Binding: Paperback
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Banner of Truth
ISBN#:978085151323
Availability: Usually ships the same business day.
Description:
The question of profiting
from Scripture provides the theme for this book, originally published as a
series in Studies in the Scriptures.
There is grave reason to believe that much Bible reading and Bible
study of the last few years has been of no spiritual profit to those who engaged
in it. Yes, we go further; we greatly fear that in many instances it has proved
a curse rather than a blessing. This is strong language, we are well aware, yet
no stronger than the case calls for. Divine gifts may be misused, and Divine
mercies abused. That this has been so in the present instance is evident by the
fruits produced. Even the natural man may (and often does) take up the study of
the Scriptures with the same enthusiasm and pleasure as he might of the
sciences. Where this is the case, his store of knowledge is increased, and so
also is his pride. Like a chemist engaged in making interesting experiments, the
intellectual searcher of the Word is quite elated when he makes some discovery
in it; but the joy of the latter is no more spiritual than would be that of the
former. Again, just as the successes of the chemist generally increase his sense
of self-importance and cause him to look with disdain upon others more ignorant
than himself, so alas, is it often the case with those who have investigated
Bible numerics, typology, prophecy and other such subjects.
The Word of
God may be taken up from various motives. Some read it to satisfy their literary
pride. In certain circles it has become both the respectable and popular thing
to obtain a general acquaintance with the contents of the Bible simply because
it is regarded as an educational defect to be ignorant of them. Some read it to
satisfy their sense of curiosity, as they might any other book of note. Others
read it to satisfy their sectarian pride. They consider it a duty to be well
versed in the particular tenets of their own denomination and so search eagerly
for proof-texts in support of "our doctrines." Yet others read it for the
purpose of being able to argue successfully with those who differ from them. But
in all this there is no thought of God, no yearning for spiritual edification,
and therefore no real benefit to the soul.
Of what, then, does a true
profiting from the Word consist? Does not 2 Timothy 3:16,17 furnish a clear
answer to our question? There we read, "All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works." Observe what is here omitted: the Holy
Scriptures are given us not for intellectual gratification and carnal
speculation, but to furnish unto "all good works," and that by teaching,
reproving, correcting us. Let us endeavor to amplify this by the help of other
passages.
