIBLE has something to interest every mind and appeal to every heart. In its pages are found history the most ancient, biography the truest to life, principles of government for the control of the state, for the regulation of the household–principles that human wisdom has never equalled. It contains philosophy the most profound, poetry the sweetest and most sublime, the most impassioned and most pathetic. Immeasurably superior in value to the productions of any human author are the BIBLE writings, even when thus considered; but of infinitely wider scope, of infinitely greater value, are they when viewed in their relation to the grand, central thought. Viewed in the light of this thought, every topic has a new significance. In it the most simply-stated truths are involved–principles that are as high as heaven, and that compass eternity. {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 4} |
| The BIBLE is the most comprehensive and the most instructive history that men possess. It came fresh from the Fountain of eternal truth, and a divine Hand has preserved its purity through the ages. Its bright rays shine into the far distant past, where human research seeks vainly to penetrate. In GOD’S WORD alone we find an authentic account of Creation. Here we behold the power that laid the foundation of the earth, and that stretched out the heavens. Here only can we find a history of our own race, unsullied by human prejudice or human pride. {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 5} |
| Life in the Word. |
| The excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. THE WORDS that I speak unto you, said Jesus, they are spirit, and they are life. THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST WHOM THOU HAST SENT. {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 6} |
| The creative energy that called the world into existence is in the WORD OF GOD. This WORD imparts power; it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the INFINITE ONE. It transforms the nature and recreates the soul in the image of God. {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 7} |
| The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. “By EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” shall man live. {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 8} |
| The mind, the soul, is built up by that upon which it feeds, and it rests with us to determine upon what it shall be fed. It is within the power of every one to choose the topics that shall occupy the thoughts, and shape the character. Of every human being privileged with access to the SCRIPTURES, God says; “I have written unto him the great things of MY LAW.” “Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 9} |
| The Bible Brings Companionship. |
| With the WORD OF GOD in his hands, every human being, wherever his lot in life may be cast, may have such companionship as he shall choose. In its pages he may hold converse with the noblest and best of the human race, and may listen to THE VOICE OF THE ETERNAL as He talks with men. As he studies and meditates upon the themes into which “the angels desire to look,” he may have their companionship. He may follow the steps of the HEAVENLY TEACHER, and listen to His words as when He taught upon mountain, and plain, and sea. He may dwell in this world in the atmosphere of heaven; imparting to earth’s sorrowing ones thoughts of hope and longings for holiness: himself coming closer and still closer into fellowship with the Unseen; like him who of old walked with God, drawing nearer and nearer the threshold of the eternal world, until the portals shall open, and he shall enter there. He will find himself no stranger. The voices that will greet him are the voices of the holy ones who, unseen, were on earth his companions–voices that here he learned to distinguish and to love. He, who through the WORD OF GOD has lived in fellowship with heaven, will find himself at home in heaven’s companionship. {ST, April 11, 1906 par. 10} |
| April 18, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| V. “They are They Which Testify of Me.” |
| THE CENTRAL THEME OF THE BIBLE, the theme about which every other in the whole book clusters, IS THE REDEMPTION PLAN, the restoration in the human soul of the image of God. From the first intimation of hope in the sentence pronounced in Eden, to that last glorious promise of the Revelation, “They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads,” the burden of every book and every passage of the BIBLE is the unfolding of this wondrous theme,–man’s uplifting, the power of God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Here we behold the Majesty of heaven, as He humbled Himself to become our SUBSTITUTE AND SURETY, to cope single-handed with the powers of darkness, and to gain the victory in our behalf. A reverent contemplation of such themes as these can not fail to soften, purify, and ennoble the heart, and, at the same time, to inspire the mind with new strength and vigor. {ST, April 18, 1906 par. 1} |
| THE SCIENCE OF REDEMPTION IS THE SCIENCE OF ALL SCIENCES; the science that is the study of the angels, and of all the intelligencies of the unfallen worlds; the science that engages the attention of our Lord and Saviour; the science that enters into the purpose brooded in the mind of the Infinite,–“kept in silence through times eternal;” the science that will be the study of God’s redeemed throughout the endless ages. This is the highest study in which it is possible for man to engage. As no other study can, it will quicken the mind, and uplift the soul. {ST, April 18, 1906 par. 2} |
| Jesus said of the OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES,–and how much more is it true of the NEW,–“They are they which testify of Me,” the REDEEMER, Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Yes, the whole BIBLE tells of Christ. From the first record of Creation–“for without Him was not anything made that was made”–to the closing promise, “Behold, I come quickly,” we are reading of His works, and listening to His voice. If you would become better acquainted with the Saviour, study the SCRIPTURES. {ST, April 18, 1906 par. 3} |
| The Science and the Song. |
| THE THEME OF REDEMPTION is one that angels desire to look into; it WILL BE THE SCIENCE AND THE SONG OF THE REDEEMED THROUGHOUT THE CEASELESS AGES OF ETERNITY. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now? {ST, April 18, 1906 par. 4} |
| The infinite mercy and love of Jesus, the sacrifice made in our behalf, calls for the most serious and solemn reflection. We should dwell upon the character of OUR DEAR REDEEMER AND INTERCESSOR. We should meditate upon the mission of Him who came to save His people from their sins. As we thus contemplate heavenly themes, our faith and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be mixed with faith and love. They will be intelligent and fervent. There will be more constant confidence in Jesus, and a daily living experience in His power to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him. As we meditate upon the perfections of the Saviour, we shall desire to be wholly transformed and renewed in the image of His purity. There will be a hungering and thirsting of soul to become like Him whom we adore. The more our thoughts dwell upon Christ, the more we shall speak of Him to others, and the more clearly represent Him to the world. {ST, April 18, 1906 par. 5} |
| Every Essential Truth. |
| In giving us HIS WORD, God has put us in possession of every truth essential for our salvation. Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life, yet there is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and by beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within them as they speak of His character, telling what Christ is to them, and what they are to Christ. But these searchers have not exhausted these grand and holy themes. Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation. As the life of Christ and the character of His mission are dwelt upon, rays of light will shine forth more distinctly at every attempt to discover truth. EACH FRESH SEARCH WILL REVEAL SOMETHING MORE DEEPLY INTERESTING THAN HAS YET BEEN UNFOLDED. The subject is inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time shall last; and, looking to heaven with its unnumbered years, he will exclaim, “Great is the mystery of godliness.” {ST, April 18, 1906 par. 6} |
| In eternity we shall learn that which, had we received the enlightenment that it was possible to obtain here, would have opened our understanding. The themes of redemption will employ the hearts and minds and tongues of the redeemed through the everlasting ages. They will understand the truths which Christ longed to open to His disciples, but which they did not have faith to grasp. Forever and forever new views of the perfection and glory of Christ will appear. Through endless ages the faithful householder will bring forth from his treasures things new and old. {ST, April 18, 1906 par. 7} |
| April 25, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| VI. The Mysteries of the Bible. |
| The mysteries of the BIBLE, so far from being an argument against it, are amongst the strongest evidences of its divine inspiration. If it contained no account of God but that which we could comprehend; if His greatness and majesty could be grasped by human minds, then the BIBLE would not, as now, bear the unmistakable evidences of divinity. The greatness of its themes should inspire faith in it as the WORD OF GOD. {ST, April 25, 1906 par. 1} |
| The BIBLE unfolds truth with a simplicity and an adaptation to the needs and longings of the human heart, that has astonished and charmed the most highly cultivated minds, while to the humble and uncultured, it also makes plain the way of life. “The wayfaring men, tho fools, shall not err therein.” No child need mistake the path. Not one trembling seeker need fail of walking in pure and holy light. Yet the most simply-stated truths lay hold upon themes elevated, far-reaching, infinitely beyond the power of human comprehension,– mysteries that are the hiding of His glory,–mysteries that overpower the mind in its research, while they inspire the sincere seeker for truth with reverence and faith. The more we search the BIBLE, the deeper is our conviction that it is THE WORD OF THE LIVING GOD, and human reason bows before the majesty of divine wisdom. {ST, April 25, 1906 par. 2} |
| Ever Unfolding. |
| God intends that to the earnest seeker the truths of HIS WORD shall be ever unfolding. While “the secret things belong unto the Lord our God,” “those things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children.” The idea that certain portions of the BIBLE can not be understood has led to neglect of some of its most important truths. The fact needs to be emphasized, and often repeated, that the mysteries of the BIBLE are not such because God has sought to conceal truth, but because our own weakness or ignorance makes us incapable of comprehending or appropriating truth. The limitation is not in its purpose, but in our capacity. Of those very portions of SCRIPTURE so often passed by as impossible to be understood, God desires us to understand as much as our minds are capable of receiving. “All SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God,” that we may be “thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” {ST, April 25, 1906 par. 3} |
| It is impossible for any human mind to exhaust one truth or promise of the BIBLE. One catches the glory from one point of view, another from another point; yet we can discern only gleamings. The full radiance is beyond our vision. As we contemplate the great things of GOD’S WORD, we look into a fountain that broadens and deepens beneath our gaze. Its breadth and depth pass our knowledge. As we gaze, the vision widens; stretched out before us, we behold a boundless, shoreless sea. Such study has vivifying power. The mind and heart acquire new strength, new life. {ST, April 25, 1906 par. 4} |
| Food for the Soul. |
| This experience is the highest evidence of the divine authorship of the BIBLE. We receive GOD’S WORD as food for the soul, through the same evidence by which we receive bread as food for the body. Bread supplies the need of our nature; we know by experience that it produces blood, bone, and brain. Apply the same test to the BIBLE; when its principles have actually become the elements of character, what has been the result? what changes have been made in the life?–“Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” In its power, men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan, have been transformed into the image of God. The change is itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the WORD, it is one of the deepest mysteries of the WORD. We can not understand it; we can only believe, that, as declared by the SCRIPTURES, it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” {ST, April 25, 1906 par. 5} |
| A knowledge of this mystery furnishes a key to every other. It opens to the soul the treasures of the universe, the possibilities of infinite development. {ST, April 25, 1906 par. 6} |
| And this development is gained through the constant unfolding to us of the character of God–the glory and mystery of the written WORD. If it were possible for us to attain to a full understanding of God and His truth, there would be for us no further discovery of truth, no greater knowledge, no further development. God would cease to be supreme, and man would cease to advance. Thank God, it is not so. SINCE GOD IS INFINITE, AND IN HIM ARE ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM, WE MAY TO ALL ETERNITY BE EVER SEARCHING, EVER LEARNING, YET NEVER EXHAUST THE RICHES OF HIS WISDOM, HIS GOODNESS, OR HIS POWER. {ST, April 25, 1906 par. 7} |
| May 9, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| VII. A Failure to Study and Teach God’s Word. |
| It is God’s plan that old and young shall study HIS WORD. This is necessary for intellectual and spiritual growth. God would have all realize that the truth is capable of expanding and increasing in grace and power. The student of the WORD finds that an effort to comprehend truth calls forth all his powers. The truth is broad and deep and high. Were it otherwise than this, it would not be the truth. But its clearness is equal to its depth. Upon those who search the SCRIPTURES, the truth found therein has an elevating, ennobling influence, enabling them to reach the standard of perfection. {ST, May 9, 1906 par. 1} |
| But much ignorance of GOD’S WORD prevails, even among those who are themselves dull of comprehension. They do not BRING THE TRUTH INTO THE INNER SANCTUARY OF THE SOUL. It is not a living reality to them, because they do not practise it. It has not been digested and converted into spiritual muscle and sinew. {ST, May 9, 1906 par. 2} |
| Many who claim to believe the BIBLE do not EAT THE HEAVENLY MANNA. Light shines upon them, but it is not appreciated. Many refuse to accept the light that God sends from heaven because it does not justify transgression of the law. They close their eyes, for fear that they will see and be converted. {ST, May 9, 1906 par. 3} |
| Resulting Lack of Faith. |
| Thus it was in the days of Christ. The leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of GOD’S LAW, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretations they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. GOD’S WORD was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will. {ST, May 9, 1906 par. 4} |
| History is repeating. With the open BIBLE before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the WORD OF GOD. They busy themselves with dissecting the WORD, and set their opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands GOD’S WORD loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity is riot and iniquity is rife. {ST, May 9, 1906 par. 5} |
| Incoming Delusions. |
| When Satan has undermined faith in the BIBLE, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of SCRIPTURE and the convicting power of GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the SCRIPTURES have opened the way for Spiritualism and theosophy–those modernized forms of ancient heathenism–to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. {ST, May 9, 1906 par. 6} |
| Side by side with the preaching of the Gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits. Many a man tampers with these merely from curiosity, but seeing evidence of the working of a more than human power, he is lured on and on, until he is controlled by a will stronger than his own. He can not escape from its mysterious power. {ST, May 9, 1906 par. 7} |
| In our day, as of old, the vital truths of GOD’S WORD are set aside for human theories and speculations. Many professed ministers of the Gospel do not accept the whole BIBLE as THE INSPIRED WORD. One learned man rejects one portion; another questions another part. They set up their judgment as superior to the WORD, and the scripture which they do teach rests upon their own authority. Its divine authenticity is destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity are sown broadcast; for the people become confused, and do not know what to believe. There are many beliefs that the mind has no right to entertain. In the days of Christ the rabbis put a forced, mystical construction upon many portions of the SCRIPTURES. Because the plain teaching of GOD’S WORD condemned their practises, they tried to destroy its force. The same thing is done today. The WORD OF GOD is made to appear mysterious and obscure in order to excuse transgression of HIS LAW. Christ rebuked these practises in His day. He taught that the WORD OF GOD was to be understood by all. He pointed to the SCRIPTURES as of unquestionable authority, and we should do the same. The BIBLE is to be presented as THE WORD OF THE INFINITE GOD, as the end of all controversy and the foundation of all faith. {ST, May 9, 1906 par. 8} |
| The subject of Christ’s teaching was the WORD OF GOD. He met questioners with a plain, “IT IS WRITTEN;” “What saith the SCRIPTURES?” “How readest thou?” At every opportunity, when an interest was awakened by either friend or foe, He sowed the seed of the WORD. HE WHO IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, HIMSELF THE LIVING WORD, points to the SCRIPTURES, saying, “They are they which testify of Me.” {ST, May 9, 1906 par. 9} |
| June 6, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| VIII. A Failure to Teach and Study God’s Word. |
| The BIBLE has been robbed of its power, and the results are seen in a lowering of the tone of spiritual life. In the sermons of many pulpits of today there is not that divine manifestation which awakens the conscience and brings life to the soul. The hearers can not say, “Did not our hearts burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the SCRIPTURES?” There are many who are crying out for THE LIVING GOD, longing for THE DIVINE PRESENCE. Philosophical theories or literary essays, however brilliant, can not satisfy the heart. The assertions and inventions of men are of no value. Let the WORD OF GOD speak to the people. Let those who have heard only traditions and human theories and maxims hear the voice of HIM WHOSE WORD can renew the soul unto everlasting life. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 1} |
| To a failure to study and obey the SCRIPTURES may in a great degree be attributed the widespread iniquity in our world today. When the WORD OF GOD is set aside, its power to restrain the evil passions of the natural heart is rejected. Men sow to the flesh, and of the flesh reap corruption. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 2} |
| And here, too, is the great cause of mental weakness and inefficiency. In turning from GOD’S WORD to feed on the writings of uninspired men, the mind becomes dwarfed and cheapened. It is not brought in contact with deep, broad principles of eternal truth. The understanding adapts itself to the comprehension of the things with which it is familiar, and in this devotion to finite things it is weakened, its power is contracted, and after a time it becomes unable to expand. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 3} |
| All this is false education. The work of every teacher, every parent, should be to fasten the minds of the children and youth upon the grand truths of THE WORD OF INSPIRATION. This is the education essential for this life and for the life to come. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 4} |
| And let it not be thought that this will prevent the study of the sciences, or cause a lower standard in education. The knowledge of God is as high as heaven and as broad as the universe. There is nothing so ennobling and invigorating as the study of the great themes which concern our eternal life. Let the youth seek to grasp these God-given truths, and their minds will expand and grow strong in the effort. It will bring every student who is a doer of the WORD into a broader field of thought, and secure for him a wealth of knowledge that is imperishable. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 5} |
| The education to be secured by searching the SCRIPTURES is an experimental knowledge of the plan of salvation. Such an education will restore the image of God in the soul. It will strengthen and fortify the mind against temptation, and fit the learner to become a co-worker with Christ in His mission of mercy to the world. It will make him a member of the heavenly family, and prepare him to share the inheritance of the saints in light. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 6} |
| Human theories and speculations will never lead to an understanding of GOD’S WORD. Those who suppose that they understand philosophy think that their explanations are necessary in order to unlock the treasures of knowledge, and to prevent heresies from coming into the church. But it is these explanations that have brought in false theories and heresies. Men have made desperate efforts to explain what they thought to be intricate scriptures; but too often their efforts have only darkened that which they tried to make clear. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 7} |
| The priests and Pharisees thought that they were doing great things as teachers, by putting their own interpretation upon the WORD OF GOD; but Christ said of them, “Ye know not the SCRIPTURES, neither the power of God.” He charged them with the guilt of “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Tho they were the teachers of the ORACLES OF GOD, tho they were supposed to understand HIS WORD, they were not doers of the WORD. Satan had blinded their eyes, that they should not see its true import. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 8} |
| This is the work of many in our day. Many churches are guilty of this sin. There is danger, great danger, that the supposed wise men of today will repeat the experience of the Jewish teachers. They falsely interpret THE DIVINE ORACLES, and souls are brought into perplexity and shrouded in darkness because of their misconception of divine truth. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 9} |
| The SCRIPTURES need not be read by the dim light of tradition or human speculation. As well might we try to give light to the sun with a torch, as to explain the SCRIPTURES by human tradition or imagination. GOD’S HOLY WORD needs not the torch-light glimmer of earth to make its glories distinguishable. It is light itself–the glory of God revealed; and beside it every other light is dim. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 10} |
| But there must be earnest study and close investigation. Sharp, clear perceptions of truth will never be the reward of indolence. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 11} |
| No earthly blessing can be obtained without earnest, patient, persevering effort. If men attain success in business, they must have a will to do, and a faith to look for results. And we can not expect to gain spiritual knowledge without earnest toil. Those who desire to find the treasures of truth must dig for them as the miner digs for the treasure hidden in the earth. No half-hearted, indifferent work will avail. It is essential for old and young, not only to read GOD’S WORD, but study it with a whole-hearted earnestness, praying and searching for truth as for hidden treasure. Those who do this will be rewarded; for Christ will quicken the understanding. {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 12} |
| OUR SALVATION DEPENDS ON A KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH CONTAINED IN THE SCRIPTURES. It is God’s will that we should possess this. Search, O, search the precious BIBLE with hungry hearts. Explore GOD’S WORD as the miner explores the earth to find veins of gold. Never give up the search until you have ascertained your relation to God and His will in regard to you. Christ declares, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” {ST, June 6, 1906 par. 13} |
| June 13, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| IX. What Shall We Read? |
| The enemy knows that to a great degree the mind is affected by that upon which it feeds. He is seeking to lead both the youth and those of mature age to read story books, tales, and other literature. Those who yield to this temptation soon lose their relish for solid reading. They have no interest in BIBLE STUDY. Their moral powers become enfeebled. Sin appears less and less repulsive. There is manifest an increasing unfaithfulness, a growing distaste for life’s practical duties. As the mind becomes perverted, it is ready to grasp any reading of a stimulating character. Thus the way is open for Satan to bring the soul fully under his domination. {ST, June 13, 1906 par. 1} |
| Works that do not so decidedly mislead and corrupt are yet to be shunned, if they impart a disrelish for the study of the BIBLE. This WORD is the true manna. Let all repress the desire for reading matter that is not food for the mind. You can not possibly do the work of God with clear perceptions while the mind is occupied with this class of reading. Those who are in God’s service should spend neither time nor money for light reading. What is the chaff to the wheat? {ST, June 13, 1906 par. 2} |
| Question your own experience as to the influence of light reading. Can you, after spending time in such reading, open the BIBLE, and read with interest the words of life? Do you not find the book of God uninteresting? The charm of that love-story is upon the mind, destroying its healthy tone, and making it impossible for you to fix the attention upon the important, solemn truths that concern your eternal welfare. {ST, June 13, 1906 par. 3} |
| IN ORDER TO HAVE A HEALTHY TONE OF MIND, AND SOUND RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES, WE MUST LIVE IN COMMUNION WITH GOD THROUGH HIS WORD. Pointing out the way of salvation, the BIBLE is our guide to a higher, better life. It contains the most interesting and most instructive history and biography that was ever written. Those whose imaginations have not been perverted by the reading of fiction will find the BIBLE the most interesting of all books. {ST, June 13, 1906 par. 4} |
| Resolutely discard all worthless reading. Such reading will not strengthen your spirituality, but will introduce into the mind sentiments that will pervert the imagination, causing you to think less of Jesus, and to dwell less upon His precious lessons. Keep the mind free from everything that would lead it in a wrong direction. Do not encumber it with trashy stories, which impart no strength to the mental powers. The thoughts will be of the same character as the food provided for the mind. {ST, June 13, 1906 par. 5} |
| THE BIBLE IS THE BOOK OF BOOKS. If you love the WORD OF GOD, searching it as you have opportunity, that you may come into the possession of the rich treasure that it contains, and be thoroughly furnished unto all good works, then you may be assured that Jesus is drawing you to Himself. But to read the SCRIPTURES in a casual way, without seeking to comprehend Christ’s lessons or to comply with His requirements, is not enough. There are treasures in the WORD OF GOD that can be discovered only by sinking the shaft deep into the mines of truth. {ST, June 13, 1906 par. 6} |
| The carnal mind rejects the truth; but the soul that is converted undergoes a marvelous change. The books that before were unattractive, because they revealed truths that testify against the sinner, now become the food of the soul, the joy and consolation of the life. The SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS illuminates the sacred pages, the Holy Spirit speaks through them to the soul. TO THOSE WHO LOVE CHRIST, THE BIBLE IS AS THE GARDEN OF GOD. Its promises are as grateful to the heart as the fragrance of flowers is to the senses. {ST, June 13, 1906 par. 7} |
| Let those who have acquired a love for light reading now turn their attention to the WORD OF GOD. Let them begin to study with fresh interest the sacred records of the OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. The oftener and more diligently the BIBLE is studied, the more beautiful it will appear, and the less relish will there be for light reading. {ST, June 13, 1906 par. 8} |
| June 20, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| X. The Old Testament Scriptures. |
| It is in the written WORD OF GOD that a knowledge of God is most clearly revealed to fallen man. This is the treasure-house of the unsearchable riches of Christ. {ST, June 20, 1906 par. 1} |
| THE WORD OF GOD INCLUDES THE SCRIPTURES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT AS WELL AS OF THE NEW. One is not complete without the other. Christ declared that the truths of the OLD TESTAMENT are as valuable as those of the NEW. Christ was as much man’s REDEEMER in the beginning of the world as He is today. Before He clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to our world, the Gospel message was given by Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah. Abraham in Canaan, and Lot in Sodom, bore the message, and from generation to generation faithful messengers proclaimed the coming One. He was the foundation of their system of sacrificial offerings, the great Antitype of all their religious services. The blood shed as the sacrifices were offered pointed to the sacrifice of the LAMB OF GOD. All the typical offerings were fulfilled in Him. {ST, June 20, 1906 par. 2} |
| Christ, as manifested to the patriarchs, as symbolized in the sacrificial service, as portrayed in the law, and as revealed by the prophets, is the riches of the OLD TESTAMENT. Christ in His life, His death, and His resurrection; CHRIST, AS HE IS MANIFESTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS THE TREASURE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Our Saviour, the outshining of the Father’s glory, is both in the OLD and the NEW. {ST, June 20, 1906 par. 3} |
| Old Truths Essential. |
| IN EVERY AGE THERE IS A NEW DEVELOPMENT OF TRUTH, a message of God to the people of that generation. The old truths are essential; new truth is not independent of the old, but an unfolding of it. It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend the new. When Christ desired to open to His disciples the truth of His resurrection, He began “at Moses and all the prophets,” and “expounded unto them in all the SCRIPTURES the things concerning Himself.” But it is the light which shines in the fresh unfolding of the NEW that glorifies the OLD. He who rejects the NEW, does not really possess the OLD. For him it loses its vital power, and becomes but a lifeless form. In every page, whether history or precept or prophecy, the OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES are irradiated with the glory of the SON OF GOD. So far as it was of divine institution, the entire system of Judaism was a compacted prophecy of the Gospel. To Christ “give all the prophets witness.” From the promise given to Adam, down through the patriarchal line and the legal economy, Heaven’s glorious light made plain the footsteps of the REDEEMER. Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem, the Shiloh to come, as future things swept before them in mysterious procession. In every sacrifice, Christ’s death was shown. In every cloud of incense His righteousness ascended. By every jubilee trumpet His name was sounded. In the awful mystery of the holy of holies His glory dwelt. {ST, June 20, 1906 par. 4} |
| What the Rejection of the Old Testament Means. |
| There are those who profess to believe and teach the truths of the OLD TESTAMENT, while they reject the NEW. But in refusing to receive the teachings of Christ, they show that they do not believe that which patriarchs and prophets have spoken. “Had ye believed Moses,” Christ said, “ye would have believed Me; for he wrote of Me.” Hence, there is no real power in their teaching of even the OLD TESTAMENT. {ST, June 20, 1906 par. 5} |
| Many who claim to believe and teach the Gospel are in a similar error. They set aside the OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES, of which Christ declared, “They are they which testify of Me.” In rejecting the OLD, they virtually reject the NEW; for both are parts of an inseparable whole. NO MAN CAN RIGHTLY PRESENT THE LAW OF GOD WITHOUT THE GOSPEL, OR THE GOSPEL WITHOUT THE LAW. THE LAW IS THE GOSPEL EMBODIED, AND THE GOSPEL IS THE LAW UNFOLDED. THE LAW IS THE ROOT, THE GOSPEL IS THE FRAGRANT BLOSSOM, AND THE FRUIT WHICH IT BEARS. THE OLD TESTAMENT SHEDS LIGHT UPON THE NEW, AND THE NEW UPON THE OLD. EACH IS A REVELATION OF THE GLORY OF GOD IN CHRIST. BOTH PRESENT TRUTHS THAT WILL CONTINUALLY REVEAL NEW DEPTHS OF MEANING TO THE EARNEST SEEKER. {ST, June 20, 1906 par. 6} |
| July 4, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XI. The Book of Revelation. |
| AS WE NEAR THE CLOSE OF THIS WORLD’S HISTORY, THE PROPHECIES RELATING TO THE LAST DAYS ESPECIALLY DEMAND OUR STUDY. THE LAST BOOK OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IS FULL OF TRUTH THAT WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND. Satan has blinded the minds of many, so that they have been glad of any excuse for not making the Revelation their study. {ST, July 4, 1906 par. 1} |
| THE BOOK OF REVELATION, IN CONNECTION WITH THE BOOK OF DANIEL, DEMANDS CLOSE STUDY. Let every God-fearing teacher consider how most clearly to comprehend and present the Gospel that our Saviour came in person to make known to His servant John,–“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.” None should become discouraged in their study of Revelation because of its apparently mystical symbols. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” We are to proclaim to the world the great and solemn truths contained in the book of Revelation. Into the very designs and principles of the CHURCH OF GOD these truths are to enter. There should be a closer and more diligent study of this book, a more earnest presentation of the truths it contains, truths which concern all who are living in these last days. All who are preparing to meet their Lord should make this book the subject of earnest study and prayer. It is just what its name signifies,–a revelation of the most important events that are to take place in the last days of this earth’s history. John, because of his faithful trust in THE WORD OF GOD, and the testimony of Christ, was banished to the Isle of Patmos. But his banishment did not separate him from Christ. The Lord visited His faithful servant in his banishment, and gave him instruction regarding what was to come upon the world. {ST, July 4, 1906 par. 2} |
| This instruction is of the greatest importance to us; for we are living in the last days of this earth’s history. Soon we shall enter upon the fulfilment of the events which Christ showed John were to take place. As the messengers of the Lord present these solemn truths, they must realize that they are handling subjects of eternal interest, and they should seek for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that they may speak, not their own words, but the words given them by God. {ST, July 4, 1906 par. 3} |
| The book of Revelation must be opened to the people. Many have been taught that it is a sealed book, but it is sealed to those only who reject truth and light. The truths that it contains must be proclaimed, that people may have an opportunity to prepare for the events which are so soon to take place. THE THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE MUST BE PRESENTED AS THE ONLY HOPE FOR THE SALVATION OF A PERISHING WORLD. {ST, July 4, 1906 par. 4} |
| The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn the people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes that prophecy has revealed are soon to take place be left untouched. WE ARE GOD’S MESSENGERS, AND WE HAVE NO TIME TO LOSE. Those who would be co-workers with our Lord Jesus Christ will show a deep interest in the truths found in this book. With pen and voice they will strive to make plain the wonderful things that Christ came from heaven to reveal. {ST, July 4, 1906 par. 5} |
| July 11, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XII. The Bible to be Understood by All. |
| The BIBLE, with its PRECIOUS GEMS OF TRUTH, was not written for the scholar alone. On the contrary, it was designed for the common people. The poor man needs it as much as the rich man, the unlearned as much as the learned. It is a great mistake for ministers to give people the impression that they can not understand the teachings of the WORD OF GOD, and should be content with the interpretation given by those whose business it is to proclaim the WORD OF GOD. Ministers who thus educate the people are themselves in error. To him who loves the truth, the WORD OF GOD is as a light shining in a dark place, pointing out the path so plainly that the wayfaring man, tho a fool, need not err therein. {ST, July 11, 1906 par. 1} |
| The uneducated man, in earnest desire of soul, may in humility and simplicity reap from the BIBLE far greater consolation than the more highly educated man. He may never be able to present the same evidences of the inspiration of the WORD that a learned man could, but he can bear in his life a testimony that will have greater power than any other testimony in convincing men and women of the power of the truths of GOD’S WORD. {ST, July 11, 1906 par. 2} |
| A Sure Guide. |
| It is God’s purpose that the poor and uneducated shall have, in HIS WORD, a sure guide in the path of righteousness. If they are sincere, and desire earnestly to know the will of God, they will not be left in darkness. It is the privilege of every one to understand the WORD OF GOD for himself. The great truths necessary for salvation are made as clear as noonday; and none need mistake and lose their way except those who follow their own judgment instead of the plainly revealed will of God. A single text has proved in the past, and will prove in the future, to be a savor of life unto life to many a soul. As men diligently search, the BIBLE opens new treasures of truth, which are as bright jewels to the mind. {ST, July 11, 1906 par. 3} |
| If the unlearned are not capable of understanding the BIBLE, then the mission of Christ to our world was useless; for He says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” {ST, July 11, 1906 par. 4} |
| The command to search the SCRIPTURES, Christ addressed not only to the scribes and Pharisees, but to the great multitude of the common people, who crowded about Him. If the BIBLE is not to be understood by every class of people, whether they be rich or poor, what would be the need of the Saviour’s charge to search the SCRIPTURES? What profit would there be in searching that which could never be understood? What would be the consistency of this command, if the searching of the SCRIPTURES would not dispel the clouds of error, or lead to an understanding of the revealed will of God? {ST, July 11, 1906 par. 5} |
| Let every one who has been blessed with reasoning faculties take up the BIBLE and search its pages, that he may understand the will of God concerning him. IN THIS BOOK DIVINE INSTRUCTION IS GIVEN TO ALL. The BIBLE is addressed to every one–to every class of society, to those of every clime and age. EVERY ONE SHOULD READ THE BIBLE FOR HIMSELF. Do not depend on the minister to read it for you. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD TO YOU. And Christ has made this WORD so plain that in reading it, no one need misunderstand. Let the humble cottager read and understand THE WORD GIVEN BY THE WISEST TEACHER THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN, and among kings, governors, statesmen, there is none greater than He. {ST, July 11, 1906 par. 6} |
| August 22, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XIII. The Promises of God’s Word. |
| We are pilgrims and strangers on this earth, looking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. The path in which we travel is narrow, and calls for the exercise of self-denial and sacrifice, but God has not left us without help. He has filled HIS WORD with wonderful promises, to strengthen and cheer His children. In these promises He draws back the veil from eternity, and gives us glimpses of the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that awaits the overcomer. {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 1} |
| A Few Examples of Promise. |
| “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 2} |
| “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, tho the earth be removed, and tho the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; tho the waters thereof roar and be troubled, tho the mountains shake with the swelling thereof,” “For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death.” {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 3} |
| “The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. . . . The Lord is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all His works. . . . The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. . . . The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them.” {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 4} |
| “Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. . . . When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 5} |
| “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 6} |
| “And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 7} |
| “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse; but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.” {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 8} |
| All along the pathway of life God places these fair flowers of promise, to brighten our journey. But many refuse to gather them, choosing instead the thorns and thistles. At every step they weep and mourn, when they might rejoice in the Lord. {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 9} |
| Rejoice Always. |
| How much joy we might bring into our life here below if we would but make these promises our own. As we talk of the mansions that Christ is preparing for us, we shall forget the petty annoyances that we meet day by day. It is our privilege to sing the songs of Zion now, to turn our eyes to the light, to bring hope into our hearts and into the hearts of others. God desires us to gather up His promises, that we may be strengthened and refreshed. Let us take our eyes off the curse, and fix them on the grace so abundantly provided. {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 10} |
| Comfort, encouragement, and support have been provided for every condition of life. Let us rejoice in the love of God. Let us praise Him who has made promises so royal. Let these promises keep our hearts in perfect peace. Jesus lives. His hand is guiding us. Constantly our hearts may be filled with the peace that passeth all understanding, even the peace that Jesus gives: Let us make the promises of GOD’S WORD our own. In times of test and trial these promises will be to us glad springs of heavenly comfort. {ST, August 22, 1906 par. 11} |
| September 5, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XIV. Hidden Treasure. |
| Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field, the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” In ancient times it was customary for men to hide their treasures in the earth. Thefts and robberies were frequent. And whenever there was a change in the ruling power, those who had large possessions were liable to be put under heavy tribute. Moreover, the country was in constant danger of invasion by marauding armies. As a consequence, the rich endeavored to preserve their wealth by concealing it, and the earth was looked upon as a safe hiding place. But often the place of concealment was forgotten; death might claim the owner, imprisonment or exile might separate him from his treasure, and the wealth that he had taken such pains to preserve was left for the fortunate finder. In Christ’s day it was not uncommon to discover in neglected land old coins and ornaments of gold and silver. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 1} |
| A man hires land to cultivate, and as the oxen plow the soil, buried treasure is unearthed. As the man discovers this treasure, he sees that a fortune is within his reach. Restoring the gold to its hiding place, he returns to his home, and sells all that he has in order to purchase the field containing the treasure. His family and the neighbors think that he is acting like a madman. Looking on the field, they see no value in the neglected soil. But the man knows what he is doing, and when he has a title to the field, he searches every part of it to find the treasure that he has secured. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 2} |
| Efforts in Searching. |
| This parable illustrates the value of the heavenly treasure, and the effort that should be made to secure it. The finder of the treasure in the field was ready to part with all that he had, ready to put forth untiring effort, in order to secure the hidden riches. So the finder of heavenly treasure will count no labor too great and no sacrifice too dear in order to gain the treasures of truth. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 3} |
| In the parable, the field containing the treasure represents the HOLY SCRIPTURES. And the Gospel is the treasure. The man who bought the field searched every part of it to find the treasure he had secured. So we are to take the WORD OF GOD and search its pages, that we may find the treasures of truth. It is the Holy Spirit’s office to direct and reward this labor. The searcher finds lodes of precious ore, and he sinks the shaft still deeper for still more valuable treasure. The gold fields of earth are not more closely interlaced with veins of precious ore than are the fields of revelation with veins of truth that bring to view the unsearchable riches of God. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 4} |
| Many are too well satisfied with the surface truths of revelation. Precious gems are passed by because their value is not seen. Let the BIBLE student put his mind to the tax as he studies GOD’S WORD; for the meaning often lies hidden beneath the surface. The knowledge thus gained will be like heavenly seed planted by the divine Sower. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 5} |
| Faithfulness Rewarded. |
| The mine of truth is never exhausted. The more you search the SCRIPTURES with humble hearts, the greater will be your knowledge, and the more you will feel like exclaiming with Paul, “O, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” Every day you should learn something new from the SCRIPTURES. Search them as for hid treasure, for they contain the words of eternal life. Pray for wisdom to comprehend these HOLY WRITINGS. If you would do this, you would find new glories in the WORD OF GOD; you would feel that you had received new and precious light on subjects connected with truth, and the SCRIPTURES would gain constantly a new value in your estimation. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 6} |
| Knowledge of His Will All-Important. |
| SALVATION DEPENDS UPON OUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WILL AS CONTAINED IN HIS WORD. Never cease asking and searching for truth. It is God’s will that you shall know what He has said to you. But you must exercise faith. As you search the SCRIPTURES, you must believe that God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 7} |
| Search, O SEARCH THE BIBLE WITH A HEART HUNGRY FOR SPIRITUAL FOOD. Dig into the WORD as the miner digs into the earth to find the veins of gold. Do not give up your search till you have ascertained your relation to God and His will concerning you. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 8} |
| Search the SCRIPTURES; for in them ye think ye have eternal life. To search means to look diligently for something. Search for the hidden treasures in GOD’S WORD. You can not afford to be without them. STUDY THE DIFFICULT PASSAGES, COMPARING VERSE WITH VERSE, AND YOU WILL FIND THAT SCRIPTURE IS THE KEY WHICH UNLOCKS SCRIPTURE. Those who prayerfully study the BIBLE go from each search wiser than they were before. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 9} |
| That which is worth having is not obtained without earnest, persevering effort. In business life, those only who are willing to put forth determined effort see successful results. Without earnest toil we can not expect to obtain a knowledge of spiritual things. THOSE WHO FIND THE JEWELS OF TRUTH MUST DIG FOR THEM as the miner digs for the precious ore hidden in the earth. {ST, September 5, 1906 par. 10} |
| September 12, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XV. The Value of Treasure. |
| Let none think that there is no more knowledge for them to gain. The depth of human intellect may be measured; the works of human authors may be mastered; but the highest, deepest, broadest flight of the imagination can not find out God. There is infinity beyond all that we can comprehend. We have seen only the glimmering of divine glory and of the infinitude of knowledge and wisdom; we have, as it were, been working on the surface of the mine, when rich, golden ore is beneath the surface, to reward the one who will dig for it. The shaft must be sunk deeper and yet deeper in the mine, and the result will be glorious treasure. Through a correct faith, divine knowledge will become human knowledge. {ST, September 12, 1906 par. 1} |
| No one can search the SCRIPTURES in the SPIRIT OF CHRIST without being rewarded. When a man is willing to be instructed as a little child, when he submits wholly to Christ, he will find the truth in HIS WORD. If men would be obedient, they would understand the plan of God’s government. The heavenly world would open its treasures of grace and glory for exploration. Human beings would be altogether different from what they are now; for by exploring the mines of truth, men would be ennobled. THE MYSTERY OF REDEMPTION, THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST, HIS ATONING SACRIFICE, would not be, as they are now, vague in our minds. They would be, not only better understood, but altogether more highly appreciated. {ST, September 12, 1906 par. 2} |
| The Saviour saw that men were absorbed in getting gain, and were losing sight of eternal realities. He undertook to correct this evil. He sought to break the infatuating spell that was paralyzing the soul. Lifting up His voice, He cried, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” He presents before fallen humanity the nobler world they have lost sight of, that they may behold eternal realities. He takes them to the threshold of the Infinite, flushed with the indescribable glory of God, and shows them the treasure there. {ST, September 12, 1906 par. 3} |
| The value of this treasure is above gold or silver. The riches of earth’s mines can not compare with it. “The depth saith, It is not in me! The sea saith, It is not in me. It can not be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It can not be valued with the gold of Ophir, With the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal can not equal it; And the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or of pearls, For the price of wisdom is above rubies.” {ST, September 12, 1906 par. 4} |
| This is the treasure that is found in the SCRIPTURES. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S GREAT LESSONBOOK, HIS GREAT EDUCATOR. The foundation of all true science is contained in the BIBLE. Every branch of knowledge may be found by searching the WORD OF GOD. And above all else, it contains the science of all sciences, the science of salvation. {ST, September 12, 1906 par. 5} |
| In His prayer to the Father, Christ gave to the world a lesson which should be graven on mind and soul. “THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL,” He said, “THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST, WHOM THOU HAST SENT.” This is true education. It imparts power. The experimental knowledge of God and of Christ transforms man into the image of God. It gives man the mastery of himself, bringing every impulse and passion of the lower nature under the control of the higher powers of the mind. It makes its possessor a son of God and an heir of heaven. It brings him into communion with the mind of the Infinite, and opens to him the rich treasures of the universe. {ST, September 12, 1906 par. 6} |
| This is the knowledge that is obtained by searching the WORD OF GOD. And this treasure may be found by every soul who will give all to obtain it. “If thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasure; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” {ST, September 12, 1906 par. 7} |
| September 19, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XVI. How to Study the Bible. |
| The Mind Which Obtains Knowledge. |
| A knowledge of the WORD OF GOD depends not so much upon strength of intellect as upon pureness of purpose, the simplicity of an earnest, dependent faith. To those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance, angels of God draw near. The Holy Spirit is given to open to them the rich treasures of truth. {ST, September 19, 1906 par. 1} |
| God bids us fill our minds with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to meditate upon His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. {ST, September 19, 1906 par. 2} |
| THE BIBLE CONTAINS ALL THE PRINCIPLES THAT MEN NEED IN ORDER TO BE FITTED EITHER FOR THIS LIFE OR FOR THE LIFE TO COME. And these principles may be understood by all. No one with a spirit to appreciate its teachings can read a single passage from the BIBLE without gaining from it some helpful thought. But the most valuable teaching of the BIBLE is not gained by occasional or disconnected study. Its great system of truth is not so presented as to be discerned by the careless or hasty reader. MANY OF ITS TREASURES LIE FAR BENEATH THE SURFACE, AND CAN BE OBTAINED ONLY BY DILIGENT RESEARCH AND CONTINUOUS EFFORT. The truths that go to make up a great whole must be searched out and gathered up “here a little and there a little.” {ST, September 19, 1906 par. 3} |
| A Means of Intellectual Growth. |
| When thus searched out and brought together, they will be found to be perfectly fitted to one another. Each Gospel is a supplement to the others, every prophecy an explanation of another, every truth a development of some other truth. The types of the Jewish economy are made plain by the Gospel. Every principle in the WORD OF GOD has its place, every fact its bearing. And the complete structure, in design and execution, bears testimony to its Author. Such a structure no mind but the Infinite could conceive or fashion. {ST, September 19, 1906 par. 4} |
| Not alone in searching out truth and bringing it together does the mental value of BIBLE study consist. It consists also in the effort required to grasp the themes presented. The mind occupied with common place matters only becomes dwarfed and enfeebled. If never taxed to comprehend grand and far-reaching truths, it after a time loses the power of growth. As a safeguard against this degeneracy, and a stimulus to development, nothing can equal the study of GOD’S WORD. As a means for intellectual training, the BIBLE is more effective than any other book, or all other books combined. The greatness of its themes, the dignified simplicity of its utterances, the beauty of its imagery, quicken and uplift the thoughts as nothing else can. No other study can impart such mental power as does the effort to grasp the stupendous truths of revelation. The mind thus brought in contact with the thoughts of the Infinite can not but expand and strengthen. {ST, September 19, 1906 par. 5} |
| A Means of Spiritual Growth. |
| And even greater is THE POWER OF THE BIBLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL NATURE. Man, created for fellowship with God, can only in such fellowship find his real life and development. Created to find in God his highest joy, he can find in nothing else that which can quiet the cravings of the heart, or satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. He who with sincere and teachable spirit studies GOD’S WORD, seeking to comprehend its truths, will be brought into touch with its Author, and, except by his own choice, there is no limit to the possibilities of his development. {ST, September 19, 1906 par. 6} |
| In childhood, youth, and manhood, Jesus studied the SCRIPTURES. As a little child, He was daily, at His mother’s knee, taught from the scrolls of the prophets. In His youth the early morning and evening twilight often found Him alone on the mountainside or among the trees of the forest, spending a quiet hour in prayer and in the study of GOD’S WORD. DURING HIS MINISTRY HIS INTIMATE ACQUAINTANCE WITH THE SCRIPTURES TESTIFIED TO HIS DILIGENCE IN THEIR STUDY. And since He gained knowledge as we may gain it, His wonderful power, both mental and spiritual, is a testimony to the value of the BIBLE as a means of education. {ST, September 19, 1906 par. 7} |
| September 26, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. [See Ed 185-190] By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XVII. Bible Teaching and Study. |
| Our heavenly Father, in giving HIS WORD, did not overlook the children. In all that men have written, where can be found anything that has such a hold upon the heart, anything so well adapted to awaken the interest of the little ones, as the stories of the BIBLE? {1903 Ed 185.2} |
| In these simple stories may be made plain the great principles of the LAW of GOD. Thus by illustrations best suited to the child’s comprehension, parents and teachers may begin very early to fulfill the Lord’s injunction concerning His precepts: “Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 6:7. {1903 Ed 185.3} |
| The use of object lessons, blackboards, maps, and pictures, will be an aid in explaining these lessons, and fixing them in the memory. Parents and teachers should constantly seek for improved methods. The teaching of the BIBLE should have our freshest thought, our best methods, and our most earnest effort. {1903 Ed 186.1} |
| In arousing and strengthening a love for BIBLE STUDY, much depends on the use of the hour of worship. The hours of morning and evening worship should be the sweetest and most helpful of the day. Let it be understood that into these hours no troubled, unkind thoughts are to intrude; that parents and children assemble to meet with Jesus, and to invite into the home the presence of holy angels. Let the services be brief and full of life, adapted to the occasion, and varied from time to time. Let all join in the BIBLE reading and learn and often repeat GOD’S LAW. It will add to the interest of the children if they are sometimes permitted to select the reading. Question them upon it, and let them ask questions. Mention anything that will serve to illustrate its meaning. When the service is not thus made too lengthy, let the little ones take part in prayer, and let them join in song, if it be but a single verse. {1903 Ed 186.2} |
| To make such a service what it should be, thought should be given to preparation. And parents should take time daily for BIBLE STUDY with their children. No doubt it will require effort and planning and some sacrifice to accomplish this; but the effort will be richly repaid. {1903 Ed 186.3} |
| As a preparation for teaching His precepts, God commands that they be hidden in the hearts of the parents. “These WORDS, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart,” He says; “and thou shalt teach them diligently.” Deuteronomy 6:6, 7. In order to interest our children in the BIBLE, we ourselves must be interested in it. To awaken in them a love for its study, we must love it. Our instruction to them will have only the weight of influence given it by our own example and spirit. {1903 Ed 187.1} |
| God called Abraham to be a teacher of HIS WORD, He chose him to be the father of a great nation, because He saw that Abraham would instruct his children and his household in the principles of GOD’S LAW. And that which gave power to Abraham’s teaching was the influence of his own life. His great household consisted of more than a thousand souls, many of them heads of families, and not a few but newly converted from heathenism. Such a household required a firm hand at the helm. No weak, vacillating methods would suffice. Of Abraham God said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him.” Genesis 18:19. Yet his authority was exercised with such wisdom and tenderness that hearts were won. The testimony of the divine Watcher is, “They shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” Genesis 18:19. And Abraham’s influence extended beyond his own household. Wherever he pitched his tent, he set up beside it the altar for sacrifice and worship. When the tent was removed, the altar remained; and many a roving Canaanite, whose knowledge of God had been gained from the life of Abraham His servant, tarried at that altar to offer sacrifice to Jehovah. {1903 Ed 187.2} |
| No less effective today will be the teaching of GOD’S WORD when it finds as faithful a reflection in the teacher’s life. {1903 Ed 187.3} |
| It is not enough to know what others have thought or learned about the BIBLE. Everyone must in the judgment give account of himself to God, and each should now learn for himself what is truth. But in order to do effective study, the interest of the pupil must be enlisted. Especially by the one who has to deal with children and youth differing widely in disposition, training, and habits of thought, this is a matter not to be lost sight of. In teaching children the BIBLE, we may gain much by observing the bent of their minds, the things in which they are interested, and arousing their interest to see what the BIBLE says about these things. He who created us, with our various aptitudes, has in HIS WORD given something for everyone. As the pupils see that the lessons of the BIBLE apply to their own lives, teach them to look to it as a counselor. {1903 Ed 188.1} |
| Help them also to appreciate its wonderful beauty. Many books of no real value, books that are exciting and unhealthful are recommended, or at least permitted to be used, because of their supposed literary value. Why should we direct our children to drink of these polluted streams when they may have free access to the pure fountains of the WORD of GOD? The BIBLE has a fullness, a strength, a depth of meaning, that is inexhaustible. Encourage the children and youth to seek out its treasures both of thought and of expression. {1903 Ed 188.2} |
| As the beauty of these precious things attracts their minds, a softening, subduing power will touch their hearts. They will be drawn to Him who has thus revealed Himself to them. And there are few who will not desire to know more of His works and ways. {1903 Ed 188.3} |
| The student of the BIBLE should be taught to approach it in the spirit of a learner. We are to search its pages, not for proof to sustain our opinions, but in order to know what God says. {1903 Ed 189.1} |
| A true knowledge of the BIBLE can be gained only through the aid of that SPIRIT by whom the WORD was given. And in order to gain this knowledge we must live by it. All that GOD’S WORD commands, we are to obey. All that it promises, we may claim. The life which it enjoins is the life that, through its power, we are to live. Only as the BIBLE is thus held can it be studied effectively. {1903 Ed 189.2} |
| The STUDY of the BIBLE demands our most diligent effort and persevering thought. As the miner digs for the golden treasure in the earth, so earnestly, persistently, must we seek for the treasure of GOD’S WORD. {1903 Ed 189.3} |
| In daily STUDY the verse-by-verse method is often most helpful. Let the student take one verse, and concentrate the mind on ascertaining the thought that God has put into that verse for him, and then dwell upon the thought until it becomes his own. One passage thus studied until its significance is clear is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. {1903 Ed 189.4} |
| One of the chief causes of mental inefficiency and moral weakness is the lack of concentration for worthy ends. We pride ourselves on the wide distribution of literature; but the multiplication of books, even books that in themselves are not harmful, may be a positive evil. With the immense tide of printed matter constantly pouring from the press, old and young form the habit of reading hastily and superficially, and the mind loses its power of connected and vigorous thought. Furthermore, a large share of the periodicals and books that, like the frogs of Egypt, are overspreading the land, are not merely commonplace, idle, and enervating, but unclean and degrading. Their effect is not merely to intoxicate and ruin the mind, but to corrupt and destroy the soul. The mind, the heart, that is indolent, aimless, falls an easy prey to evil. It is on diseased, lifeless organisms that fungus roots. It is the idle mind that is Satan’s workshop. Let the mind be directed to high and holy ideals, let the life have a noble aim, an absorbing purpose, and evil finds little foothold. {1903 Ed 189.5} |
| Let the youth, then, be taught to give close STUDY to the WORD of GOD. Received into the soul, it will prove a mighty barricade against temptation. “THY WORD,” the psalmist declares, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the WORD of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4. {1903 Ed 190.1} |
| The BIBLE is its own expositor. SCRIPTURE is to be compared with SCRIPTURE. The student should learn to view the WORD as a whole, and to see the relation of its parts. He should gain a knowledge of its grand central theme, of God’s original purpose for the world, of the rise of the great controversy, and of the work of redemption. He should understand the nature of the two principles that are contending for supremacy, and should learn to trace their working through the records of history and prophecy, to the great consummation. He should see how this controversy enters into every phase of human experience; how in every act of life he himself reveals the one or the other of the two antagonistic motives; and how, whether he will or not, he is even now deciding upon which side of the controversy he will be found. {1903 Ed 190.2} |
| Every part of the BIBLE is given by INSPIRATION of GOD and is profitable. The OLD TESTAMENT no less than the NEW should receive attention. As we STUDY the OLD TESTAMENT we shall find living springs bubbling up where the careless reader discerns only a desert. {1903 Ed 191.1} |
| The Book of Revelation, in connection with the Book of Daniel, especially demands study. Let every God-fearing teacher consider how most clearly to comprehend and to present the gospel that our Saviour came in person to make known to His servant John–“The REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.” Revelation 1:1. None should become discouraged in the STUDY of the REVELATION because of its apparently mystical symbols. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” James 1:5. {1903 Ed 191.2} |
| “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the WORDS of this PROPHECY, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3. {1903 Ed 191.3} |
| October 3, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XVIII. How to Study the Bible. |
| When a real love for the BIBLE is awakened, and the student begins to realize how vast is the field and how precious the treasure, he will seize upon every opportunity for acquainting himself with GOD’S WORD. His study will be restricted to no special time or place. And this continuous study is one of the best means of cultivating a love for the SCRIPTURES. Keep the BIBLE always with you. As you have opportunity, read a text and meditate upon it. While walking the streets, waiting at a railway station, waiting to meet an engagement, improve the opportunity to gain some precious thought from the treasure-house of truth. {ST, October 3, 1906 par. 1} |
| We should not take the testimony of any man as to what these SCRIPTURES teach, but should study the WORD OF GOD for ourselves. If we allow others to do our thinking for us, we shall have crippled energies and contracted abilities. The noble powers of the mind may be so dwarfed by lack of exercise in themes worthy of their concentration as to lose their ability to grasp the deep meaning of the WORD OF GOD. The mind will enlarge if it is employed in tracing out the relation of the subjects of the BIBLE, comparing scripture with scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual. {ST, October 3, 1906 par. 2} |
| There is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the SCRIPTURES. ONE MAY READ THE WHOLE BIBLE THROUGH, AND YET FAIL TO SEE ITS BEAUTY OR COMPREHEND ITS DEEP AND HIDDEN MEANING. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view, and no positive instruction gained. {ST, October 3, 1906 par. 3} |
| Study to Know what God Says. |
| In your study of the WORD, lay at the door of investigation your preconceived opinions and your hereditary and cultivated ideas. You will never reach the truth if you study the SCRIPTURES to vindicate your own theories. Leave these at the door, and with contrite heart go in to hear what the Lord has to say to you. As the humble seeker for truth sits at Christ’s feet, and learns of Him, the WORD gives him understanding. To those who are too wise in their own conceit to study the BIBLE, Christ says, “You must become meek and lowly in heart, if you desire to become wise unto salvation.” {ST, October 3, 1906 par. 4} |
| Do not read the WORD in the light of former opinions. Do not try to make everything agree with your creed. With a mind free from prejudice, search the WORD carefully. If, as you read, conviction comes, and you see that your cherished opinions are not in harmony with the WORD, do not try to make the WORD fit these opinions. Do not allow what you have believed or practised in the past to control your understanding. Open the eyes of your mind to behold wondrous things out of the WORD. {ST, October 3, 1906 par. 5} |
| We can not obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful study. Some portions of the SCRIPTURES are indeed too plain to be misunderstood; but there are others whose meaning does not lie on the surface, to be seen at a glance. SCRIPTURE MUST BE COMPARED WITH SCRIPTURE. There must be careful research and prayerful attention. And such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers veins of precious metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will he who perseveringly searches the WORD OF GOD as for hid treasure, find truths of the greatest value, which are concealed from the view of the careless seeker. The words of Inspiration, pondered in the heart, will be as streams flowing from the fountain of light. {ST, October 3, 1906 par. 6} |
| WE SHOULD REVERENCE GOD’S WORD. For the printed volume we should show respect, never putting it to common uses, or handling it carelessly. And never should the SCRIPTURES be quoted in jest or paraphrased to point a witty saying. “EVERY WORD OF GOD IS PURE;” “as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” {ST, October 3, 1906 par. 7} |
| NEVER SHOULD THE BIBLE BE STUDIED WITHOUT PRAYER. Before opening its pages we should ASK FOR THE ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. And it will be given. When Nathanael came to Jesus, the Saviour exclaimed, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” Nathanael said, “Whence knowest Thou me?” Jesus answered, “Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.” And Jesus will see us also in [the] secret place of prayer, if we will seek Him for light, that we may know what is truth. {ST, October 3, 1906 par. 8} |
| October 10, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XIX. Blessed are They that Do. |
| THE BIBLE teaches the whole will of God concerning the sons and daughters of Adam. It IS THE RULE OF LIFE, TEACHING US WHAT CHARACTERS WE MUST FORM FOR THE FUTURE LIFE. We need not the dim light of tradition to make the SCRIPTURES comprehensible. As well might we suppose that the noonday sun needs the glimmering torchlight of earth to increase its glory. The utterances of priest or minister are not needed to save men from error. Those who consult the divine oracle will have light. In the BIBLE every duty is made plain. Every lesson reveals to us THE FATHER AND THE SON. The WORD is able to make all wise unto salvation. In the WORD the science of salvation is plainly revealed. Search the SCRIPTURES; for they are the VOICE OF GOD speaking to the soul. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 1} |
| CHRIST AND HIS WORD ARE IN PERFECT HARMONY. Received and obeyed, they open a sure path for the feet of all who are willing to walk in the light as Christ is in the light. If the people of God would appreciate HIS WORD, we should have a heaven in the church here below. Christians would be eager, hungry, to search the WORD. They would be anxious for time to compare scripture with scripture, and to meditate upon the WORD. They would be more eager for the light of the WORD than for the morning paper, magazines, or novels. Their greatest desire would be to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the SON OF GOD. And as a result, their lives would be conformed to the principles and promises of the WORD. Its instruction would be to them as the leaves of the tree of life. It would be to them a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life. Refreshing showers of grace would refresh and revive the soul, causing them to forget all toil and weariness. They would be strengthened and encouraged by the words of inspiration. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 2} |
| Weariness would be forgotten in the sunlight of Heaven. Truth would be interwoven with their lives, and its heavenly principles would be as a fresh, running stream, constantly satisfying the soul. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 3} |
| The Lord’s philosophy is the rule of the Christian’s life. The entire being should be imbued with the life-giving principles of heaven. The busy nothings which consume the time of so many shrink into their proper position before a healthy, sanctifying, BIBLE piety. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 4} |
| The BIBLE, and the BIBLE alone, can produce this good result. IT IS THE WISDOM OF GOD AND THE POWER OF GOD, and it works with power in the receptive heart. O what heights we might reach if we would conform our wills to the will of God. It is the power of God that we need, wherever we are. The frivolity that cumbers the church makes it weak and indifferent. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 5} |
| THE WHOLE BIBLE IS A REVELATION OF THE GLORY OF GOD IN CHRIST. Received, believed, obeyed, it is the great instrumentality in the transformation of character. And it is the only sure means of intellectual culture. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 6} |
| Causes of Falling. |
| The reason why the youth, and even those of mature years, are so easily led into temptation and sin, is that they do not study the WORD OF GOD and meditate upon it as they should. The lack of firm, decided will-power, which is manifest in life and character, results from their neglect of the sacred instruction of GOD’S WORD. They do not by earnest effort direct the mind to that which would inspire pure, holy thought and divert it from that which is impure and untrue. There are few who choose the better part, few who sit at the feet of Jesus, as did Mary, to learn of Him. Few treasure His words in the heart and practise them in the life. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 7} |
| The truths of the BIBLE, received, will uplift the mind from earthliness and debasement. If the WORD OF GOD were appreciated as it should be, both old and young would possess an inward rectitude, a strength of principle, that would enable them to resist temptation. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 8} |
| Let men teach and write the precious things of the WORD OF GOD. Let the thought, the aptitude, the keen exercise of brain power, be given to the study of the thoughts of God. Study not the philosophy of man’s conjectures, but study the philosophy of Him who is truth. Other literature is of little value when compared with this. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 9} |
| The mind that is earthly finds no pleasure in contemplating the WORD OF GOD; but for the mind renewed by the Holy Spirit, divine beauty and celestial light shine from the sacred page. That which is to the earthly mind a desolate wilderness, to the spiritual mind becomes a land of living streams. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 10} |
| The Agency of Transformation. |
| The SCRIPTURES are the great agency in the transformation of character. Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; THY WORD is truth.” If studied and obeyed, the WORD OF GOD works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us, soul, body, and spirit, to his own image. Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth that has been communicated to us. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 11} |
| The truths of the WORD OF GOD meet man’s great practical necessity–the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 12} |
| Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the faculties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving. {ST, October 10, 1906 par. 13} |
| October 17, 1906 Our Great Treasure-House. By Mrs. E. G. White |
| XX. Worth of Obedience. |
| It is because so many parents and teachers profess to live the WORD OF GOD while their lives deny its power, that the teaching of the SCRIPTURE has no great effect upon the youth. At times the youth are brought to feel the power of the WORD. They see the preciousness of the love of Christ. They see the beauty of His character, the possibilities of a life given to His service. But in contrast they see the lives of those who profess to revere God’s precepts. Of how many are the words true that were spoken to the prophet Ezekiel: {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 1} |
| The children of thy people speak to one another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord. And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy words, but they do them not. {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 2} |
| It is one thing to treat the BIBLE as a book of good moral instruction, to be heeded as far as is consistent with the spirit of the time; it is another thing to regard it as it really is–THE WORD OF THE LIVING GOD–THE WORD that is our life, the WORD that is to mould our actions, our words, and our thoughts. To hold GOD’S WORD as anything less than this is to reject it. And this rejection by those who profess to believe it is foremost among the causes of skepticism and infidelity in the youth. {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 3} |
| Conscience Must Be Quickened. |
| If we would live a Christian life, the conscience must be quickened by constant contact with the WORD OF GOD. All the precious things which at infinite cost God has provided for us will do us no good; they can not strengthen us and produce spiritual growth, unless we appropriate them. We must eat the WORD OF GOD–make it a part of ourselves. {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 4} |
| The increasing knowledge of Christ that is gained by a study of the SCRIPTURES, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, enables the receiver to distinguish between right and wrong in all the affairs of life. {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 5} |
| LET US MAKE THE WORD OF GOD THE FOOD OF MIND AND SOUL. Let the cross of Christ be made the science of all education, the center of all teaching and all study. Let it be brought into the daily experience in practical life. So will the Saviour become to us a daily companion and friend. Every thought will be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. With the apostle Paul we shall be able to say: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 6} |
| Thus, through faith, we shall come to know God by an experimental knowledge. We have proved for ourselves the reality of HIS WORD, the truth of His promises. We have tasted, and we know that the Lord is good. {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 7} |
| Wonderful possibilities are open to those who lay hold of the divine assurances of GOD’S WORD. There are glorious truths to come before the people of God. Privileges and duties which they do not suspect to be in the BIBLE will be laid open before them. As they follow on in the path of humble obedience, doing His will, they will know more and more of the oracles of God. {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 8} |
| Let the student take the BIBLE as his guide, and stand like a rock for principle, and he may aspire to any height of attainment. All the philosophies of human nature have led to confusion when God has not been recognized as all and in all. But the precious faith inspired of God imparts strength and nobility of character. As His goodness, His mercy, and His love are dwelt upon, clearer and still clearer will be the perception of truth; higher, holier the desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the atmosphere of holy thought is transformed by intercourse with God through the study of HIS WORD. Truth is so large, so far-reaching, so deep, so broad, that self is lost sight of. The heart is softened and subdued into humility, kindness, and love. {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 9} |
| The natural powers are enlarged because of holy obedience. From the study of the words of life, students may come forth with minds expanded, elevated, ennobled. If they are, like Daniel, hearers and doers of the WORD OF GOD, they may advance as he did in all branches of learning. Being pure-minded, they will become strong-minded. Every intellectual faculty will be quickened. They may so educate and discipline themselves that all within the sphere of their influence may see what man can be, and what he can do, when connected with the God of wisdom and power. {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 10} |
| The stability of thy times and the strength of thy happiness shall be wisdom and knowledge–that wisdom and knowledge that GOD’S WORD alone can impart. It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to His commandments: This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations. {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 11} |
| Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, for the purity of the home, the well-being of society, or the stability of the nation. Amidst all life’s perplexities and dangers and conflicting claims, the one safe and sure rule is to do what God says. “The statutes of the Lord are right;” and, “he that doeth these things shall never be moved.” {ST, October 17, 1906 par. 12} |
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