Page 202 - That I May Know Him (1964)

Object of the Oracles, July 5
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto
the simple. Psalm 119:130.
The light and understanding which God’s Word imparts is not designed
merely, or chiefly, to promote intellectual culture. For an object higher
than any earthly or temporal good were the holy oracles committed unto
men. We see therein revealed the great plan of human redemption, the
means devised to free mankind from the power of Satan. We see Christ,
the Captain of our salvation, meeting the prince of darkness in open battle,
and single-handed, obtaining the victory in our behalf. We learn too that
by this victory was opened to us a door of hope, a source of strength, and
that we may, as faithful soldiers, fight our own battles with the wily foe,
and conquer in the name of Jesus. The powers of darkness must be met by
every soul. The young as well as the old will be assailed, and all should
understand the nature of the great controversy between Christ and Satan,
and should realize that it concerns themselves....
It is not enough to have an intellectual knowledge of the truth.... There
must be an entrance of the Word into the heart. It must be set home by
the power of the Holy Spirit. The will must be brought into harmony with
its requirements. Not only the intellect but the heart and conscience must
concur in the acceptance of the truth.
The entrance of God’s Word gives understanding to the simple—those
who are untaught in the wisdom of the world. The Holy Spirit brings the
saving truths of the Scriptures within the comprehension of all who desire
to know and do the will of God. Uneducated minds are enabled to grasp
the most sublime and soul-stirring themes that can engage the attention of
men—themes that will be the study and the song of the redeemed through
all eternity.
It is the knowledge which God’s Word supplies, and which can be
found nowhere else, that we need above every other. We want to know
what to do in this our day to escape the snares of Satan and to win the
crown of glory.8 [193]
8 The Review and Herald, September 25, 1883 .
198