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Searching the Scriptures, March 13
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, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2
Timothy 3:16, 17
.
Scripture is the key that unlocks Scripture. The suppositions of men are
worthless. Great care is to be exercised, lest human fallacies be brought in. Every
student is to be educated to give a clear exposition of the Word, according to the
example Christ has given in His teaching. He said nothing to gratify curiosity
or to stimulate selfish ambition. He did not deal in abstract theories, but in that
which is essential to the development of character, that which will enlarge man’s
capacity for knowing God, and increase his power to do good. He spoke of those
truths that relate to the conduct of life, and that unite man with eternity. We read
that the common people heard Him gladly. The people “were astonished at his
doctrine: for his word was with power” (
Luke 4:32
).
We need not tax our minds for some farfetched explanation of the words of
Scripture. Thus the Jewish teachers did. They quoted the ideas and traditions
of the rabbis, confusing the minds of their hearers. They taught for doctrine the
commandments of men. We are not to seek for revelations that have not been
made in the Word of God. In the simplicity of Christ we are to present the plain
teaching of the Bible. Men in high positions of trust in the world will be charmed
by a plain, straightforward, scriptural statement of truth.
I have been instructed that the churches have not been advancing in a knowl-
edge of the truth for this time, but that if the teachers of truth will take up the work
clearly marked out in the Scriptures, the feet of many will be planted firmly on the
platform of eternal truth. Many will know more than ever before of the truth that
has been given for these last days....
Let every step taken be a step of advancement toward genuine conversion,
toward unreserved consecration of heart, mind, soul, and strength to the service of
the Lord. Let all that is done tend to genuine reformation in thought, in word, in
deed, in character building. Let the true be discerned from the false. Do not allow
the enemy to lead you to weave wrong figures into the pattern. Keep the love of
Christ prominent before the children and youth. Repeat to them often His simple
lessons.—
Letter 111, March 13, 1904
, to Elder G. I. Butler, at the time president
of the Southern Union.
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