Chapter 191—Teacher of Truth
When he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13
.
The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth.” His work is to define and
maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus
He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no
real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories
and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men
to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the
Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He
exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working
through the Word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.
God intends that even in this life the truths of His Word shall be ever
unfolding to His people. There is only one way in which this knowledge can
be obtained. We can attain to an understanding of God’s Word only through
the illumination of that Spirit by which the Word was given. “The things of
God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God;” “for the Spirit searcheth all
things, yea, the deep things of God” (
1 Corinthians 2:11, 10
).
From God, the fountain of wisdom, proceeds all the knowledge that is
of value to man, all that the intellect can grasp or retain. The fruit of the
tree representing good and evil is not to be eagerly plucked because it is
recommended by one who was once a bright angel in glory. He has said that
if men eat thereof, they shall know good and evil; but let it alone. The true
knowledge comes not from infidels or wicked men. The word of God is light
and truth. The true light shines from Jesus Christ, who “lighteth every man
that cometh into the world” (
John 1:9
). From the Holy Spirit proceeds divine
knowledge. He knows what humanity needs to promote peace, happiness,
and restfulness here in this world, and to secure eternal rest in the kingdom
of God.
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.... The Spirit of truth is the only effectual teacher of divine truth.
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