Chapter 190—Illuminates the Scriptures
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:10
.
God has been pleased to communicate His truth to the world by human
agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy Spirit, qualified men and enabled
them to do this work. He guided the mind in the selection of what to speak
and what to write. The treasure was intrusted to earthen vessels, yet it
is, none the less, from Heaven. The testimony is conveyed through the
imperfect expression of human language, yet it is the testimony of God; and
the obedient, believing child of God beholds in it the glory of a divine power,
full of grace and truth.
In His Word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary
for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative,
infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the
revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience.... Yet the fact that God has
revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the
continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit
was promised by our Saviour, to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate
and apply its teachings.
Those who dig beneath the surface discover the hidden gems of truth. The
Holy Spirit is present with the earnest searcher. Its illumination shines upon
the Word, stamping the truth upon the mind with a new, fresh importance.
The searcher is filled with a sense of peace and joy never before felt. The
preciousness of truth is realized as never before. A new, heavenly light shines
upon the Word, illuminating it as though every letter were tinged with gold.
God Himself has spoken to the mind and heart, making the Word spirit and
life.
The Holy Spirit is implanting the grace of Christ in the heart of many a
noble seeker after truth, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature,
contrary to his former education. “The light, which lighteth every man that
cometh into the world” (
John 1:9
), is shining in his soul; and this Light, if
heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.
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